Now, where did I write today’s training plan…?
When you have children, it often feels like your time is no longer your own. From the early days of endless nappies and feeding on demand, to the later years of school runs and constant ferrying to play dates and afterschool activities, grabbing a few minutes to drink a hot cup of tea or pee in private can seem impossible. But even though you might feel like running has to take a back seat while you juggle your family’s needs, it really doesn’t have to. What’s more, taking the time to go for a run a few times a week gives you the chance to recharge and relax, helping you feel calmer, happier and more able to deal with life’s challenges (yes, even the challenge of an angry, tantruming toddler). Here are our top 13 running hacks for busy mums everywhere…
Get organised to use short windows of spare time
1. MAKE EVERY MINUTE COUNT
To ensure you actually make it out for a run, you will probably need to manage your expectations somewhat. Instead of mourning all the free time you used to have (oh, for those lovely hour-long mid-week runs!), start focusing on what you can do with the time that’s available to you right now.
“In my pre-parent life, I took spontaneity for granted, generally training when I wanted, where I wanted and for as long as my heart desired,” says Chrissie Wellington, four-time World Ironman champion and mum to Esme, 19 months. “I also faffed a lot, wasting time getting my clothes sorted or downloading podcasts to listen to on my runs. Since becoming a mother, I’m increasingly time efficient and organised, and seize small windows of opportunity with both hands. It’s worth going for a run even if I can only do 15 minutes.”
Getting into the mindset that every minute counts could see you making the most of a 10-minute window of time, where otherwise you might not have bothered. “A 10-minute run is better than nothing at all,” says Mel Bound, mum of two and founder of This Mum Runs (thismumruns.co.uk). “One of the biggest barriers is thinking that if you don’t go out for an hour it’s not worth it. A quick run around the block still does you the world of good, gets you out the door and makes getting out the next time even easier.”
2. PUT IT IN THE DIARY
Writing your training sessions in the diary can make them seem more concrete, meaning you’re more likely to make your family commitments fit around your running, rather than the other way round. “Get it in your diary, ideally as a regular slot every week, so it becomes a habit,” suggests Bound. “Let your partner and family know it’s there and it can’t be moved.”
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