When do you run?

tempnam

I'm looking at the daunting task of getting myself back to some regular running again after around 4 years.

I used to always prefer running in the afternoon and evening times - but I also used to have the freedom to run whenever I wanted to. These days I have 2 young kids with my wife expecting a third in a few months time and I've realised that my options for running are limited.

Basically I have 2 options:

1. Early in the morning (before the family are awake) - i.e. any time before 7.30am

OR

2. Late in the evening (after the family have gone to sleep) - i.e. any time after 10.30pm

The problem with option 1 is getting out of bed. The problem with option 2 is getting out after a long day working / being a parent and basically just feeling absolutely knackered every night.

Who else is in a similar situation and what do you do to keep yourself going?

Annie get your Run

What about running during your lunch break in work, or running to/from work (or part of it)?

tempnam

Annie get your Run wrote: »

What about running during your lunch break in work, or running to/from work (or part of it)?

Not possible I'm afraid.

1. No shower facilities at work
2. I live about 50km from work
3. My job is 60/40 Office/On the road meeting clients etc. so have to be presentable & smell OK

ReeReeG

I would suggest morning time. Unless you're going out again right after getting in the door from work, it's VERY hard (in my experience) to force yourself out after eating, lounging etc.
Mornings are tough, but I do think once you build the habit it will get somewhat easier. This is not from personal experience, but rather from watching my brother's Strava activities

BeepBeep67

If I was in this situation the morning is more preferable.
I travel frequently with work and morning can be the only option as meetings in the office get delayed and typically you are heading straight out to eat with the team or clients.

Get to bed as early as you, set your alarm and set realistic expectations of yourself initially and feel smug having done your run.
When I travel I'll give myself a realistic mileage target and do my best to front load, anything else is a bonus.

I do find too late in the evening doesn't works for me, your run is hanging over you all day, it can be difficult to wind down after exercising late.

Whatever option you decide works for you, you'll be surprised how quickly your body will adapt after a week or 2.

bucketybuck

I rationalise it as part of my work day, so when I get in the door from work I immediately change and go out to do whatever time or distance it is. Its not until I get back from that run that I consider my work day over and allow myself to sit down or switch off.

Might not work for everybody but it helps me, the trick is not to stop and switch off once you get in the door that first time.

tempnam

bucketybuck wrote: »

I rationalise it as part of my work day, so when I get in the door from work I immediately change and go out to do whatever time or distance it is. Its not until I get back from that run that I consider my work day over and allow myself to sit down or switch off.

Might not work for everybody but it helps me, the trick is not to stop and switch off once you get in the door that first time.

I like the idea of that. It's actually what I used to do quite a lot before having children. Now though, as soon as I'm in the door it's "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy look at this, look at that, I missed you" etc... I can't walk straight out on that!

eyrie

tempnam wrote: »

I like the idea of that. It's actually what I used to do quite a lot before having children. Now though, as soon as I'm in the door it's "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy look at this, look at that, I missed you" etc... I can't walk straight out on that!

Could you bring your gear in to work with you and go for the run at the end of the work day without going home? Then just drive home and shower and you're done and in for the evening?

ariana`

Do you mind me asking why the kids need to be asleep for you to get out for a run?

To put it in context I have 3 young kids (I'm the mum). My OH leaves for work very early so running before work isn't an option for me and we've no showers at work so lunch time isn't an option either.

I run anytime between 6 and 9pm during the week 2-3 evenings a week. I guess when the 3rd was very very small i used to try to run later so I could put the the older pair to bed so OH only had a baby to mind. I can't quite remember now even though the youngest is only 2 but for a long time now my OH can manage the 3 of them on his own for the duration of my run.

We used to share the evenings - one of us got Mon/Wed, the other Tue/Thurs. We're less structured now, we've more going on to work around so we just consult with each other daily to arrange what suits.

Daytime runs at the weekend are a treat

arybvtcw0eolkf

Mornings or early part of the day for me.

I find if I run at night time my metabolism is crazy high for hours and I can't sleep.

robinph

I do a mixture of mornings and evenings depending on the day of the week, but mornings have by far the least impact on the rest of the family time other than you have to prise yourself out of bed at stupid O'clock. As we both run though we also manage some other scenarios for both getting in long runs so that if there is some kids activity we both need/ want to be at over the weekend then one will drive whilst the other does a long run, then switch for the return journey and we both get runs in with minimal time out.

