Struggling to find time to run

[Mum22boys]

So I last ran last Friday morning first thing, and I am hoping to get out tomorrow first thing but depends on where dad to 2 boys is working tomorrow and whether he's around first thing. I'm so determined not to fall in to the trap, yet again, of getting this far and letting everything else get in the way! So, I thought my first step was to come on here and post to be accountable... I'm hoping after the next couple of weeks things might settle down a bit, but in the mean time I need to find some small pockets of time.. somehow!!!

[Annieapple Administrator]

🍏Difficult when you are a wife, Mum & so much more to squeeze time in for you! Well done on the accountability action… it’s helped many of us squeeze in run time… it makes us aware of looking for the moment.. it ensures we put out our running gear just in case… do it when you can and enjoy it! We look forward to hearing about it x

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Annieapple]

Hi Annieapple thank you for your reply, it really resonated. My running kit is at the end of the bed, my alarm is set for 5.45... I will report back!

[Annieapple Administrator in reply to Mum22boys]

🍏👏🥰

[Week7 Graduate10]

Good luck!!!! Looking forward to the post run post.

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Week7]

Thank you. Watch this space...

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Hope you can manage to find a wee space! x

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you 😊 the plan is first thing, before anyone else is up... 🤞

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

sometimes life just gets in the way but you sound determined not to give up 🤞🏼

[Run_rabbit_run Graduate10]

I read a post on Instagram that running helps keep us flexible and adaptable to what life throws at us because there are days where life happens and/or the weather means your running plan doesn’t go ahead - and that’s okay. This helped me, and your post really resonated with me too so thank you for sharing. I accept now that some weeks I can get a lot more running frequency in and distance too, but if it means 15-20 speed run or 30 mins base run is all I can squeeze in, then that’s still something to give yourself a high five about. In the weeks where you can’t fit in a run then perhaps a 10 mins stretch or express strength workout where you can all helps for your future runs too. From one mum to another, you have got this 🙌

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Run_rabbit_run]

Thanksyou for your reply Run-rabbit-run it was really helpful to read your suggestions and know there are others out there also struggling. Mum high fives back to you ✋️

[damienair Administrator]

I’m a Dad to 2 boys. Life gets very busy sometimes. My boys are 14 and 11 now so it’s easier to sneak out. Sometimes I use the time when they are at football training to fit my run in. Whilst they are training I run laps of the training pitches.

I had a colleague once who brought his running gear in the car with him. If he was ever stuck in very heavy traffic on his way home from work he would pull in, park up, get changed in the back of his car and go for a run. When he got back to the car the traffic would have improved and he had his run done for the day. Grab what you can when you can.

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Wow, that's one resourceful and committed friend! I'm very lucky that we walk to most of what the kids do... school, swimming, beavers... so plenty of exercise, it's just finding that extra time. The biggest thing for me is to not throw the plan out of the window if I need to be more adaptable.. I like structure 🤣

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Nice to hear from you again Mum22 boys, you have been on this forum now for a few years, well done trying to fit in family life along with your running, not always possible to get out a run the day you want to do it.You certainly are accountable and let's hope in the coming weeks you can get out for some runs.

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr keep your fingers crossed for me 🤞

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to Mum22boys]

I will✔️✔️

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Life can be tricky sometimes! Wishing you loads of luck. Every run is a triumph. Go shorter if that’s the time you’ve got-it’s still worth if even if it’s ten minutes instead of twenty. If you can’t get out, strength and flex exercises at home are still brilliant for staying in the best shape to run when you can.

Wishing you loads of luck and hoping you’ve got time to come back and update! Totally understand if not! ❤️

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks for all the suggestions, they'll definitely come in handy if all else fails!! My youngest has just done his first full week in reception so maybe, if the rest of life settles down a bit, I might just be able to get more of a routine 🤞

[CBDB Graduate10]

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. We all could do with a time-making machine, couldn’t we!?

Just in case things go wrong and you cannot head out for a run, some indoor walking might still be able to allow you to watch over the kids whilst getting that aerobic exercise in.

You probably know Lucy W-R but here is a playlist in case you need it:

youtube.com/playlist?list=P...

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

I just need 40 hours in a day I think 🤣🤣

[RunWillie Graduate10]

So good to see you back here Mum22boys

As a Mum to 5 boys I know there is always a reason not to run but as an Older Mum I’ve learnt over the years to practice self care. I don’t say that to make you feel guilty if you don’t do it. I say it to encourage you to prioritise whatever you need. Cheering for you! x

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Great to hear from you RunWillie , hope you and all the boys are well x

[Folkylass Administrator]

My fingers are truly crossed for you. You will get there I’m sure of it! Good luck!🤞🤞🥰

[Mum22boys Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

I managed it 👏👏 just put a post up. Posting here made me accountable... I just had to go. Having this forum is wonderful for motivation ☺️