I’ve finally finished C25K a few weeks ago and I’ve just been doing 3 30 minute runs a week and trying to increase my distance etc.
As my username suggests I’m a student nurse. I’ve just started a nursing placement in a really busy ward, which means until February I’ll be working 13 hour long days and 12 hour longs night shifts. I only have to work approx 37 hours but I just cannot picture how I’m going to fit in my regular runs while I’m doing this? I did my first shift yesterday and I’m laid in bed thinking how on earth can I run today I’m shattered? I’m still going to get out there and give it a go. But for example, the rest of my shifts this week are nights shifts! And I’m so worried I’m not going to get chance to run and my fitness will decline etc. I’ve worked so hard to finish C25K I don’t want to loose progress.
Does anyone else on here work really long shifts that manages to fit runs in?
Also is there anyone on here who does night shifts? If so, how do you find running after your shift?
I’ve been dying to do a park run for a few weeks and was hoping to do my first one this Saturday but it will be just as I finish my night shift ☹️
Thank you guys, sorry for the long post. I’m just a nervous/ excited/ worried/ anxious/ tired/ happy student nurse 🙄😂
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StudentNursee
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Hey, I'm a midwife so I k ow the pain of nights (I'm on one tonight) and just did my run, if I have 3 nights in a row (or the odd one) the first night I get up like normal say 7:30ish, do the run chill for a bit after have some food and go back to bed around 12/1 ish to then get up about 5/6 for my night shift and then fit the others 2 in on my other 4 days off
Thank you for your comment! Good luck with you night shift! Your plan sounds similar for mine on night shift! I’m on nights Wednesday night so I’m going to try it out! I’m hoping I’ll be up to going out for a run when I get back in the morning! Xx
I can't do it when I get in after shift my drive home is over and hour and I lack function so badly after nights I can just about force some food in my face before I go into a sleep coma 😂😂
Oh god I feel your pain! My last placement was an hour and half away and doing that drive after a 12/13 hour shift is crazy! I’m the same, I’m usually found asleep on the sofa an hour after I get home 😂 the struggles of shifts! 😂
Life’s all about curveballs!! I started a few months back. Would love to do morning runs but up at 6 for work as it is! I tried to do lunchtime but again always something at work so I try and make a point of going straight out when I get home. Normally 11-12 hr shift but nothing like what you nurses go through. You have to remember your probably on your feet all day and burning up the calories as it is. Think running has to be with a positive mind or all you will do is make it feel worse and then get fed up or annoyed with it. Do it when you can when you want to. 👍
Thank you for your lovely comment! Well done for getting out and running after work though, I struggle for motivation on an evening though! Aww bless you, it’s nice for someone to appreciate we’re stood on our feet the majority of the day! Although I think regardless of your profession, 11-12 hour shifts are really hard!
Thanks again for the comment I really appreciate it 😊 I will definitely just do what I can when I can! xx
Maybe, running after your night shift in the morning light could work out? Then you could stretch relax and sleep. I am looking forward to summer and running in daylight, almost all my running is in pitch black lanes as I live out in the sticks. I guess it will be too hot then!!
That’s what I’m hoping to do! Im hoping to go for a run on Thursday morning after my nights shift so fingers crossed I don’t die 😂 I honestly can’t wait for summer runs again! I thought the heat was terrible when I stared in summer this year but I think I prefer it to this weather! xx
I have no advice, but I just wanted to pop on here and say massive kudos to you and everyone else who juggles their running around stressful full-on jobs and shift work.
You amaze me! I’m sure you’ll get some great advice and I’m also sure you’ll find a pattern which suits you after some trial and error.
Aww bless you! Thank you so much for the comment, I really appreciate it and your words mean a lot to me! I’ll remember this comment when I’m on shift this week! xx
If you’re working on distance and working long hours maybe it’s time to vary the runs up. Assuming you get a couple of days in a row off, maybe chill out for the first and then do an extending run on the second, 35 minutes, 40 next etc, and at the same time drop one of your after work runs down... 15 minutes, try to go a bit faster than you’re comfortable. If you could then get a 30 minute run in you may find it gradually getting faster as endurance and speed training both kick in and maybe it will fit your shift patterns better?