Graham1882

In a similar position as yourself family wise, but am I am lucky to have the facilities at work which allow me to run on my break. However when not possible at work I throw the little one into a running buggy and go out after work. I also do my long runs at the weekend with the buggy also.

ariana`

tempnam wrote: »

I like the idea of that. It's actually what I used to do quite a lot before having children. Now though, as soon as I'm in the door it's "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy look at this, look at that, I missed you" etc... I can't walk straight out on that!

That is hard! They really know how to pull on your heart strings :cool:

Could you give them your undivided attention for 45 minutes when you go in the door, get down and play with them. But maybe after 30 mins start gently saying to them "now daddy will finish this game/picture but then daddy has to go running"... That way they have your invaluable time/attention which they crave so much but they know what's happening next as well. It's amazing how quick kids adapt to a new routine and it becomes the norm.

tickingclock

I'm a Mammy and Im getting back into running again. I do it first thing in the morning which killed me the first week or two when the alarm goes off but now I'm used to it. I leave my clothes in the kitchen the night before. I don't even wash my face or brush my hair in case someone wakes up and I don't get to go!! I really enjoy the head space alone. It wouldn't work for me having Daddy coming home from work and then going back out for a run if I was at home with a newborn. Would two mornings and one weekend day with a buggy work?

tempnam

ariana` wrote: »

Do you mind me asking why the kids need to be asleep for you to get out for a run?

To put it in context I have 3 young kids (I'm the mum). My OH leaves for work very early so running before work isn't an option for me and we've no showers at work so lunch time isn't an option either.

I run anytime between 6 and 9pm during the week 2-3 evenings a week. I guess when the 3rd was very very small i used to try to run later so I could put the the older pair to bed so OH only had a baby to mind. I can't quite remember now even though the youngest is only 2 but for a long time now my OH can manage the 3 of them on his own for the duration of my run.

We used to share the evenings - one of us got Mon/Wed, the other Tue/Thurs. We're less structured now, we've more going on to work around so we just consult with each other daily to arrange what suits.

Daytime runs at the weekend are a treat

The kids don't need to be asleep before I go out. But my wife is at home all day with them on her own, and I don't get to see a lot of them during the week as I'm working. Our 4yr old is also very intense (we're still investigating ADHD) and she is on the go constantly. As a consequence it can be very late before the kids eventually get to sleep each night.

With my wife being pregnant it's not exactly fair of me to expect her to exclusively look after the kids every day while I go off for a run.

Therefore the preference is when they're all asleep and I'm not leaving my wife on her own after what can be a long day for her!

ariana`

tempnam wrote: »

The kids don't need to be asleep before I go out. But my wife is at home all day with them on her own, and I don't get to see a lot of them during the week as I'm working. Our 4yr old is also very intense (we're still investigating ADHD) and she is on the go constantly. As a consequence it can be very late before the kids eventually get to sleep each night.

With my wife being pregnant it's not exactly fair of me to expect her to exclusively look after the kids every day while I go off for a run.

Therefore the preference is when they're all asleep and I'm not leaving my wife on her own after what can be a long day for her!

Hey tempnam, i was thinking that was probably the case afterwards and meant to actually delete the post. You are considerate which is a great thing. I guess i was looking at the situation in reverse where i was the one doing the running and it was always a welcome break after a long day at home with the little ones. I also wasn't suggesting you go every day, my OH would kill me if suggested i run every day! But it's not easy to balance everything that's for sure. It's only a short time though when they're very little and you won't know yourself in a year or two it will be a lot easier. Maybe for now morning runs then during the week. And maybe chat to your OH about getting out for a run on Saturday and/or Sunday at a more reasonable hour - so maybe get out early-ish for a Saturday morning run and then let your OH off shopping/meet her friends or whatever it is she likes to do during the afternoon. I know you may still feel bad leaving her for that hour in the morning but you are entitled to a little window on a Saturday/Sunday, the days are still long for her to get a deserved break and for you all to have family time.

