The TriDad Life

I have been thinking lately about what the routine is going to be like once our “beanpod” arrives (currently sitting at 42 days out). They say it could go a number of ways. The conventional wisdom I’m receiving says that it lot depends on sleep schedule, and a lot on gas.

When I think about it, I have never really been very good with routine. It always seems to be elusive in my life.

Perhaps it is my natural draw to new experiences. I like to be with people, and I get pulled in many different directions. I’ve always been more attracted to an entrepreneurial path, and at times I observe that I can be a bit undisciplined.

To be sure, I think this diversity of interests has been a strength, too. It certainly has been a central component of my interest in competing in triathlons. I love sports, and this one combines three!

The cross training has been a great journey for me, but one that requires discipline and focus to stay in shape and to keep getting better. I’d really like to be better at being purposeful in my training, to be heading toward a goal. I want to measure improvement, acknowledge when I’m lagging behind, and course correct through managed discipline. I don’t feel I’m doing it very well at present.

We’ll see how this post ages, but as I sit here a few weeks out from fatherhood, I’m cautiously optimistic that this baby will bring with it some routine in my life that will actually enhance my discipline. I know that this baby will take everything I’ve got – but most of the advice I’ve received is that you need to really lean into physical exercise whenever you get a chance. It will be a team effort; both my wife and I enjoy regular fitness regimen. We’ll need to trade off.

Having the swim trunks pre-packed or the bike gear ready would be good when the baby goes down for a nap and I’ve got an hour. Planning the workouts a few weeks in advance and checking them off as I go will be important, too. I can build the habit by committing my mind to take advantage of the moments I’ll get throughout the weeks, while planning ahead.

Perhaps I’ll find myself getting more swims, bike and runs in than I was before….

Or maybe I’m crazy…but at least I’ll be keeping track. And I think ultimately, that is where the discipline, the elusive “routine,” will be born.

Only time will tell!