Now that I’m working 12.5hr nights again I’m so tired I’m finding it difficult to find the energy to run. When the kids are in school I get by on about 5 hours sleep per day which means on my days off I’m knackered. Well forum friends any ideas?
Back to working nights: Now that I’m working 1... - Couch to 5K
Back to working nights
30 Replies
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lagatachocolateGraduate
It’s not easy Steve but you need to make time for what will benefit you and your children in the long-term.
in reply to lagatachocolate
Thank you 😊
It is difficult to fit into a busy life, particularly when you work shifts. I’m not a good sleeper and never have a whole nights sleep, waking frequently and finding it hard to get back off. I have found that I run better in the mornings so I make myself get up at 6am regardless of how much sleep I’ve had. It’s really worth it for me as the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. Having that half an hour to myself, doing something that instantly makes me feel good is such a mood booster! I’ve noticed an improvement in my physical and mental health and I’ve proved to myself that I can do it. That’s been huge for me.
It may be that you have to juggle things around to fit in your runs or you perhaps need extra rest days in between.
Try and make work for you. Somebody told me at the start that you never regret going for a run. Don’t give up !
in reply to sarah65
Thank you Sarah😊
Could you go as soon as you come back from work, before you sit down/ go to bed? At least if you did you would rest in the satisfaction you did it. Or just before you start your work shift? If you can fit it in somehow you will be inspirational to others 😊
ancientrunnerGraduate
Do you do a week on/week off or is it a shorter turn around. If you get a week off could maybe just focus on trying to fit it in then. I feel for you. I used to do one week in 6 of same length shifts. Would cycle in on the first night and then end up leaving the bike till my last morning - or even go back for it on my week off. Sorry I don't really have an answer.
I sympathise. It’s difficult trying to fit runs in when you’re knackered from working shifts but I’ve found that getting outside and running for half an hour is re-energising, even between night shifts. I try to go when I wake up, before I have time to think about it. Zombie running! Just do it when you can.
Bloody dreadful night shifts , grr ... me only 8hrs per night only 2 nights per wk , I don’t have to think on my feet like you 😘plus I get the breaks I am due 😊👍🏻
Also I get sleep when I get home
(No young children to see to ... )
Make this program work for you Steven not the program control you
it’s just finding that balance which is the hardest part 🙄
Just remember you need to enjoy this journey otherwise you may fail
Just remember you are not compelled to the 9weeks
Behind you Mr 😘
Wonderful summer is on its way and you work nights .... oh the joys🙄
in reply to Jen58
When the summer is here I can run at night, the place I work at has a 1 km long drive😁
Ouch nasty - can you build in some of the runs pre-shift, so you’re energised before you start them. Or is that a really daft idea and cause you even more sleep deprivation?
What about the power nap followed by the power run followed by crashing out? Could you drop the runs to twice a week? The nine weeks is an aspiration not an absolute, so when life gets in the way just work the plan to suit. You won’t lose your fitness with a week off, but it will be so much harder when you do try if instead of three runs a week you’re only doing one. I guess the criticality here is your shift pattern, to see what’s doable.
I hope you can find a compromise that keeps you healthy and not make you a zombie.
Very tough Steve.🙈
Like the name change.🌟👏👏
Fits well with the no brainer slow and steady method that meets all the demands of this tried and tested C25k programme.🌟
The option of not continuing from your concerns is not on the table.👍🤔
Good helpful advice given.👍
I would think quality not quantity to allow you to continue the programme.🤔
Start with one run per week.🤔
Use your slower Steve and slow and steady to get you through each run in turn. Do not move on until you are satisfied with each performance.🤔
You can always review the possibility of maybe achieving two runs in the week .🤔
So apart from the progress you have made it would be conceptionally a 27 week programme if you were starting it from run1, which you are not.🤔
Good luck with your option🤔 ,we do not want to see you depart from the programme or the forum.🤔🌟👏👏
in reply to Tbae
Tbea I’m not going anywhere, I’m committed to completing this and hopefully moving onto the next stage. My goal is to be able to complete the Cateran Challenge sometime in the next 5 years.
Jude1963Graduate
My best time to run is often as soon as I come in from work. I drink water during the day at work in preparation and eat a banana as soon as I get in. Changed, trainers on, out the door...before I’ve had chance to think about it too hard.
That way it’s become part of my working day. Then I can relax after. (Kids grown up though so I guess I can relax a bit). Would that fit into your morning schedule when you come home from work or maybe you have to rush home to get the kids up?
Either way as people say on here, it’s your essential half hour of total freedom when you’re doing you and your body the world of good.
I appreciate it must be tough though. I’ve never worked nights. x
in reply to Jude1963
Jude, I come in from work at 8am get the kids ready for school, take one of them for 9am and then I have to be back down the school to pick him up at 3pm. I have to sleep between those times😢
Ah. I’m sorry. I see the problem.... I can understand now how motivation would be difficult for you. Choice between valuable sleep/rest and exercise.
I suggest you don’t aim to go every other day then. You won’t lose the momentum if you have longer breaks. I found that out for myself. If anything I come back with more energy and determination.
It doesn’t matter if the program takes 18 weeks does it? 🤷🏼♀️😊
That seems a bit unreasonable to me. 5 hrs rest, let alone sleep is not enough. Are there no after school clubs or other ways they can get in? Friends mums etc even a couple of days per week? That's a recipe for poor health. What sort of work do you do?
in reply to GoGo_JoJo
Mental health support worker, it’s so mentally draining.☹️ it’s not a good enough reason to ask someone else to pick him up and I have been working only nights for about 14 years now
That's very draining indeed. All the more reason you need time to rest fully. Just because you've been doing it doesn't mean you can carry on long term. Sometimes change is needed. You were 14 years younger when you started. Always keep your options open. There may be a perfect solution waiting for you if only you knew. 🤞
SusieHicksGraduate
Good luck with it, I find it hard running when I’m tired, but it’s sooo good for making you feel better. Maybe before you start work, when you still have some energy? Or maybe just run less in your on-nights weeks?
McdonGraduate
Yip I work 12.5 hr days and nights it’s difficult after a shift. I try to run before my first night then maybe after my last night once I’ve slept. I’ve never had the energy to run after a night shift but I can after a day shift still tiring but only way to fit runs in really. My days off are my best runs but I know how hard it is when you work different days and nights every week.
DebJogsOnGraduate
Sounds tough (I find it difficult enough juggling work where I'm usually home by 7pm and children old enough to look after themselves) - but with the commitment you've shown so far I'm sure you'll work something out.
I did try running during a lunch hour once - but am so used to running as a great start to the the day or pounding out my frustrations after work going during work didn't feel right.
GoGo_JoJoGraduate
Could you run in your lunch break?
I vote for as soon as you get in, works (worked) for me and often I felt less tired after and got better sleep as a result too.
Your overall wellbeing is too important to be relegated. Your family will benefit as you do from your exercise so it needs to been seen as equally important. 👍
in reply to GoGo_JoJo
My lunch break is normally about 01:30 or 03:00hrs and it’s a bit dark to run so I’m trying to get access to the patients gym
mrrunGraduate
That's tough, no other way to put it. One of those where work dictates life, no matter how much you may enjoy your job.
Try and maintain basic fitness level and use whatever little free time you have to do so because, ultimately, that should benefit your body. I can do a few minutes of squats, stretches or planks anywhere l am, l don't even need planning. And my running gear is always with me for any opportunity.
By doing so you may find a pattern or rhythm, where with basic structure in place you can still stay active.
All the best, man!
in reply to mrrun
Cheers😁
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