Establishing a Running Routine

[Dee-Bee]

Any advice on getting 3 runs in a week. I plan to run after work but know that some times I feel tired when a get home and might use it as an excuse not to get out.

[DiamonteSandal]

Hi Dee-Bee! For that exact reason, I have shifted my body clock, go to bed earlier and get up to go for a run before work. It was hard to begin with but now (and especially with pleasant mornings) I really enjoy it. I'm lucky in that I work from home (although have to be signed in by a specific time) but it's literally just an extra half an hour and really sets up the day. I go on a Tuesday, Thursday and then a Saturday or Sunday. I'm itching to do more but am having to hold back and stick to the plan! So I do DDP Yoga on Mon, Wed, Fri at lunchtime to break up the day!

I would also find it hard at the end of a day. I think the key in that case is to get out straight away before sitting down. Or maybe you could get changed at work, do it from there and then go home, making it a part of your working day instead?

[Hidden]

I usually run in the week when I get in from work, I started by laying out my running things ready before I left for work, I don't now as it has become my normal routine

Think that is the secret, once you start it is harder but as long as you are determined it will then become part of your routine ☺

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I run in the morning but I agree, putting all my running kit out the night before reduces the risk I won't go out

[Paola100 Graduate]

You could go running without going home! Can you change your dress at work?

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

It will depend on our own situation. Running after work might seem difficult but it could energise you for a good evening and as it is only just half an hour, I would reward myself with a yummy dinner! I like to run in the morning before breakfast, food always is something I look forward to!

[secan Graduate]

Well, establishing a routine always takes some effort to fight excuses, at the beginning. 😉

Anyway, it might be easier if you create a little pre-run "ritual", that can help to get into the running mindset.

For example, I get home, eat a banana, watch the news, put my running gear on and go out for the run. Sometimes, when I am tired or I feel lazy, I just have to think "ok, let's eat a banana and watch the news" (which is not an effort even if you are tired 😉 ) and that start the entire routine almost "automatically"; I am out running before even realising it.

Find a set of actions that works for you (possibly starting with something that is not strictly related to running), make the effort to follow it for a few weeks and then it will become an automatic routine.

[poppypug Graduate]

You will find a way that suits Dee.

I run after work , I get home and get my gear on, quick cuppa tea and half a nana and I'm off !

Sunday is my long-ish run day, love it ! xxx

[Rignold]

At this time of year it is not too problematic. Set your alarm for 0530 and go out for a morning run. Far from making you tired for the day, it will envigorate you massively. Or get home, have an espresso and get out there. Either way works as you will avoid the heat of the day and there is plenty of light at both ends of the day. In winter it is a little more of a challenge to get yourelf out of the door in darkness.

[Dee-Bee]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I'm going to try leaving gear ready to go straight after work. I think it will do me good and energise new to train one I get back from work.

[Hidden]

I read a good motivator yesterday when i really didn't feel like running. It said just go out for 10 minutes, and if you feel like coming back, then do. Obviously once you're out it would be silly to come home.... but it was nice telling myself that if i felt like it i could! It is a real effort to get out three times a week with work, family, social life and so on. I aim for two runs in the week and one at the weekend. But if i can only manage twice, i think at least that's better than none at all isn't it? Best of luck!

[Dee-Bee in reply to Hidden]

Thanks that is a very practical approach. To be easy on myself I'm going to do 2 runs during the working week and one at the weekend.