I'm looking for advice again - how do you all fit your running in to busy lives? I found when I was doing the program I was more focussed, but now my running is taking a slight back seat and I'm only making 1 or 2 runs each week which is very disappointing.
I will admit to having more stresses at the moment, with a demanding OH and demanding horse and impending exams but I'd like to run to relieve stress, and currently I feel as if I'm not using time effectively at all - when I do head out, there's always something I should be doing instead.
Does anyone else feel this way? How did you overcome the lack of hours in the day?
Thanks in advance from a frustrated Kath!
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Kathh42
Graduate
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Hi Kath, I run in the evenings, as soon as I get back from work I get changed and go out. I run for half an hour and then I'm home again. It takes the same amount of time as a bad commute or if I get caught in the office as I'm trying to leave.
In the time it takes my wife to watch one of her soaps I'm there and back.
What I'm trying to say is it's just half an hour, we can all find that even if it means getting up earlier or shortening lunch.
I suppose I sort of changed my perspective in that I have to fit all my other responsibilities and chores around my run, rather than the other way around...
Running is important for my mental and physical health, so I just figured, “why not prioritise it?” It’s hardly a luxury, I mean, running is bloody hard work! Also, looking after your health is important, right? It allows you to be able to attend to everything else you have going on.
A shift in mindset is all I needed. I mean, I work 8 hours a day with a 45 min commute each way, but I was determined to make the time for my runs. Luckily I am an early riser, so I run at 6:15am!
I totally understand you. I often only manage to run once or twice a week. I tell myself that at least I’m doing something but I still end up feeling a little guilty. I like to run at about 9.00am but my work days change a lot and I think that affects my ability to organise myself. I think organisation( and perhaps being a little selfish) is the key. Good luck with you running🏃🏽♀️
That’s why I haven’t ever exercised! I didn’t have time...except I did!! I heard a female mum Olympic someone or other talking on the radio and she said about how you just have to change priorities basically. That struck me, and here I am!
I only went in the evenings initially, preferring the cover of darkness, but now I go any time including early! Half an hour is nothing, I’ve done things like walked my kids to school and then run on my way home again.
You say you think you should be doing something more important, but really, what’s more important than your health and fitness?
I agree with the comments above. It is just a question of priorities. And I have chosen to prioritize my health and mental well-being. So I don’t see running as a waste of time when I could be doing something more important. There is nothing more important. Full stop. (At least in every day life - if we had a major crisis / sickness or whatever I can see running slipping down the list).
I run early in the morning, first thing. I started getting up earlier and I either walk or run every work day morning. Up and out. Before the brain is even switched on!
I find running first thing in the morning is best I get the run over with, gives a great start to the day, plus it’s more quieter early morning where I am 😊
I'm lucky to be self-employed and only three minute's from a great park. That said you can end up spending a lot of time dithering (like today).
One tip is if you are thinking of running but feeling a bit dubious, then get your running kit on anyway. That way it's much easier to just "go for it".
As to time...where does it go? If you've ever had to log your day it's amazing how many hours in there are that just seem to disappear down the plughole of life.
It's all about priorities--this is a leisure activity, and I think it's far better to take it out of the "fun budget" than motivate yourself with guilt.
But if you could buy the physical and mental health benefits of running people would sell their cars to get them.
I was the same and never thought I had enough time for running/ exercised but now since May I am up bright and early and go for a run or walk or gym every day even the weekends! It is my time and so important for my physical and mental health. My daughter and I even went out exercising everyday over the Christmas holidays, except she missed out on New Years Day and I went alone! This time last year I wouldnt have dreamed that running would have become so important to me!
I am not a morning person, so after work is my time, or later morning when I'm not at work. I choose the 2 most friendly work days and then one at the weekend. I plan them in advance- often with an a or b choice woven into the plan. ( e.g I might plan Mon & Sat with either Wed or Thurs between.) Sometimes I take kit to work, change there & run somewhere between work & home - it gives variety. Once my plans are made I have a "I Don't think, just go" attitude & all my kit in one place ready for a "rapid grab & go". That silences gremlins telling me that I'm tired after work. Even if I do feel tired, I am pleased to be out there as soon as I start my warm up walk. Favourite music or re- using Laura podcasts all keep my cheerful mojo happy! 😃
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