Best of luck

Coffee Fulled Runner

Mid week normally evenings around 7-8pm for thos easy runs but if I've something on I'll head out in the morning at 6am. Midweek club sessions always Tuesday and Friday 8pm. Saturday it can be anytime but I prefer the morning depends what's on really. Sunday I aim to be running no later than 8am if it's a solo run but if it's a run with club members sometimes as late as 9am

EC1000

eyrie wrote: »

Could you bring your gear in to work with you and go for the run at the end of the work day without going home? Then just drive home and shower and you're done and in for the evening?

I do this and it's a good compromise when early mornings are not an option.

Murph_D

EC1000 wrote: »

I do this and it's a good compromise when early mornings are not an option.

I do this quite regularly too. Mainly because the facilities at work are pretty grim. Must write that cranky email to complain!

Tigerandahalf

It is very difficult with young kids.
If you don't have family support close to you it can be very hard to get out. Having a granny to come over for an hour or two is really a godsend.

If your salary is good enough you could consider getting a babysitter for a few hours at the weekend to relieve both parents but then very young kids may not stay with them.

With a 3rd kid on the way I would say getting enough sleep will be your biggest concern.

I usually try to get out after the kids are settled in bed but it doesn't always work with bugs and sickness.

I thought about getting a treadmill but was overruled! Getting out in the fresh air though to clear the head is great. I also find I eat less crap if I go out and run, rather than laze on the couch.

I've often felt too tired to get out but you'd be surprised how quickly you perk up once out.

tempnam

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

It is very difficult with young kids.
If you don't have family support close to you it can be very hard to get out. Having a granny to come over for an hour or two is really a godsend.

If your salary is good enough you could consider getting a babysitter for a few hours at the weekend to relieve both parents but then very young kids may not stay with them.

With a 3rd kid on the way I would say getting enough sleep will be your biggest concern.

I usually try to get out after the kids are settled in bed but it doesn't always work with bugs and sickness.

I thought about getting a treadmill but was overruled! Getting out in the fresh air though to clear the head is great. I also find I eat less crap if I go out and run, rather than laze on the couch.

I've often felt too tired to get out but you'd be surprised how quickly you perk up once out.

Unfortunately we're not blessed with a lot of family around. There's only 1 grandparent left and she's quite sick. I've put together my own version of a couch to 5K program (As I've been quite sedentary for the past coupe of years) and its hanging up on the notice board in the kitchen. I've spoken to my wife and I'm starting from Monday. Hopefully this bad weather that's forecast for next week doesn't impact my plans!

Tigerandahalf

tempnam wrote: »

Unfortunately we're not blessed with a lot of family around. There's only 1 grandparent left and she's quite sick. I've put together my own version of a couch to 5K program (As I've been quite sedentary for the past coupe of years) and its hanging up on the notice board in the kitchen. I've spoken to my wife and I'm starting from Monday. Hopefully this bad weather that's forecast for next week doesn't impact my plans!

I wouldn't worry about a plan. If you can get out and run for 30 mins 3 times or so a week it will make a big difference to your fitness and waistline.

I presume your aim at the moment is just fitness rather than racing.

I haven't raced in over a year as I can just never get the time to put a solid block of running together and I am just happy now to keep up my fitness and enjoy getting out for a run.

tempnam

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

tempnam wrote: »

Unfortunately we're not blessed with a lot of family around. There's only 1 grandparent left and she's quite sick. I've put together my own version of a couch to 5K program (As I've been quite sedentary for the past coupe of years) and its hanging up on the notice board in the kitchen. I've spoken to my wife and I'm starting from Monday. Hopefully this bad weather that's forecast for next week doesn't impact my plans!

I wouldn't worry about a plan. If you can get out and run for 30 mins 3 times or so a week it will make a big difference to your fitness and waistline.

I presume your aim at the moment is just fitness rather than racing.

I haven't raced in over a year as I can just never get the time to put a solid block of running together and I am just happy now to keep up my fitness and enjoy getting out for a run.

Yes fitness & weight loss are the only concerns for now!

colm_c

I'm in a similar family setup to you OP.

I've only recently taken up running (C25k).

I do it mon, wed and fri mornings, up and leaving the house by 6.30am, back just after 7, just as thw kids are waking up.