That’s brilliant advice, thank you! I will definitely try this, I think the thought of doing a shorter run but trying to pick my pace up will be a welcome thought after a long day or night shift. Thank you! xx
I’m a nurse too and work 12.5 hour shifts and night shifts...it’s a killer! But I do get my runs in - when I realistically can.
I only run on days off, first thing in the morning. That way it’s done and out the way. Then you feel great for the rest of the day!
I have ran after a long day shift - as a stress buster. But I don’t put too much pressure on distance or pace. And I don’t do that often. Especially this time of year.
As for night shifts, I often do a run of 3. On that first night shift, get up early that day and go for a run nice and early. Get home and snuggle and chill and snooze for the rest of the day.
I don’t run between nights - that’s just crazy! 🤪
The day I finish nights I sometimes go in the morning, but more often I run in the evening after a day of rest. It surprises me how well I perform!
Be realistic with yourself. It’s hard to set a routine when we work these shifts. Just do what you can when you can. And don’t put too much pressure on yourself...your nurse training is difficult enough as it is!!!
Oh my gosh thank you so much for such a lovely comment! It’s honestly so nice to have a comment from someone who’s in a very similar situation!
I usually always run in a morning, I’m the same as you, I much prefer getting up and getting it done and out of the way! I was debating running after a long shift but as you’ll know, your just exhausted and want to finally sit down haha! I’m hoping one day I’ll have the motivation to go after a shift but I’m not holding my breath! 🙄
That is exactly my plan for my nights shifts, although I’m on a night shift tomorrow and I ran today, so I’m planning on going when I get home on Thursday morning... I know, I’m probably crazy 😂 but I’m going to see if that works for me and if it does that will be great!
Thank you so much for your advice I appreciate all of it! And yes the nurse training is definitely difficult, especially as I’ve just stared my third and final year 😱
Sending love to my fellow running nurse, your an angel 😇 xx
Aww guuuurl! Third year will FLY by! Enjoy the student days!
I often go spin classes in the morning after nights, without sleep 😳 and I find I do better! Surprisingly! So maybe a run in the morning will suit you? Experiment and find the right routine for you.
Running after a LD in the summer is much easier...if anything, it’s just nice to get the last of the days sun on your face after 12hrs in work. And shake off the stress and emotion of the day 😊
Finally, just be so proud of yourself for being so motivated. It’s REALLY effing hard juggling everything as a student nurse, let alone exercise too!
Don’t be hard on yourself if you miss a run or just need a day to rest. It’s JUST as important to spend a day doing NOTHING, as it is to study hard/keep fit/socialise etc etc etc!!
Just thought I’d let you know, I’ve just got back from my night shift.. the run is not happening 😂 I’m shattered! Well I’m physically tired from my shift but I feel wide awake right now 🙄 planning on going tomorrow morning before my next night shift! I think you were right, I am crazy for thinking a run would be a good idea post night shift 😂xx
Thank you! I’ll definitely be experimenting over the next few weeks to find what works for me, and it’s so useful to hear what other people find works for them!
I think I’ll definitely give running after an LD ago, but think I’ll wait until summer and soak up the last of the sunshine like you said!
Honestly thank you so much for your comments. Comments like yours and people like you are often what gets me through a tough shift and a tough run. Your words mean the world to me, thank you ❤️
Hey StudentNursee. Don’t let running become another chore on your list of things to get done. Running is your ‘you’ time. A time to reflect on your day, time to devote to your health, time to be away from the hospital in the fresh air. It’s a treat. Somehow you must make this time for yourself - you need and deserve it. Mind you if you’re like me don’t run straight after a night shift - I would probably have fallen under a bus 🚌😁
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and then fit the others 2 in on my other 4 days off 
The one when it all (finally) felt easy!!
A short run
Only gone and done it!
I ran for a whole HOUR today!
