How to incorporate running into your hectic schedule in three steps.

One of my clients pointed out today an image that showed up in her Facebook memories from exactly one year ago. We are at the beginning of full lockdown measures here in the Bahamas and I had challenged the group to “yard miles” as an avenue to maintain run training and fitness by doing the only thing we were authorized to do – exercise on our properties. I remember looking around as the restrictions began to ease and we were able to run in our neighborhoods and marveling at the number of people who found themselves suddenly active or more active during the height of the pandemic.

Now here we are – back on our jobs, kids back in school. We are back to routine. Somehow, that newfound passion that we acquired during the pandemic, we find ourselves struggling to clear time for. And for many of us (myself included) the routine now comes with additives. One year ago, many of us didn’t have our own businesses. We were not hustling to create and refine our personal brands. We were not working on certifications and engaging in meaningful projects. It is easy for our personal health and fitness routines to become lost in the fray.

Coming off the heels of an insanely successful month for Run Naturally, I can attest to having activities fall through the cracks. While I train clients six days a week, yesterday was the first morning in a year that I went for a run with my son London. It was the first time in a while that I ran ‘just for me.’ Today is the first day in weeks where I have cleared time to write. So there is no better day to share with you my three steps for clearing time to run and be active in the midst of “Routine With Additives”.

1. Take an honest look at your current routine. When we say that we do not have time to run or be active, we need to do a deep dive into those activities that may not make it on our to-do lists (Netflix marathons, social media engagements). Is it possible to cut away as little as 15 minutes from those activities to devote to a quick run around the block? The answer may surprise you.
2. Attach a solid level of importance to running and fitness. Don’t get me wrong. Running is a joy. It helps me focus and align my thoughts while aligning my physical self. But incorporating running as a part of your daily routine also takes consistency and commitment. If it is something that is not overly important to you, you are less likely work at making it a part of your routine. Make fitness a priority and it will become almost second nature after a while.
3. View running and fitness as a form of self care. Often we think of self care as going to the salon or to the spa or relaxing with a good book. And often we think of getting out of bed to run or exercise as a chore or means to reverse poor weekend eating habits. I cannot tell you how amazing I feel after a solid run. For me it is the ultimate form of self care. It is a reminder of how much stronger my body is becoming every day. Embrace running and fitness as positives and it will be a joy to incorporate them into your busy schedules.

How do you make time to incorporate running into your schedule? Let us know in the comments.

Linda