Sacrifice

Establish a framework of priorities. I'll share mine:
1) Sally
2) Family and friends
3) Day to day realities. ie work, household stuff, chores etc..
4) Training

Now the trick is squeezing as much of number 4 without sacrificing too much of 1,2 and 3. The very first thing you have to do when 'getting serious' is discuss it with your significant other, family and friends. You WILL need their support. This is super important as it will make or break your future goals. Not having their support means will require a re-thinking of your priorities and goals.
Having their support means they will help you along your journey and on occasion help you with your other responsibilities so that can pursue your goal. Bascially you are clearing blocks of time. Don't worry, you can payback during the off-season.

Now that a framework is established. You have to work on the methodology of attaining what it is you want. I think the keywords here is consistency and have a willingness to learn and adapt. Keep the goals attainable and realisitic. You want to run a sub 3 hour marathon, but if your PB is 4 hours, you will NOT be running a 3 hour marry anytime soon. Get a plan, be consistent and come back in 5 years.

If it's your career, your sport whatever it is your pursue with passion in life. You will have to make sacrifices. Just make sure it's the ones you are willing to make and try not to let your passion cloud your vision and reality too much.

January numbers: (last years in paranthesis)
Swim 4k (15.5k)
Bike 29 hours (31.5)
Run: 258k (255)

Last week was an easy week/recovery week. Which was nice because I managed to catch a cold, so I took a 72 hour layoff of all training and concentrated on getting well. Still not 100%, so slowly easing back into it.

February is 'aerobic' month...