Where does the time go?

I had a great program going in the fall. My work day doesn’t start until 10am, so I could get in a nice 4 mile run with out having to wake up too early. My running schedule was set up by Nike+ (my favorite tool), and I was on track, until the one day I missed a run. 

Just for the record I missed it cause my son was born than morning. But it still knocked me off my program. I was inactive for a month. It took a while for me to find a new routine. 

Now in order to get my runs in I had to find a routine that couldn’t be stopped!

But balancing family, work and training can be a little difficult. The Nike+ 28 week marathon training program will have me running four days a week. Three mid week runs and a long weekend run.

So here are a few simple tips I’m taking to make sure I don’t miss a step.

1) Set a schedule – You do it for work everyday! Do it for yourself too! For me the best time is morning. Sure I have to get up at 4am, but who cares. If your boss called and said they needed you to start coming it that early would you do it? Sure you would. 

2) Stick to your plan – If you have to get up at 4am, don’t lay around until 4:15, then you’re just wasting time. When the alarm goes off get up and go. The longer you wait the harder it is to get going at all.

3) Have a goal – One of the best parts of Nike+ is the ability to set goals or challenge friends. I currently have a challenge going with my friend Adam on who can log the most distance (I’m winning). Having a goal or something to shoot for will motivate you to stay on track.

4) Make yourself accountable – Nike+ does this part for me too. There is a graph on my scheduled run days. When I log my run, the blue graph turns orange. If you miss a run that missed day is the eyesore of your chart for the whole week. (The program pictured is my marathon program which starts 3/30)