Family Vs Self

I’ve got three weeks off from my Insomniac Games career, part of our annual holiday studio closure.

When Steph and I didn’t have kids, this typically served as the foundation for my off-season training. I’d literally train all day while Steph worked.

It was heaven. I spent hours climbing to Mt Baldy, or running the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains after leisurely swims and breakfast refueling.

Now, apparently heaven is supposed to be a 5:45 a.m. swim and maybe breakfast immediately after with a buddy. That’s it. Homefront duty calls.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and I certainly love spending family time with them. I’m not complaining, just adjusting to another version of “normal,”

But I need some balance too.

Where is the line juggling life as a parent, athlete and coach?

I’m learning that the key lies in coaching. As in I have to follow my own advice. I can get out and ride, it just has to be planned far enough in advance to secure a sitter if Steph isn’t around and if Audra isn’t in school. Then it becomes an ROI game…how much is a long outdoor ride literally worth in dollars spent to experience it?

I’ll tell you one thing…it sure makes me appreciate those training sessions that much more. Each one is truly valuable.

And it makes me just a touch wistful of days gone by. Of mountains scaled. Of ocean vistas gazed. Of group rides past.

I’m grateful for those memories.

People, enjoy your families. Enjoy all those moments.

Just don’t lose yourself in the process.