Really hoping to start C25K shortly. However I’m a full time working mum, already up at 0545 and with the kids not in bed until 2000 / 2030 and I’m then in bed around 2200.
Which leaves me with a choice - get up at 0500 for a run or go around 2030 / 2100 and then shower and collapse into bed (but sacrifice evenings!).
I’m thinking the early start may be a better bet (and learn to survive on 6-7 hours sleep a night). What have others found works for them?
Do you have a partner? If so, could they deal with with the kids on their own for half an hour in the early evening before the kids' bedtime? Then you could run in the early evening (and that would potentially have the added advantage of you not having to run on a full stomach after an evening meal). It's only half an hour three times a week, so it wouldn't be taking that much out of your family time - appreciate it's difficult when you want to spend as much time with your kids as possible, though.
If 5am or 9pm works for you, that's great - I think it just depends on whether you're a morning or an evening person. But do bear in mind that it might feel a bit harder when the summer's over and it will be dark at those times.
I'm not a morning person, so my choice was clear, I try to have dinner around 7 and go for my run around 9, but I've gone as late as 11pm...
I do mornings twice a week and on my weekend run I fit it in when I can. Hiw old are your children ? I am up at 5am to fit it all in.
It is only two days out of 7 so it is doable for me
I have a similar situation, 3 kids with lots of activities and work to 3pm each day. I get up at 5am to do my run. Definitely not a morning person and it is hard to get up but afterwards I feel amazing and it sets me up for the day. I am now on week 7 and it’s became a habit. You could give it a try and see what suits you.
Thanks all for your replies so far. To answer a couple of questions, my children are 4 and 2 and yes, can occasionally be put to bed by either my partner or myself but other times it’s a two person job! In terms of early evening, we tend to eat as a family at 1830 just before kids go to bed which precludes that (saves me cooking two separate meals!) so running 2030/2100 is probably the earliest I can do in an evening. Unless my husband cooks dinner whilst I’m running 🤔🤞😁
Early morning runs
Late night, early morning
Early Morning Runs and Food
Early morning runs
Evening or morning runs, which is best?
