Wednesday, January 13, 2016

What You Can, When You Can

Sometimes life happens. No matter how well you've planned and scheduled your training, something ultimately may pop up out of left field and get in your way.

I don't work a traditional 9-5 job. I am currently working part time where my shifts can be anywhere between 6am and 10pm. I normally work 4 hour shifts, but lately I have been working 8 hours a day. With my work schedule constantly changing, I've had to be flexible about my workouts.

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Today was my "off" day, so I made sure to try and get as many of my chores done, as well as my cross training workout (20 mile bike ride). That means I needed to do a few loads of laundry, get groceries, reply to a ton of emails, run errands, etc so that on my work days I wouldn't have to worry about fitting those tasks in as well.

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For example, tomorrow I work from 6am until 10am and then again from 2pm until 6pm. I have an 8-miler on my calendar for training, so I am shooting to do that between my two shifts (as well as walking the dog, taking a shower, eating lunch and getting ready for my second shift). Friday is my long run, but I have to work from 10am until 6pm so I will be waking up around 5am so I can pound the pavement before my shifts start.

It's not always easy, but if it is important to you, you will make it happen (otherwise you will make excuses). Some days I am up before the sun to knock out my run and other days it's an afternoon workout to make sure I am staying up on my training schedule.

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I may never win a race, qualify for the Boston Marathon, or get any faster, but GOSH DARN IT, I am going to put in the work. Training doesn't run my life, I run my life. And if running helps keep me sane in this crazy world, I am going to keep doing it for as long as my body will allow! Having to rearrange my calendar or miss a workout here or there won't be the end of the world, but I will do what I can, when I can and be proud of everything I accomplish!

How do you make sure to get your workouts in when life happens?

3 comments:

angelmurf said...

It's wisdom to realize that life and work and errands and grocery shopping still have to be done. I try to do the same thing - Run early, at lunch. It won't always be ideal conditions but neither will whatever race we are training for. Stay tough and flexible Carlee!

Unknown said...

I work at 5am-2pm. During the summers when everyone wakes up early to run and beat the heat, I'm working. I have to go out in the hottest point in the day. Totally get it, but it makes us stronger. Just keep smiling Carlee!

Unknown said...

YOU are INCREDIBLY REAL and ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING!!! I love your posts on IG, Love your blog, adore your smile and totally aspire to be the BEST ME I can be because you encourage it and WE KNOW IT'S POSSIBLE!!! YOU ROCK ;)