Sticking to Training Schedules – Is Running Ruining Your Life?

Posted by on Jul 19, 2012 in Motivation

Crossing the finish line at Shamrock Marathon, March 2012.

Reaching the finish line to an endurance event is a multifaceted victory; a successfully executed race day strategy, confidence, determination and perhaps most the most important element of all: quality training.

Now, notice that qualifier…quality. Yes, it is true – in endurance training, as in other facets of life – quality trumps quantity, no question. This, of course, is not to say that a minimum amount

of miles is going to help you get smash your goal, but as an amateur athlete, it’s important to remember that running may be a part of your life, but it is not
your entire life.

I know I’m guilty of trying to go against that simple concept – I cannot tell you how many times I’ve cancelled social plans, spent hours devising plans to “make up” that missed run or hobbled through a recovery run when a rest day would have been more appropriate. It’s funny to look back now – but when you’re in that moment, mindset only on that allusive time goal…it can be all-consuming.

But it doesn’t have to be…truly! You CAN have a life while marathon training – and this is how.

  1. Start with the right plan: New runner? Looking to improve a previous time? Craving a BQ? Great! These are all admirable goals and all have corresponding plans to get you there safely. Whether your plan calls for 3 runs a week or 6, be sure to put in the necessary research to determine if its doable for you. If possible, enlist the help of a more seasoned runner or even better, a coach! The plan shouldn’t be a complete departure from your prior running experience (in duration or complexity) but shouldn’t be so mundane that it will bore you.
  2. Forget perfect: In the standard 15-18 weeks of a marathon training schedule, you WILL miss a run. It is NOT the end of the world! In fact, it can even be a good thing, especially if it’s due to a lingering pain, ache or injury. Move on, that next run is waiting for you!
  3. Check in…with yourself: Tired? Sluggish? Sore? Guess what, you’re training for something that will most likely make you 100 times more tired, sluggish and sore! Learn how to identify mental versus physical limitations and try to keep in mind why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Follow these three easy steps and you’ll find that endurance training can complement, not control your existence.

How do you fit training into your busy life style? What obstacles have you overcome to get you to the finish line? Please share in the comment section below.

Author Bio: Krissy is a running enthusiast who was bitten by the racing bug in 2011 at the Walt Disney World Half Marathon…and hasn’t looked back since! A self-proclaimed military brat, Krissy has bounced around the world her whole life and currently resides in Charlottesville, VA with her husband, Eric. Find out more about Krissy here and follow her on Twitter.

Related posts:

  1. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Marathon
  2. March 2012 Training Summary
  3. 5 Ugly Truths About Running
  • http://twitter.com/IAmAmeliaJune Amelia

    This is definitely something I struggle with sometimes. I often think to myself about how “running is ruining my life” because it takes up so much time. I often don’t stay out as late hanging out with friends or skip doing things with them altogether just because I’m supposed to run instead. Keeping the schedule can be hard. When things pop up spur of the moment, I have to weigh which is more important to me, following my training schedule or doing this other thing. Sometimes, I can move my runs around, but sometimes I have to miss a run or two. I always feel guilty skipping runs. 

    Running is always such a high priority for me and it’s that way because it’s something I love and am dedicated to, but I find myself stressed trying to juggle the rest of my life in the little time I have left. 

    To add to that, I’m a transgender runner and plan to start my transition soon. This will place running and transition at constant odds with each other in terms of how I divvy up my time. I really don’t know how I’m going to do it. 

    • http://twitter.com/krissymmurphy krissy murphy

       Thanks for your comment, Amelia. I am glad you brought up your concerns because I know that it takes a lot to admit when things are not perfect in any aspect of your life – especially when it comes to things that you hold very dear.

      I think it is important to remind ourselves, no matter what our life situation is – that running should complement our well-being, not overwhelm it :)