The Impact of Training on Relationships, or, 'The Trials and Tribulations of Triathloning Twosomes.'

The Survey on the Impact of Training on Relationships (SIT) was completed by 165 triathletes and 127 of their partners, assessing their perceptions of the impact of training, stresses associated with training and exercise, coping strategies, and a measure of overall family functioning. Sixty-eight percent of the triathletes and 73% of their partners indicated that training and exercise had a positive impact on their relationship. Their major stress was lack of time as a couple, which they most often addressed by either setting aside time together or by exercising together. By comparing those couples who were happy with the experience, and those unhappy with it, six specific recommendations are provided for couples dealing with commitment to serious training and exercise. Appendices are: statistical analyses; Fact Sheet on the Impact of Training on Relationships; and quotes from the study. (Author)