The struggle/problem: Distance running takes a lot of time. Let’s face it. In addition to training, we need time to take care of our bodies through strength, mobility, and body care. 

Evaluate: Create a time log

We don’t know how we spend our time in an objective way so studies suggest logging our activities throughout the day.

• Did everything you needed to do get done?
• What activity or task required the most time?
• What time of day are you most productive?
• What times were you least productive?
• Did I have time for your life’s priorities (very individual question, but may include school, work, family, faith, responsibilities, etc.)?
• How did my training impact the day?

Prune the time wasters

Entertainment in the form of shows, games, and social media can drain time we don’t have as a busy athlete. Set time parameters. Some devices allow you to set limits on apps and even create a downtime where all your apps go dark.

Honor life priorities 

As mentioned in the time management evaluation above, consider your life priorities and how much time is being made for them. For every person these will be different. Part of honoring life priorities may include involving others.

• Communicate within relationships.
• Discuss how you can sport their goals too.
• How can training be manageable within these life priorities and responsibilities?

There may be targeted seasons for more or less intense training.

Know your training priorities

What period of training are you in?

What do you need to train with health?
Do you understand your training?

Are you recovering well?

Is your sleep and nutrition sufficient?

(Most runners don’t. We are here to help!) 

Add “life value” to training

• Meet a friend for a run. If your friend is not a runner, would biking next to you be an option? Perhaps you could do core or strength together.
• Have your family be part of your training. We’ve posted lots of ideas in an article called, “ Fitness: A Family Event.”
• Use your running time to process or practice an upcoming presentation at work or school.
• Listen to a seminar or podcast to help you sharpen your understanding for job, work, or home life. If you want to learn more about running, check out the A to Z Running Podcast.

Add training value to life

Do you have any period of waiting, watching kids, or watching shows where you could add value to training?

• Legs on a wall
• ​​Roll
• Stretch
• Use massage gun
• Yoga
• Core
• Leg strength, etc!

Do you spend time at a desk sitting?

• Whartons neck stretches.
• Sitting piriformis stretch.
• Rolling your feet. 
• Compression socks.
• And more! 

We wrote an article with ideas with more Lifestyle Hacks for Recovery.

Create a schedule

 If we know what we are going to do and when we are going to do it, the decision to get things done will be easier. 

Not only do you want to have a schedule for training, but also everyday life. According to ProofHub 10-12 minutes invested in planning your day will save at least 2 hours of wasted time and effort throughout the day.

Create habits and routines

Habits and routines will help your training processes go better and faster. We discussed habits more way back in episode 10. 

Forbes suggests organizing your work around your energy levels. If you are best after you run, do your run in the morning. If you feel sluggish in the afternoon and feel less motivated to train, you might also consider morning runs. 

Learn to say “no”

Make life a little easier

• Lay out your running clothes.
• Keep an extra set of work and running clothes in the car.
• Declutter.
• Utilize free grocery pickup.
• Automate your workflow and do batch work when applicable.
• Memorize routes close to home for all your times/distances.
• Consider a YMCA family membership to make childcare accessible every day.