Conflict of Interests

Over the past 1 1/2 years I have made a drastic shift in my priorities. I have put less emphasis on work and more on health. I am the type of person that let's themselves be consumed by what is going on in their life. That is what has happened with triathlon. I eat, sleep, think and even dream about it.

The only problem is that I am also the kind of person that has trouble focusing on too many things at once. As you can imagine this causes conflicts. Not necessarily at work, because I am good enough at what I do to be able to perform at a high level without really trying. My main problems arise in my spiritual and family lives. I struggle fitting in time for God and family in the midst of my busy schedule.

For instance, last night there was a parade that my wife and kids were going to. I had a scheduled bike ride, but also felt like I needed to go with them. I decided to skip the workout and go with them, but I struggled with the decision all night. I know that missing one bike workout isn't going to undo all of the work I have done all year, but I still feel guilty about it.

My bike days are the most difficult, especially since it is starting to get dark earlier. If I am not able to start my ride by 6 pm, I don't have time to get it all in. A bike trainer is at the top of my Christmas list this year, so hopefully that will alleviate some of the scheduling (and internal) conflicts.

My prayer is that God will help me prioritize my time that allows me to dedicate myself to him, family and triathlon. I don't feel like I need to stop or cut down my workouts or races. I actually feel like that is a way that I can bring glory to God. But, I do need to maintain a better schedule. That means that I have to get up earlier and workout. I don't like getting up early, but I don't see any other options.