Getting cycling whilst having you family

slowbike

philthy3 wrote:

As someone that has been gifted a second chance, you don't realise what you're missing until it's gone. My excuse is that I was away in the Army a lot and then working unsociable shifts in plod with my first two. By the time I had time, my two kids from my first marriage were past the "Daddy is great" stage and were teenagers with things to do. Having a new toddler and being retired, I'm seeing what I missed. You don't get a second chance often and I'm damn sure I'm taking it. Cycling will always take a back seat if it is a choice between spending time with my daughter or going for a ride.

[thumbs up emoji]

dannbodge

I had a baby back in Jan.
My cycling took a hit in the first month or so but as his naps started to get longer I managed to get out on my turbo more.
Luckily I live quite close to work (between 5-20 miles depending on route) and have very good facilities at work so I've been commuting 4 days a week since then.

Before my son was born, we agreed on some things we would let each other do/keep and mine was my group ride on Thursday evening in summer (or a long weekend ride 2/3 hours) and one major event (Normally Revolve 24).

So most of the time I spend cycling is either commuting or out whilst he is sleeping. However when it gets back to winter, I'll be on the turbo once he's in bed and weekends early morning.

I've missed very little of his development in the last 9 months and I'm fitter/lighter/healthier than I was last year due to the increase in intensity and frequency of my rides. The only thing that has taken a hit is my overall mileage.

mrfpb

To the OP

Probably worth having a serious chat with your other half about time out on the bike. A quid-pro-quo so that you both get time out for your mental health.

My wife occasionally gets fed up with me being "there" but grouchy and tells me I need to get out. This was more true when the kids were smaller, and the parenting was ore ntense. These days I can commute by bike (in fact it was a major decision in choosing my current job).
Exercise in green spaces is better than turbo time for mental health. But I guess you know what really works for you and your family.
Good luck.

daniel_b

Plenty of studies showing a strong link between mental health being boosted by regular physical exercise.

I think it's far too simplistic (and for me would be detrimental) to say that you should shelve your hobby, and concentrate 100% on your children.
In my opinion it is more important that the time you spend with them, you are in a good frame of mind, and your mental health is in as good a shape as it can be.

It's all about getting that balance right, and having an understanding partner.

My gf loves running, and cycles a bit as well, and I'm an ardent cyclist.

We make sure we each have time to do maybe 2 or 3 workouts a week (She does yoga one evening), and the other bonus is that each of us then get some time with our daughter, just one on one time.

I don't think anyone on here suggesting keeping cycling is the way to go, is suggesting going and putting your offspring in an all day nursery whilst you go out on a century ride with a lunch stop - perspective is required.

The other bonus (probably repeating myself here) is that your child sees you running and cycling, and this makes it the norm for them, and soon they want to join in, and take part with you - in my experience anyway.

And to the last poster - agreed outside riding is far superior in terms of enjoyment to turbo work, but as an ardent turbo user since becoming a parent (2-3 times a week before work or in extended lunch hours) those turbo sessions keep me fit, and mean I (personally) enjoy those outdoor rides more than I would do otherwise - they serve a purpose basically :-)
*Also means you get home faster!

kingrollo

Get up at the crack of dawn - be home by 8 am. Probably more invigorated than if you lay in bed until 8.30.

You are also setting a good role model for your kids. My two aren't cyclists now they are young adults - but they are runners and gym goers.

jgsi

mrfpb wrote:

To the OP

Probably worth having a serious chat with your other half about time out on the bike. A quid-pro-quo so that you both get time out for your mental health.

My wife occasionally gets fed up with me being "there" but grouchy and tells me I need to get out. This was more true when the kids were smaller, and the parenting was ore ntense. These days I can commute by bike (in fact it was a major decision in choosing my current job).
Exercise in green spaces is better than turbo time for mental health. But I guess you know what really works for you and your family.
Good luck.

Huh......?
How is that a fact??
Internet rubbish.