Thanks for all the responses!
Summarising the main takeaways for working while on a trainer:
Keyboard Work:
Typing or doing any detailed work using a keyboard is generally found to be inefficient and impractical while riding a trainer.
Reading and Listening:
Reading documents, watching videos, or attending conference calls works well, especially for low-intensity rides (Z1 or Z2).Some of you reported being able to participate in conference calls effectively, provided ypu don’t have to speak frequently or engage in high-intensity intervals.
Equipment and Setup:
A height-adjustable side table or a desk that can be positioned in front of the bike can help to set up a laptop or tablet.Triathlon or TT bikes can make it easier to use a phone for emails due to the aero position.Erg mode on the trainer can make it easier to maintain a steady pace while working.
Work and Training Balance:
Many suggest separating work and training for efficiency and to avoid compromising on the quality of both.Some manage to train during work hours by planning their schedule around meetings where they only need to listen.
Challenges:
High-intensity sessions (like VO2 max) are not compatible with productive work.Training during work hours can lead to stress due to potential interruptions and the need to balance work commitments.
Alternative Approaches:
Utilizing lunch breaks for training sessions.Blocking calendar time to ensure uninterrupted training sessions.Reducing work hours slightly to accommodate training without affecting overall performance.Planning workouts around family schedules to minimize conflicts and stress.
Special Considerations:
Depending on the nature of one’s job, riding a trainer during work hours might not be feasible or appropriate.Transparency with employers and realistic expectations about work performance can be important.
In summary, while it is possible to integrate low-intensity trainer rides with some work tasks like reading or attending passive meetings, most users find it challenging to do meaningful work while riding a trainer. The key is to manage time effectively and set realistic expectations for both training and work productivity.
A few things to note:
I definitely never intended to be able to do intense work outs or trainer rides; just Z1/Z2 - which would have also been only when outside of meetings I need to speak in/run.
I will see how I go and report back on the extent I can incorporate riding without any negatives for work (concentration etc.). Originally I was only going to pull the trigger on this if I could fit my trainer in under my sit/stand desk; but I’ve managed to make enough space to have a permanent setup different from my main work station. Regarding the work culture; there’s been guys who run during their team lunch catch ups etc. or meetings. So not such an issue.
It’s all billables for myself too and I’m always over target - which provides some flexibility on when to get the work done. I don’t think there’d be any issue - as long as not effecting work. Which I wouldn’t be doing from my pov. Looking to predominately incorporate it into office commute - riding to pool - riding to work; then running home… then next time running into pool, running into office, riding home…
Wind trainer sessions / brick early at home before work. Advice from Tri Sutto was for longer rides / runs on weekend, they can be reduced by an hour - until really 16 weeks out; then really getting them in. The shorter, better trainer sessions are more impactful than longer, less effective rides. No time for gym; but core work for wind down in evenings. I do have a running stroller, and did a long run on weekend. I was out half the day… but really only less than 1 of running haha. The rest was at the playground! No space for a treadmill. Possibly a walking one under the sit/stand desk.
I mean, if you don’t have the time, why sign up for an Ironman? Because the training is not hard enough, so you add up mental mandatory duties and tasks to do during the workouts. I just don’t get it. I would rather 100% of the time either work or train. Trying to do both you will perform poorly and enjoy neither of them.
Wake up really early, get job/workout done. Breakfast. Get workout/job done. Lunch. Work. Done.
Biggest fear - regret. I’ll regret not using my ‘youth’ (rough potential optimal peak). Few things I want to tick off fitness/life goals wise. Annoyingly I’ve been exponentially fitter post Everesting / 2015 IM / ride up Mauna Kea * Mauna Loa from Kona.
I never used the fitness to go all out and do a timed 10k run, half marathon, or full marathon. So I want to get back to peak fitness, then do exactly that. Don’t want to be on my death bed with ‘excuses’/qualifications when asked about ‘what time I did?’ etc. I’m also all or nothing. As I mentioned, would be trying to not impact work at all.
I’ve recently signed up for the Cairns Ironman and have a young child, which means I’m quite time-poor.
… I’ve got a tri sutto - advanced 16 week - 20 hours a week training plan I used in 2021/2015.
And forgive me, but I have to ask – what are your expectations for the race? Unless you are in the mix for a podium/KQ (maybe you are!), 16-20h/wk is way higher volume than anybody needs in order to have a strong finish, or even a very solid front-ish-pack finish. As someone who is self-described “time-poor” with a young kid, why are you trying to train 16-20h a week in the first place?
Similar to the above. This’ll be my 3rd full IM.
1st I won a free entry via a marketing competition; where I thought it was the next year event but it was 9 weeks away. Hadn’t swum in 20 years, just bike fit. 10hr422020(21) - covid lockdowns getting in the way, wedding and food poisoning a few weeks out. Messed up the lead in. About 30% less training, very few long rides; no proper TT - but more efficient, metabolically sound etc.11hrs.It’s a 5 year plan. Definitely don’t want to lose hours with the young one. So looking to incorporate it as much as possible i.e. into work time if not negatively impacting (super efficient!?) TL;DR currently lots of ‘excuses’ in my head and wanting to see how good I can be. Not so much interested in podiuming or anything. But also not interested in just showing up and getting it done. I wouldn’t bother if that was the case. Sub 10 at this point would be most realistic goal.
I’ve evolved to proceeding on the basis of I need to be more efficient; but I was also able to find space next to my work desk. I plan to lay out a new tv stand / book shelf in front, then wahoo desk on top of kickr climb + move adaptor, on a kickr move w/ mat etc.
Questions:
Fan? Looking at Elite vs. Wahoo; and likely going with Elite. I am lacking space, so think the Elite being able to aim and change its direction will be needed. What is the noise like though? Wake up a toddler in the next room? Desk - looking to avoid the wahoo one, but basically same price as some alternatives I’ve found (need to import). Wahoo Kickr Move - does it make more sound? It sells itself as silent operation, but I’ve seen some clips of it making a noise when it goes back and forth. Video might have been a bad unit clip?Tall/TV stand / Book shelf: any recommendations? Everything seems way to wide, and I don’t just want a TV stand - where there could be shelving etc. space is at a premium. Something to incorporate a 34-42 inch TV/monitor.