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Fitting It In

For those of us that do not have the talent or fortuitousness (or both) to run for a living, training sessions will invariably have to be structured around work. For all of us, there will be other commitments such as family and friends, eating, sleeping etc that need to be incorporated into a normal day to keep us rounded and healthy beings.

It is easy to use these other commitments as an excuse for not having an active lifestyle. I have heard many excuses in my time, all of which I have probably made myself at some point. I have found that the secret to putting the excuses to one side is to reason each through have a positive approach replace the negative:

“I do not have the time”

Most days average around 24 hours. If 8 of those spent in bed and 8 at work, that leaves 8 hours. Take off an hour for eating, 2 hours for commuting and 2 hours for spending time with family / friends, that leaves 3 hours. Loo breaks average ½ hour, contemplating life another ½ hour, leaves 2 hours for EXERCISE.

By employing some simple time management skills and undertaking some of these activities at the same time, I can use my time more efficiently. For example, I sometimes run the 10 mile commute to or from work or maybe take my son out on his bike whilst I run. I wouldn’t recommend combining the loo break with exercise (doing a Paula) and whilst of course the day isn’t so neatly compartmentalized, time management and a simple “where there is a will, there is a way” mentality will see you knock the excuses down. You can make the time.

“I feel uncomfortable with how I look when I exercise”

A bit of a catch 22 this one as how will you look any better unless you do exercise? I hear this one from ladies more than gents. The answer is simple; get some decent running gear. Technical running wear like these days is both fashionable and functional, so you can look good and feel good at the same time