How do you thank those at home?

Brian Smith

As training gets more intense, especially for your first IM, what do you do to thank those who are supporting you at home...?

Scott Renick

Brian, I probably don't do a good job with this BUT clear communication of real workout times, etc., and sincere gratitude acknowledging the sacrifice that's been made has gone a long way with my wife over the years (6 IM done so far).  

Don't know if it applies to you, but I've got daughters (now 12 & 14) that've been involuntary IM family members for 4 years now.  We've tried to choose race locations where they haven't been so that the experience is something new & fun, and also schedule a day or few after the race to do stuff together at the race town or nearby since the days before aren't really family fun time.  I've said "yes" buying a lot of meals or souvenirs over the years, chalking that up to the total cost of an IM, when they've asked so that the experience isn't all about me.

Shifting full on into family mode right after we're home from the race (getting up very early or just dropping workouts if they conflict with anything) is also a must for me.  

Paul Curtin

Excellent question @Brian Smith - thanks for bringing this up!  Scott's first point above is spot-on; tell the home team what your plans are and say thanks every weekend

I think a big part of the appreciation is knowing when to go do something they want to do, which may mean shortening or dropping a workout

Gordon Cherwoniak

I'm with Scott and Paul.  This goes beyond just appreciation.  If I have buy in from my support crew then things go much smoother.  I've just completed Lake Placid and my wife already has my 2018 schedule along with the couple short running races I plan to do this year.  I was signed up prior to finding out we were expecting out first.  I totally expected to pull the plug but she said no you are going.  I checked in every month or so "am I still on" discussion, "yep" okay. 

Also for the IM plan this year.  I took several days 5 or 6 I believe (friday's) to accommodate my long bikes, help out around the house more.   

For me I also purchase random flower bouquets as my wife likes that.  I also ensure that she has personal time as well to do whatever she want (gardening or training is typical for her and extra sleep as well).  I've also requested several races in 2018 with really only one A race that I will negotiate harder for.  If we both want to do the same local race then we need to set up family for out young one.

I've also asked about the next in-laws family trip, as she like to travel with her family.  I've also given up several of my winter trips skiing as her family tends to like warm vacations so if the IM is my trip I've got to let her, or at least her family pick the next one. 

Basically I try to ensure that my support crew has time with me and are also getting some personal time to do things they want.

Oh I also have learned to build in an extra week in my IM plan as we typically go to the lake for July 1st(Canada day).  This year the holiday's helped along with an bike crash and some down time.  I spent 4 days at the lake with my only goal to get in a open water swim or two.  Other than that I was a yes man for the duration of the trip, which doesn't happen often. 

Francis Picard

Good topic!

On my side I have a really flexible working schedule, I can work at any time of the day almost so for the long training days (ie: camp week) I do those starting Monday - Thursday while the kids are at day camp or at school and my wife works, so nobody notices anything, maybe 1-2 long rides interfers during the week end during any IM build, thanks to my work flexibility that helps alot.

My wife loves yoga and the week end after IMMT there is that wonderlust yoga thing in MT, I always offer her this week end for recognition and I do a special kids-dad week end during that time.

With all that I am able to negotiate 2 IM/year, but the deal is that IMMT is always on the list as she want to spectate, the other one is my choice as I am always going alone.

Always important to communicate your plan and how you plan the next week

Paul Hough

Viewpoint from a longtime member.  Do what makes your spouse happy ... it is unlikely to be the same thing for different people. Here are my go to strategies to bank big SAUs.  

1. During IM training block I make it a point to take the wife out to eat every week...even if I am too tired to lift a fork.
2. My wife has a major say in my summer race plans.  I've tossed races I was especially interested in and chosen destinations that might not suit me based on her requests.
3.  My wife is a great cook but it's her vacation too.  So I am not looking for a place with kitchen facilities.  Instead, we eat out every night on race vacays.
4.  Bringing the mother in law along on several trips has earned me huge points.
5.  A significant piece of jewelry every other year goes a long way.