Why triathlon training is genius

I have to admit that training for last weekend's tri in combination with training for this impending 20 mile trail run really worked in my favor. Why? Because it forced me to spend hours my mind and body wanted to be running to do lower impact activities, like spinning, swimming laps, stretching and foam rolling.

Over the 5 marathons and 9 half marathons I've trained for, there are few in which I've NOT been injured either most of the training or right near the very end (damn you, hamstrings). Why? Well, probably because training for long distance road races requires a lot of time spent pounding the pavement and because I tend to neglect the stretching aspect of my training.

While my right hamstring is still not 100% on par with the left and plagues me during runs (and as I'm sitting at my desk), it hasn't stopped me from doing any of my runs this training period. I'm confident that my time in the pool and on the bike has allowed my muscles to become a little more balanced overall (runners often have beefy quads, but lack hamstring strength).

Balance, isn't that the key to everything in life? Amazing how a little balance can do you a whole lot of good.

Cases in point where a little balance could be exercised to your benefit:

• work is crazy and you aren't giving yourself time to relax in the evenings
  
• mornings are spent getting the kids ready for school and evenings are spent making dinner and cleaning up
  
• every weekend is jam packed with social events
  
• running 40+ miles a week and ignoring stretching and your foam roller - guilty as charged!
  
• you don't remember the last time you saw your girlfriends or family members
  
• you find yourself regularly picking up food to go that sounds good rather than making a healthy, home cookied meal
  
• your spending on frivolous things (clothes, new gadget, vacations AKA wants) is outta control
  
• each night is spent in front of the tv or computer and that stack of books is growing taller by the week - guilty!

Is there an area in your life that's out of balance right now? Do you see a light at the end of the tunnel and a solution to get back on track?

I'll be honest, I'm looking forward to giving my body a bit of a break next week. Plus, I promised the manfriend I would. I'm thinking of going to a few yoga classes (one area I've been slacking in). Hello, yoga challenge I've missed you! And maybe just a little biking and running.