Setting Priorities

So there is a commercial out right now that I am sure you have all seen.  It features Olympic athletes, one of which says, "I haven't had a morning off, much less a day off, another that says, "I haven't watched TV in over a year."  These are both incredibly powerful statements, the first I think we can all relate to.  Most people who have ever dreamed about a shot at an Olympic berth have thought, "Man, if that was my job, I would be happy to do it every day, I wouldn't even complain."  The thing is, for most of these athletes, the work and training that goes into this probably counts for nearly double your/my work week.  Between the actual time committed to that sport, the weight lifting, the cross training, and the studying, it all adds up.  For me, this really makes my pathetic excuses for why I didn't bang out a quick run or bike, well exactly that, pathetic.

The truth is, I feel better after a sweet bike, my day at work goes much smoother if I emptied out all my stress in the pool before my shift.  Despite 60 hour work weeks, it is important for my sanity to get the workout in.  This week was the culmination of this.  I spent the week at work, both jobs, different shifts, and when I wasn't at work, for the most part, I was plunked in front of the TV, not that there was anything good on TV, but more because I was just being lazy.  How is it possible that the TV and/or the internet is a priority for me?

We all complain that there are not enough hours in the day, but the truth is, we all need to do a little analysis into how much time we are WASTING.  I waste a good 3-4 hours per day.  Now granted, some of this time, I need down time, Pinterest time, or just boring background TV time.  But four hours, I think not.  Now of course there are exceptions to the rule, such as, the Olympics, where people across the country salute our world class athletes by sitting on our butts.  I think, if nothing else this week, I will set the bike up on the trainer and bike while I watch, or plan on doing some core work.

This week is a busy one, but somehow I need to reset my priorities and keep them at the forefront.  I work 4 12 hour shifts in a row and then have to get the house ready for our post-tri shin-dig on Sunday... oh yeah, and get ready for the tri too :)

I banged out 18.2 miles today in 61 minutes, including a 2 minute stop waiting for traffic to clear so I could make a left.  The bike is getting better, a hair easier, but mostly just gaining experience and knowing when to do what.  My left knee has started pulling a little bit while I ride, so I will need to adjust my seat a little higher, taking some of the bend and some of the stress out of my knees.

Priorities, priorities, what are yours?