I’ve mentioned a few times that I run a lot. I’ve been running 5-6 days a week for almost 30 years. The past few years, I’ve been running about 60-70 miles per week. I posted recently about how I started running, and last week I posted questions and answers about my running. Today, keep reading to find out how I get out the door consistently to run.
Common Challenges to Exercising Regularly
Staying consistent with an exercise routine is often a struggle. Most people cite reasons like being too tired, not having enough time, and being unmotivated. Other barriers include not knowing what to do, not enjoying exercise, and not seeing results. Bad weather, lack of facilities, and having pain or illnesses are also likely to get in the way.
These struggles and obstacles are real. I face many of them, too. As a single working parent, I give up a lot for my runs. I plan carefully, and use what I have in my favor: high motivation, support from a lot of people, and a long history of running daily.
Logistics: Getting Childcare for My Runs
When I first decided to try for a baby, I promised myself that a child wouldn’t interfere with my running. I’ve kept that promise, thanks in part to careful planning for childcare. For more than 8 years now, reliable and wonderful people have stepped in to watch my son and let me run.
When my parents are in town, they’re kind enough to watch my son while I run and have some “me” time in the mornings. When they’re out of town, my son and I have been lucky to have some of the world’s best babysitters. (Side note: if you don’t think your family’s babysitter(s) are the world’s best, consider looking for another one. A great babysitter makes life so much better).
Scheduling: Making Time to Run
Another thing I make sure to do is set aside time to run. I prefer running early in the morning for a few reasons. First, it’s when I have energy. It’s also somewhat before I’m fully awake, so I’m too confused to take the time to consider not running. Finally, it lets me finish running before 8 or 8:30 a.m., so it’s extremely rare that anyone from work would need to contact me before I’m done running.
Before I leave in the morning, I need to get my son up and make sure he’s showered, dressed, and ready for breakfast. That means I need to get up early, which means I need to get to bed early. In fact, I go to bed shortly after my son does, which means I have very little work time or down time in the evening. After my son has lights-out, I eat a late-night snack (I always have liked eating at night! Currently it’s oatmeal), then go to bed.
More Tricks to “Make It Easier”
I do everything I can to make running the “easy” or “default” choice. For example, I sleep in my running clothes and have my running shoes outside. My mp3 player is charged and sitting near my keys, which are by the door. There’s no organization or thought needed in the morning before I run; everything is ready by the time I go to bed the night before.
A List of Mental Tricks
With all that prep, I still need to use a lot of mental tricks to get started and keep running. Having a babysitter or my parents coming at a scheduled time is a good start; I have no ability to postpone starting my run.
If it seems too daunting, I remind myself that I’ll be starting out so slowly that it’ll feel like I’m walking. I tell myself that if it feels too hard, I’ll slow down until it’s comfortable. I tell myself to get through one mile, then 2 miles, then a half-hour. At 5 miles, I tell myself that I can go for a while longer and be at an hour. A few miles later, and I’m done if it’s a 10-miler.
Throughout a run, I give myself permission to stop if I really need to. Focusing on being in this moment (“I’m okay right now”) lets me relax and keep going; there’s no need to worry about the next moment (“What if I get tired?”).
If I feel tired when I start or during a run, I tell myself I can take a nap later. That’s extra helpful on cold days when I feel like going back to my warm bed.
Instead of running a big loop, I run several laps around the block we live on. This is easier for me because I can tell myself, “I know I can do one more lap.” For other people, committing to a big loop might be easier because there’s no way to quit.
I try to make my runs entertaining by saving music for them. I don’t often listen to music at other times, so it makes my runs special. I might also listen to the news – another luxury that I try to save for running.
Since I’ve been running for so long, I know I can count on feeling better afterwards. If I go for a few weeks without feeling better afterwards, I know it’s time for an extra day off. That’s pretty rare, about 2-5 times a year.
It’s a Give-and-Take
I give up a lot for running. For most people, it’s not worth it. More social time, more screen time or reading in the evenings, and the ability to sleep in may be more valuable to them than the extra miles I’m able to get in by giving up so many things. I don’t recommend it for everyone; I just recommend considering some of my strategies if you’re having trouble being consistent with your exercise routine. Consider what you can do to have more energy, make more time, and get what you need from your exercise routine, and make it happen as best you can.
How do you get active or stay active despite challenges you may face?
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