Hard for the first few weeks, but I've settled into it now, and look forward to them.

Safiri

tempnam wrote: »

1. Early in the morning (before the family are awake) - i.e. any time before 7.30.

I used to prfer running in the evening

The problem with option 1 is getting out of bed.

Ask yourself how big of a hurdle are these and are they valid reasons not to go out?

My works hours are fairly inflexible. Start at 6:30 to 7am and finish at 7pm at the earliest but can float out to 9 during busy times. When I started working those hours, I thought there was no way I could manage to fit training around it with the key word being thought. I could run in the evening or the morning. If Im running in the morning; I go to bed an hour earlier and if I run in the evening, I'm up an hour later. The key here is the number of hours in the day doesn't change; I just fit them to accomadate my needs. You adapt to this fairly quickly and it just becomes the norm.

solidasarock

I work a 9-5 so its not too bad. 2 mid week runs after work. Depending on how I feel and what races are coming up that will be 12 km from door to door office to home or only around 6km if I just get the Luas and run instead of getting the bus.

Weekends it can really depend if I can for up early for a parkrun and then doing a hour after. Or if I just want to do one big LSR.


Previously I had much more free time and less home stuff to worry about so I could go for a run between 8-9pm midweek but that isnt doable now so replacing my home commute with a run is what I got.

Swashbuckler

tempnam wrote:

The problem with option 1 is getting out of bed. The problem with option 2 is getting out after a long day working / being a parent and basically just feeling absolutely knackered every night.

The body will adjust to the early mornings. It's always early mornings for me if I don't have the option of running on my lunch break (which I usually do). Evenings are for family time. Plus I'm like you and usually knackered come late evening time.

rainbow kirby

I did a lot of my weekend runs with my toddler (2 next month) in a running buggy, as soon as #2 is big enough (which will be a while, he's only 3.5 weeks!) ill be running with our double.

If you can't run commute or train at lunchtime then a running double buggy is a great way to get out with the 2 older ones.

Swashbuckler

rainbow kirby wrote:

If you can't run commute or train at lunchtime then a running double buggy is a great way to get out with the 2 older ones.

Out of interest at what age do you reckon they're old enough to handle it?

rainbow kirby

6 months is generally recommended. My toddler started a little before that but he had good head control and was close to sitting unaided at 5 months.

He's been my passenger for around 45 parkruns at this stage!

Pawwed Rig

I run either to or from work. I am lucky in that if I go the shortest distance there is no significant time consequence as compared with getting train or bus so it is a normal part of my commute at this point. I was in your situation OP and 5:30 or 6 am runs were what worked for me.

only running

Early morning before kids are up for me, usually out for 6 but can be earlier in the summer. Really nice way to start the day. I never really enjoyed running in the evening,

tempnam

only running wrote: »

Early morning before kids are up for me, usually out for 6 but can be earlier in the summer. Really nice way to start the day. I never really enjoyed running in the evening,

I always felt a lot better in the evenings doing any sort of exercise. For a good few years though I was doing mornings sessions, whether it was running, swimming or gym. On a practical level mornings are easier to fit into a busy daily routine. But given the choice I'd prefer evenings. Seems as though it's not to be though

only running

Yeah i started running early morning for practical reasons too - mainly kids and tidying wrecked house in the evening. But have grown to like being up early, streets are quiet and stating the day fresh. Life will probably decide for you when you can run!

seamusk84

Every morning...I'm currently on a 4 month streak. Except if I'm going to a race and it is in the afternoon, then the afternoon!

But worried the weather this week will break my running streak. If it snows I can't risk running and breaking an ankle etc etc

Goose76

After work, first thing. Echo what others have said here that you really need to get straight out ASAP after arriving home otherwise the temptation to leave it is way too high!

Before I started running a few months back I was big into the gym/weightlifting etc and always went first thing in the morning, 5/6am. Did that a few times with running and for some reason I find it a million times harder in the morning with running than I did with the gym! Running in the mornings - I’m stiff, sluggish, slow - after work I feel unstoppable (sometimes )

I think like with everything, you need to find what works for you.

tempnam

I picked a hell of a week to start back running! :pac:

I got out Monday morning & Tuesday evening. Tuesday was a little ropey with ice etc.

