(Hospital Hill blog post #3)
Life, parenting, working, exercising, cooking, cleaning, relaxing, running, cross training, organizing, blogging, scrap booking, hobbies, life.
This is what works for me. This is how I fit it all in, making time for running, juggling a full time job as a RN and as a mom and wife.
First and foremost is support from my husband. Without his support, I would not be able to train for the races that I do. We both support each other in our exercise goals, as it is very important to us. We typically don't train for an event at the same time, so whomever is training gets priority on the workout schedule for the week. (More on that to come) Although, this Spring we will both be training for a half marathon at the same time. His will be three weeks after mine. I know we will find a way to make it happen for the both of us.
Schedule your workouts. We discuss on Sunday who is going to work out when during the week. It has to be scheduled, just like anything else in life. We juggle around evening activities (three nights a week), figure out who is going to take which kid to what activity. During the week we typically have shorter runs (under 6 miles) so all we really need is one hour. One hour. That is it. But some weeks it is such a challenge to fit it all in. Like this week. We have Girl Scouts 2 nights this week (rather than just one night,) we have a birthday to celebrate (our oldest is turning 7!) Working on Saturday ( my long run day) then hosting a birthday party. When will I got my long run in this week??? Simple things like scheduling a haircut have to work around my training schedule. Isn't that awful...running vs haircut...I pick running! My hair can wait!
Some workouts have to occur early in the morning, and some are after the kids go to bed. Those are both harder for the both of us, as we typically like to workout usually between 4-6 in the evening. But, some days that is just how it is.
Commitment and focus. If you are committed to your training and you make it a priority, then the exercise will happen.
Make exercise a priority. I don't have to tell you all the benefits of exercise, you know them already.
Have goals. Small weekly goals and bigger training goals. Small weekly goals will help you accomplish the bigger goals you are trying to reach. For example, if you want to run faster, set smaller goals to do speed work once a week. You will notice when you run that next race that your time will be improved and you will run faster.
And remember that it is OK if you miss a workout. Things will come up, unexpected, unplanned things. Life happens. If you miss a run, just pick up where you left off and your training will be fine.
Now go out and run!
Now go out and run!
