There's Not Enough Time In A Day...Time Management Tips & Tricks for Every Runner!

So you have made that first step-you are following a training plan, whether it be in preparation for a race or just for life in general. But how do you actually follow that plan? It might determine that you need to run 4 easy miles on Thursday, a rest day on Friday and a long run of 15 miles on Saturday...but where/how/when do you find the time to actually complete those runs?

You might have the motivation to get out there and run, but sometimes, life can just get in the way. In this week's blog, I'm going to share some of my tips and tricks for finding time to fit in those runs (and what to do if you do end up skipping a run).

1. Call a Running Buddy & Schedule a Run

When you are held accountable, you will most likely complete the task at hand. If you call up a running buddy and schedule a time to run with them, you won't want to cancel or not show up. You are holding each other accountable for showing up and completing the run.

2. Schedule a Time in your Personal Calendar

This is a trick I use every single week. I will go through my work schedule each day and schedule a time to run in my Outlook calendar. This way, I will get reminders before my "meeting", plus it forces me to get up from my desk and get some miles in. I also believe that this type of break helps me focus and work more efficiently when it's eventually time to get back to work.

3. Run First Thing in the Morning

I realize that it is not easy for everyone to jump out of bed and head out the door first thing in the morning to go for a run-especially when it is the dead of Winter (brrr!!). However, if running is your first task of the day, you will have the rest of day to do whatever you want/need to get done. Sometimes, as the day goes on, meetings/appointments/tasks and just life can get in the way, preventing you from completing your run for the day. You really have no excuse to not run if you do it right away in the morning. ***Morning Runner Tip: lay your clothes and gear out the night before so all you have to do is jump into it and head out the door***

4. Multitask!

Your favorite tv show was on last night but you missed the episode? Maybe you are way behind on watching your favorite YouTuber? Or did your favorite Podcast just release a new episode? Use the time you would normally take to watch/listen to these and multitask with a run! If a tv show is an hour long, you could spend this hour on the couch or you could spend it on a treadmill. Choices.

So what do you do if life just gets in the way and you do end up missing a workout? Depending on your training plan, you might be able to fit it in the following day in replacement of cross training or a rest day. If you can't, don't worry about it! One run will not make or break your training. However, if it becomes a habit and you continue to skip workouts, then this will definitely cause problems with your training-especially if you skip several long runs or speed sessions.

If finding time to run seems to be an issue, try some of the tips above. Leave a comment and let me know if they work for you. Or, maybe you use a different tip or trick...leave a comment to share!

Now, go make those miles matter!!!

Coach Sarah