The urge to get fitter and faster is often met with the frustration of knowing life is so busy it just won’t happen. Or will it? You can still improve if you’re wise with your time and train smart

WORDS: CHRISTINA MACDONALD

Are you time poor, or poor at managing your time?

It’s a frustration faced by many runners. You’ve completed a few races, feel good and now want to take your running to the next level. You’d like to see those race times coming down. You’re focused and dedicated. There’s just one problem: lack of time.

Most of us lead such busy lives that finding time to train the way we want to can be a monumental challenge. Is it even possible and practical to get fitter when you’re so busy?

“Everything is possible and if you actually want to improve, it’s all about planning and being organised,” says Matthew Pierson, a gait analysis specialist from sportsshoes.com. “Use the time you have more effectively. For example, I’ll do a 30-minute run and, to get the benefit, will do 10 minutes easy, 10 minutes hard, 10 minutes easy. Early morning runs can help you squeeze in extra training – there is no better feeling than having done your run by 7am.” When it comes to efficient training, organisation is key.