Tips from an Everyday Ironman

Tips from an Everyday Ironman

Fitting in proper training in your Life + Work schedule

By Joe Morton

Ironman training has become part of my lifestyle. I’ve completed six Ironmans and love the results I’ve achieved through a regular combo routine of swimming, biking and running.

Yet, as a XanGo founder and a married man with 3 energetic sons and a baby girl, there are days when I can’t find a moment even for basic exercise. Here are 10 tips to beat the clock, stay committed and squeeze even just a few more minutes out of an overwhelming day.

Tip 1: Have a goal and a deadline. It’s easier to make excuses when you don’t have a deadline on the calendar. Sign up for an event: a marathon, a 10K run for charity. Or set a goal for how you want to attend that company or family party.

Tip 2: Don’t go to sleep until you’ve done at least a 20-minute workout. You may have to wake up early or workout at midnight. You’ll be surprised how much more efficient you get when the snooze button is not an option.

Tip 3: Find ways to workout while spending time with your kids. Our treadmill is in a room with a TV, so I can watch a soccer game with my boys while I get in my run. Think of the fitness example you’ll be setting for them.

Tip 4: Take your workout gear with you everywhere. Keep it in your car. Put it in your suitcase or overnight bag every time. Carry a protein bar and bottle of water too. I’ve had to dry off with paper towels after a last-minute swim.

Tip 5: If you travel a lot like me, do research and pick your hotel based on workout facilities. You’ll usually have a few options within your price range. They may even have a bicycle. Even if you can’t get access to a workout room, you can always run the grounds or even the stairs. Think of it like a running world tour. I’ve run in Singapore, Africa, Asia and Italy. Buono!

Tip 6: Workout upon arrival if you can. That’s often where I find the best window of time. It’s also a good way to get blood flowing after a long flight.

Tip 7: Use jetlag to your advantage. Can’t sleep? Workout. If the fitness room is closed, knock out some sit-ups. You’ll release some stress and it can be a good primer to relax.

Tip 8: Workout before a long flight. I’ve taken daylong flights around the globe to Asia. Pre-flight workout boosts circulation and I feel like I’ve taken preventive measure against blood clots too. Be sure to stretch during long flights too.

Tip 9: Schedule your workout on your iPhone or Blackberry. Even though my routine is part of my life, that reminder ding on my Blackberry still sometimes surprises me. If I can’t do it at the set time, it’s a reminder that it has to be done before I hit the sack.

Tip 10: Have nutritious food options at your fingertips. It’s easy to fall off your good eating routine while traveling or in a day of hectic meetings. I pack almonds and trail mix right in my briefcase along with my vitamins and supplements too. Do it now while you’re thinking of it. You can come back to my blog and add more of your own tips below.

Joe Morton discovered the mangosteen fruit as a global opportunity and is a founder of global nutrition and direct sales brand, XanGo. He maintains an active lifestyle of fitness training and outdoor sports and is active in global philanthropic causes. You can connect with Joe at www.JoeMorton.com.

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