Fitting training into schedules can be tough, worth it

So far so good.

While there have been those mornings when my blaring phone-alarm goes off at 6 a.m. after I spent the entire night doing homework and I would love nothing more than to forget about competing in a triathlon, I think training is going well.

I have been looking at training kind of like making deadlines for work or classes, if I do not get a story or assignment in, it does not run or I get a bad grade, there is no way around deadlines so the best thing to do is just not miss them. Simple as that really. If I do not get my training in on the "deadlines" I set for myself, I will not run, or bike or swim for that matter, when my race in May rolls around.

While I cannot say I am starting to feel like a usual at the Rec because I have to go at a different time almost every day due to my schedule, I have been getting there, at least, and working with the schedule I have made up for myself.

Now, it is not anything close to perfect, most of the time the week of training I draw out for myself turns into a huge mixed up plan when I add in the time crunches of basketball games and Spanish homework. But this is college, and doing everything at one time while preparing yourself for the future can get a little hectic. My "workout week" starts out on Sunday looking like this:

Monday - high-intensity 35 minute run, upper body weights

Tuesday - swim 45 minutes

Wednesday - bike 45 minutes, abs and squats workout

Thursday - short ab workout and cardio break

Friday - low-intensity 50 minute run

Saturday- CrossFit training

What usually happens is that everything gets mixed up and I have to add an alternate workout for swimming. I hate swimming when the weather is cold. I am going to work harder next week to get to the pool.

My first column about training for this race I was asked the question, "What does this have to do with student life at K-State?"

I think it has everything to do with student life.

Any girl with a Pinterest is constantly bombarded with the fitness pins and images of what "attractive" looks like. It is almost depressing sometimes because most college kids are way too busy to work out six hours a day in order to look like those Nike models. Between classes, homework and paying bills with part- and full-time jobs, sometimes working out can seem like a very far-fetched goal.

I am a victim of constant worrying that I will not have time to fit in a workout. However, with a set goal, like this triathlon, it gives me a reason to get up early or schedule time to work out.

By setting realistic workout goals it not only gives you something to work towards, but it gives you the opportunity to track your progress and see how far you have come. Missing a workout is much more noticeable when you are trying to reach a goal as opposed to just wanting to fit in a "good workout" every day.

For me, it is wanting to compete in a triathlon that keeps me working hard; however, the end goal could be different for everyone. Whether it is running a 5K or simply being able to run a mile, setting a goal and sticking with it by scheduling a realistic amount of training into your busy day is a great way to accomplish something big, while keeping healthy and fit at the same time.