We are one week into summer break and I’ve yet to find a rhythm. I think back to previous years and I wonder how the heck I squeezed marathon training in?
To be fair, Thing 1 and the Caveman were away this week so my runs while single parenting had to be on the mill. I could not will myself to go more than a few miles. Plus we’re having the house painted so there’s an added level of obligation waiting for them to show up, etc.
Finally this morning I made it out for a crack-of-dawn 6 miler. Before rush hour traffic. Before the winds whipped up and the sun got too hot. It was like old times (alas nowhere near as fast).
My shoulder started hurting like a mofo again. I blame sleeping on it ‘wrong’. I refused to let it spoil my glorious early morning though. Why is life so chaotic? Shouldn’t it be ‘easier’ now that the kids are no longer babies?
Probably more for my benefit than anyone else’s, I reflected on how I squeezed in fitness when the kids were smaller (they were 2 and 6 when I ran my first marathon):
- I followed a Plan (Run Less Run Faster) and crosstrained religously in the basement
- I worked out FIRST thing in the morning. Before life got in the way
- I reviewed my workout the night before so I was mentally prepared and didn’t waste time
- I laid out my clothes
- I negotiated a deal w/the Caveman so I could squeeze my run in before he left for work
- Most importantly: I was passionate about marathon training.
What are your tips for squeezing in fitness? Have you settled into your summer groove?
I’m really struggling to find time to get my training in, too. That’s the hardest part of triathlon training, getting enough of each sport in the feel like I do any of them remotely well. My kids have one more week of school then I hope things settled down some and I can get some more consistent training in. Now that I work “normal” hours, it’s even harder to squeeze workouts in. I’m at work by 6:30am and work 10.5 hour shifts. That rules out early morning runs, I just can’t get up routinely at 3-4 am! So I’m fitting it in after work, around kid activities, and on the weekends. Better than nothing, right?
My kids still have a half day on Monday, crazy right?! I have no plans for the summer other than getting in at least one hike a week with my boys. I’m starting to think I might need to get some things planned or this will be a loooong summer;)
It is hard with so much going on & hopefully you will get it figured out to work good fro you!
So sorry about the shoulder!
Sorry that you are still dealing with a bum shoulder and pain when you run!!!
The title of your post is what I’ve been asking myself for the past 2 weeks – start the day at 5:15 and still can’t fit everything in – supposed to be fun/chill time!
And, I’m not training for a marathon but, I do get up early with a plan and clothes already laid out so that I can get my workout done before the day really kicks off.
Hopefully you get into your summer groove next week!!
I think that getting ready the night before is key.. clothing and knowing what your workout will be. I also think it is a really good idea to let the partner know what your plans are!
I think that motivation to want to exercise is key. If you don’t have that, a myriad of excuses arise. You have a different schedule to adjust to now, it’ll get easier after a week or two of routine. 🙂 I hope your shoulder quits being a jerk soon.
Sorry that shoulder of yours is still giving you a tough time!
I always find the first week of summer break a tough transition – hopefully you’ll find your groove soon!
How is it that we can sleep wrong?! I do it myself – wake up with a stiff neck or so back after going to bed quite healthy. I hope your shoulder starts to feel better soon.
I got in the least amount of workouts when the kids were in grade school and middle school. There were just so many things to do with them and they just don’t take naps at that age. 🙂
Sorry your shoulder is hurting again!
These are really good tips. I have been struggling to find my groove lately too-so these are very helpful. Thanks, Marcia!
Marathon training? Did I miss some big announcement (you didn’t get into Chicago, right???)
Jill no marathon training! Not for me this year anyway.
Ugh, bummer that your shoulder acted up again!
I’ve been thinking about marathon training lately and it’s freaking me out. I’m not sure if I should because of my IT band AND I really enjoy being able to get things done around the house since I’m not running for three hours on the weekends.
Ahhhh! Not getting into a schedule groove is the worst! I hope things settle down soon so you can figure it out. My tip is just get up as early as you can. Today, I got up at 4:45am to get to the gym!