Baby No.3 arrived so now struggling for Cycle time

[rastapasta]

Morning All,

So child no.3 arrived a month ago, all safe and healthy. However in that time I've only been able to get out for one spin, super early in the morning. I always have plans in my head and have the gear (be it running or cycling) ready to go but if we've had a rough night getting up for an hour or so or more, the last thing i want to do when the alarm that i set for 0530hrs goes off is to get up and go cycling or running having been up from 3 am untuil after 4am. If i do get up its maybe to take the child downstairs and sooth them by walking around to give my wife an hour or two of solid sleep.

I know there is not alot I can do until the whole thing settles down a bit more into a routine and its slowly getting there but I just wanted to ask if there are any others in a similar situation??

Thanks in advance

[troc]

Here’s the solution:

https://youtu.be/jj0CmnxuTaQ

[MrBarry123]

Have the turbo ready 24x7 so you can do a quick spin whenever you get a bit of time?

[bakerstreet]

MrBarry123 said:

Have the turbo ready 24x7 so you can do a quick spin whenever you get a bit of time?

Doesn't necessarily work either as you are in the house and can therefore be interrupted and therefor shouted at for not doing your bit.

Part of the joys of being out on a bike is you are away from family and other stuff. I have a Turbo but don't use it...but I should really.

I can't imagine any new moth being child 1/2/3 responds well to 'I'm going out on my bike, see you in 1/2/3/4/5 hours'.

I have yet to find a happy medium if I am honest and I only have two (5 1/2 and 2 1/2). The moodyness I get from going out on a club ride barely makes the ride worth it if I am honest. Shame, as I really enjoyed club rides. if only they stated about two hours earlier, it would be much easier.

[df76]

MrBarry123 said:

Have the turbo ready 24x7 so you can do a quick spin whenever you get a bit of time?

I had this set up in the garage and was good for a compact 30min session whenever possible. Unfortunately having kids, and I've only got two, isn't really compatible (or fair) with disappearing off on the bike for many hours. Once the youngest is a bit more self sufficient it might be easier, but you'll also be taking the others to clubs and activities once they get a little older. I would just be grabbing what you can and make the most of that.

[ukbabz]

bakerstreet said:

Doesn't necessarily work either as you are in the house and can therefore be interrupted and therefor shouted at for not doing your bit.

Part of the joys of being out on a bike is you are away from family and other stuff. I have a Turbo but don't use it...but I should really.

I can't imagine any new moth being child 1/2/3 responds well to 'I'm going out on my bike, see you in 1/2/3/4/5 hours'.

I have yet to find a happy medium if I am honest and I only have two (5 1/2 and 2 1/2). The moodyness I get from going out on a club ride barely makes the ride worth it if I am honest. Shame, as I really enjoyed club rides. if only they stated about two hours earlier, it would be much easier.

I'm surprised I managed 1000km last month tbh, especially with yesterday being my daughters 6 week birthday yesterday.

I think a forgiving wife and ability to cook has bought me a bit of grace

[rastapasta]

df76 said:

MrBarry123 said:

Have the turbo ready 24x7 so you can do a quick spin whenever you get a bit of time?

I had this set up in the garage and was good for a compact 30min session whenever possible. Unfortunately having kids, and I've only got two, isn't really compatible (or fair) with disappearing off on the bike for many hours. Once the youngest is a bit more self sufficient it might be easier, but you'll also be taking the others to clubs and activities once they get a little older. I would just be grabbing what you can and make the most of that.

Can you trade your cycle time with a few nights out for her with her mates or shopping sans the kids etc??

[Bumblebee7]

troc said:

Here’s the solution:

https://youtu.be/jj0CmnxuTaQ

That's amazing

I think the genuine solution is to offer the same to your other half, if you get to go on a bike ride, down the pub etc. she should be encouraged for a girls night out or weekly yoga etc.

[MOBB]

troc said:

Here’s the solution:

https://youtu.be/jj0CmnxuTaQ

What a great video :-)

[df76]

rastapasta said:

df76 said:

MrBarry123 said:

Have the turbo ready 24x7 so you can do a quick spin whenever you get a bit of time?

I had this set up in the garage and was good for a compact 30min session whenever possible. Unfortunately having kids, and I've only got two, isn't really compatible (or fair) with disappearing off on the bike for many hours. Once the youngest is a bit more self sufficient it might be easier, but you'll also be taking the others to clubs and activities once they get a little older. I would just be grabbing what you can and make the most of that.

Can you trade your cycle time with a few nights out for her with her mates or shopping sans the kids etc??

Yep, always sensible to trade (fairly!) and have your own time.

[BobSaunders]

troc said:

Here’s the solution:

https://youtu.be/jj0CmnxuTaQ

Love to see the risk assessment on this.

[danf1983]

I feel for you. Baby number 2 here is 6 months old and it’s tough - no matter how much prep you do the night before if you have a bad night you’re either exhausted yourself or you cannot bring yourself to leave your wife and other children.

Reading the above it’s all about compromise. I’m very lucky in that my wife wants me out the door as she knows it’s important we both keep our own hobbies. I’d suggest planning for the week, sounds anal but if you know you’re riding Monday Wednesday Friday for example and your wife is maybe having a bath / a walk / a lay in the other days it makes it slightly easier.

Also remember as you know with your other children this isn’t forever - it will get easier

[PomBstard]

Congrats on Jr3! As others have said, it get easier, but I've found that having a couple of rides in my head that I can do from home in 30-90 mins helps. Just get kit on and go whenever the chance arises. And if its just as you've put Jr3 into bed at 0400, then make sure your lights are charged and ready to go too.

I'm lucky in that MrsPB has always been a runner, and now a triathlete, so she understands the need to get out and exercise. The fallout from the regime we put in place to manage three kids and doing exercise is that, 6 years later, one of us gets up at 0500 every day to go out. I'm not saying its perfect but the habit is there.

[Some Gump]

Get.a kid trailer, you can strap your baby car seat in. Bingo. You going for a ride is baby caring time.