I did no planned running between Wednesday & today - although I spent a lot of time over the past few days digging roads & footpaths that were covered in snow and ice & pushing cars out of icy conditions - as well as running around in 6 inch deep snow with a rope around me and one of the kids holding the other end while sitting on a home-made sled! so plenty of activity over the past few days!

Once the footpaths are safe again I'll keep up with the plan.

Theonly way

Ride a horse out and you will be fit for alot more than work.
Gets the Adrenalin flowing and also exercises muscles that you dont even know you have .
Truly !!

And when you are finished turn on the tv and back them .Ha !!!!

As I do..

Best bet today in a few moments .

Finish my data study

Jakey Rolling

Early mornings before the kids need dropped to school or to training/matches at the weekend.

That means 6 or earlier if I want to get 2-3 hours in, and always done fasted. This has worked well for me over the last 2 years, and has hugely improved my fat burning ability. Ran my fastest marathon last year taking on nothing but water.

Plus you get quiet roads, the occasional fantastic sunrise and the early morning sounds of nature.

Admittedly, speedwork is easier at lunchtimes or evenings!

tempnam

Bloody snow!!! It's as if the weather Gods dont want me to get back running at all!

Been getting out regularly enough now and enjoying being back out running again. Did 5K this evening for the first time in a long time! Felt great. Although it took me about 10 mins more than my old 'usual' 5K time.

Bit of a shock how slow I am really. 2 nights ago I did 3K - and it took a minute longer than my 5K PB of 20:10

To be expected though I suppose. Still, I'm back doing it which is the main thing.

Burkie1203

tempnam wrote: »

Bloody snow!!! It's as if the weather Gods dont want me to get back running at all!

Been getting out regularly enough now and enjoying being back out running again. Did 5K this evening for the first time in a long time! Felt great. Although it took me about 10 mins more than my old 'usual' 5K time.

Bit of a shock how slow I am really. 2 nights ago I did 3K - and it took a minute longer than my 5K PB of 20:10

To be expected though I suppose. Still, I'm back doing it which is the main thing.

Do you run a regular route?

tempnam

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Do you run a regular route?

I've a few routes of different distances that I tend to stick to alright. Why?

ariana`

Well done on getting back into it in some of the worst weather! Don't worry about times for now, that'll come back, get the consistency and the rest will follow.

tempnam

ariana` wrote: »

Well done on getting back into it in some of the worst weather! Don't worry about times for now, that'll come back, get the consistency and the rest will follow.

Thanks. Had to buy a couple of new tops though - all my old gear is extremely tight at the moment - must have shrunk in the wash

Think myself and the (pregnant) wife have similar sized bellies at the moment!

ariana`

tempnam wrote: »

Thanks. Had to buy a couple of new tops though - all my old gear is extremely tight at the moment - must have shrunk in the wash

Think myself and the (pregnant) wife have similar sized bellies at the moment!

:pac:

That'll take care of itself too with consistent running...

Just hands off the kids' easter eggs

Hurrache

ariana` wrote: »

Just hands off the kids' easter eggs

I still have some Easter chocolate, as well as a box full of the remnants of Roses, Heroes and Quality Street, in the goody press.

It's either a measure of how much chocolate we get into this house, or my impressive self control.

tempnam

ariana` wrote: »

:pac:

That'll take care of itself too with consistent running...

Just hands off the kids' easter eggs

That's half the problem. Keeping away from the food! Aside from running I've a sedentary lifestyle: home/car/office/car/home - but still have the appetite of a very active person!!

Anyway - did 3K this evening in 17:30. Feeling good but also consciously trying to remember not to go for too much too soon as it's been so long since I've done any consistent real training... concerned about something gong wrong early on

Burkie1203

tempnam wrote: »

I've a few routes of different distances that I tend to stick to alright. Why?

I found having 2 favoured routes with minimal road crossings helped me. I do run up around by the national aquatic centre. Quiet area with very few junctions and a really good smooth cycle lane to use. Found that knowing the route well gave me an opportunity to push/coast where necessary

My 10km time dropped from an Initial 60 min to a best of 43.56. Usually do around 47-48 now.

My parkrun time is usually 22-23 minutes but my quickest is 20.45.