When can I find time to run?

[Jlmbagpuss]

I have a 15 month old girl which takes up lots of my time and I work full time so when I get up at 6 am it’s dark and by the time I’ve settled for the evening it’s 8 pm and dark so not sure when I am supposed to run

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Juggling our lives to fit in running is difficult and you certainly seem to have your hands full. We all asked the same question and we have all found ways.

I started C25k in the summer so it was easier, but I amazed myself to find that I was getting up at 5.30 am to go running. I ran three times per week, right through the next winter, when all but weekend runs were in the dark. At this time of year most of us have no choice but to run in the dark, although I will admit not at silly o'clock, in my case.

Once you start, you will soon get hooked and miraculously, like any run junkie, you will do anything to get that fix.

[dubnde]

I don't know if you have the time over lunch or how flexible your work is. I do run over lunch for Wednesday/Friday runs. I am with my daughter mornings and evenings.

[skysue16 Graduate]

Just a thought - could you run and push little one in a buggy? Or could a friend/family help out by looking after your daughter for an hour or so in the day? Failing that - I recommend a chest light ( white light on the front and red on your back) but be safe, that is the most important thing, if you have to run in the dark perhaps a friend could run with you? Best of luck 😊

[Razouski]

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but... have you thought about running on a treadmill in the gym. I started my C25k programme in the gym and quite enjoyed it. (But now I much prefer running outside.)

There are lots of buggy runners round here too.

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Treadmill and outdoor is my plan for winter...outdoor Friday as early finish and Sunday then a midweek indoor. Not a great fan of treadmill but at least will be getting my run in!!

[Jlmbagpuss]

Thanks guys. I am going to start my first run Saturday morning I think and just run with the buggy. I think what else is holding me back is I’m also a bit embarrassed to start if that makes sense.

[ejvcruns Graduate in reply to Jlmbagpuss]

Fingers crossed it works for you. If it does, I bet you and your little one will love it!

As to feeling embarrassed -- I think everyone who has started this program felt that way. I will let you into a secret, though: runners are invisible. The neon clothes, the trainers and especially a buggy will cause people's eyes to deflect from you. Except kindly people, who may give you a thumbs-up.

Good luck to you.

[Wantorun2013 Graduate in reply to Jlmbagpuss]

Bless just go for it l understand how you feel but you have lots of support here. I run in the dark if my runs don't fall on a weekend and currently know one knows lm doing this apart from you guys here till l feel confident to share. I will warn you it's quite addictive and l never in a million years thought l would say that 😂 be brace take the plunge x

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Jlmbagpuss]

As others have said, just go for it and enjoy! You could be just late for an appointment 😉! Perhaps you would feel less conspicuous wearing your usual clothes (well, comfy trousers and trainers!). When I started the programme I wore my usual dog walking clothes and old trainers 🐾🏃🏼🐶😊

[KatieBham Graduate in reply to Jlmbagpuss]

Running before dawn actually helped with the embarrassment and feeling like i wasn't qualified to be out in public running. That early the only people out are either too tired to notice you, or other runners who are usually fast enough that they don't see me for long!

[Gem2844 Graduate in reply to Jlmbagpuss]

I am on week 2 following my second daughter 9 months ago. Just gone back to part time work but its hard to fit in a week run. When evenings pull out it will be easier. Dont be embarrassed get something comfortable to wear and just get out there, you will feel so good when you have completed the first one!

[Razouski]

I didn't tell anyone I was doing this until I got to Week7, but seriously there is no need to be embarrassed most people don't notice you, others will be impressed, and don't forget no one but you knows how far you have run or walked.

Get out there and hold your head up high! 🤓

[ju-ju- Graduate]

We all just find a way. Yes its so hard sometimes and I hear you.... I have two children and I work full time. I run everyday ( I have been running for 4 years now) as its easier for me to find a way than a way out..... So I go out at 6 with a head torch, squeeze it in between tea etc and at weekends go early etc.... It isnt easy but apply some creativity and focus on making it happen. The benefits outweigh the challenge I promise

[Jlmbagpuss]

I have been thinking about it on my way to work. I am going to get a couple of runs in this weekend if I can find my old running gear and I have googled when the clocks change which is 29 October so that means lighter morning I think so I will just have to try and get myself our of bed at 5.30 am and run/walk for 30 minutes. I have to do this, I am so overweight and it gets me down. I used to be so fit but somehow I have reduced to no exercise at all!

[icklegui Graduate in reply to Jlmbagpuss]

hello! quick tip though - anyone who runs (until the most experienced) should always take a rest day after any run days so that your muscles repair, as running is quite a high impact activity. It's risky not to so maybe ... just the one run at the weekend ... honestly even that will be great.

You'll do great though - you sound like you have a plan and determination and that's all you need to start with! And you have old running gear ... you're steps ahead of some of us when we started :D.

Most people here are using either those podcasts (which have music built in) or the app, which has the same "script" but with the celebs and lets you play your own music in the background. Someone here has done it with a stopwatch choice is yours!

[Jlmbagpuss]

Also, which app is everyone using, is it the podcasts you have to download or is it the BBC app which has people like Jo Whiley, Sarah Millican etc?

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Jlmbagpuss]

I used the podcasts with lovely Laura but I know others like the celebrities 😊 Either will do the job of encouraging you along the way

[misswobble Graduate]

My niece is half way through the programme and is running with the little un in the push chair. Fortunately she was gifted a running pushchair ! Result!

[Rignold]

Get up at 0500 and run then. Go to bed an hour earlier in the evening. I sleep much better for this sort of routine, and am much more energised for the day and start my working morning with a sense of achievement. Even chasing the children out of bed is easier when you are exrcised and showered and full of beans.

[Blitzy Graduate]

Hi. My daughter runs, with her 13mth old in a special 3-wheeled buggy called Bob. I think it may be American, but it works for her!