Six Tips: Training + Time Management

Hi everyone!  Today, I decided to join in the Tuesdays on the Run linkup with Janelle, Patty,  Erika and April because it's a topic I have a lot of experience with: time management.  I've learned a lot about what to do (and what not to do).  I'll be sharing my top 6 tips for staying organized and fitting in your workouts even with the busiest week.  I hope that my past mistakes will help you avoid some of the same pitfalls!  If you have any good time management tips, please share below, and make sure to check out everyone linking up to see more tips!

1.  Be organized.
The most important (and easiest) way to be in control of your training schedule and  improve time management is to be organized.  This might mean downloading an app for your phone, getting a wall calendar, or purchasing a planner.  I've tried all of these, and a planner works the best for me.

I recently bought a planner from a shop on Etsy, and it's already helped me to stay more organized with my blog, work, and exercise.  This first tip is essential for the rest of my suggestions, so read on!

2.  Write down any commitments/ vacations/ appointments first. 

These are dates that can't be moved, and that you'll have to plan around.  Instead of using this as an excuse to skip workouts like I did in the past, now I just make these constraints for my plan.  Now I know which days or times I won't be able to exercise, and I can pick another time to go!

Running and exploring in D.C.!

If you're planning a trip in the middle of a training cycle, use this as an excuse to explore the area!  I love running in new places, so I'll research ahead of time some safe places to run.  You can also check out local running groups, who are always happy to host someone from out of town (and usually let you run with them for free!).   If you'd rather use this time to enjoy a rest and take in sights, that's fine as well.  Plan your schedule around this trip, and you'll still be right on target to hit your goals.

3.  Schedule gym classes and don't skip them.  
My gym has a set schedule for all group classes, and I pick out which classes I like the most and the time that work for me.  For example, I like taking one yoga class, one strength class, and one spin class a week.  I find that going on Tuesday and Thursday at 6PM and Friday at 6AM works best for my schedule, so I write all of those classes down in my planner.  I also have to register for my spin class online, so I make sure to do that once registration opens up. Once I schedule classes, I stick to those times and make that commitment just like I would a meeting at work!

4.  Pick a plan that works with your body and schedule.  
One of the most important things you have to decide is what plan you want to follow.  Some people like running 5 days a week, others can only handle 3.  Do some research and pick whatever plan works best for you! (some of my favorite resources are Hal Higdon, Runner's World, and Jeff Galloway)

Once I have a plan, I schedule in my runs for the week based on what works best for me.  A running plan is just a starting point- you can change it and customize it to best fit you!  Since my classes are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, I pick Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays as possible running days.  It's also important to schedule rest days!  I write all of this in my planner, and similar to my gym classes, I commit to the plan unless something unavoidable happens.

5.  Work out in the morning (if you have to).
Although it's hard getting used to morning workouts, it can truly be a lifesaver in a busy lifestyle.  There are some days that I know I will have absolutely no time to squeeze in an hour-long class or go for a run, so I just set my alarm a little earlier and get it out of the way before work.  Waking up is the hardest part, but once I'm awake and working out, I'm glad to be getting it out of the way first thing in the morning!

Workout complete before the sun comes up!

Once I'm awake, I make sure to have a glass of water, and eat something fast that can be digested quickly (cereal bars and bananas are my go-to).  A bit of coffee might also help you get a jolt of energy - just don't drink too much or you might have to make a pit stop!

6.  Plan running/workout outfits night before.
At 5:00 in the morning, the last thing I want to do is search all over for a running outfit or try to find matching socks.  The same goes after work- I'm exhausted and will find any excuse to just stay home and watch Netflix.  To eliminate excuses, I make sure to pick out an outfit to wear to the gym or for my run (with multiple options in case the weather changes) the night before, as well as headphones, Garmin, socks, shoes, and anything else I might need!

The most important thing to remember if you're busy and want to make exercise a priority is JUST DO IT- and make it count!  If you only have an hour, don't waste half of it procrastinating, then the other half full of junk miles.  I've learned that the hard way, and suffered through many horrible races.  Now that I eliminate my old excuses and just do it, I feel healthier, more energetic, and stronger.  You can do it!!

Linking up with Jill for Fitness Friday!

What tips do you have for time management?