I’m joining my fellow running bloggers (April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere, Patty from No Guilt Life and Erika from MCM Mama Runs) for Tuesday on the Run and this week’s topic is balancing family life with training.

 

It's so hard to balance it all! Photo Credit: She Roes.

It’s so hard to balance it all! Photo Credit: She Roes.

This week’s Tuesday on the Run topic seems very fitting since I’m neck deep into WDW Marathon training. It was a huge decision to sign up for my 1st marathon because I worried about how much time it would take me away from my family. I played with the idea of signing up for Run Disney’s Dopey Challenge, but opted for “just” the marathon since I was unsure I could balance the training schedule with my family life.

Before having JP, I used to sleep in and run whenever I wanted. I used to run according to when my body felt good. I miss that! You’d think, as a SAHM, I’d be able to run whenever I wanted still. But that isn’t the case at all!

I have to plan my training schedule according to my husband & son now. I make sure my long runs are planned on days that my husband is off of work. Each long run takes me 3+ hours now and my toddler can’t stay in the jogging stroller that long. I aim at logging my miles first thing in the morning so I can spend the rest of the day (not resting) with the family. But everybody knows that Mommy is happier when she gets her run in first!

For my shorter weekday runs, I’ll push my son in the jogging stroller. Of course, it’s a weather permitting activity though. I have an extra pep in my step when I combine fitness with family. I know I’m teaching JP the importance of staying active, which makes me feel like a rock star Mom! It’s a bonus if he takes a nap in the stroller & I can go the extra mile.

My friends and I pushed the kids in a 5k last Halloween.

My friends and I pushed the kids in a 5k last Halloween.

When I put my family life above my training, I feel awful. I know I’m much crabbier and more tired. I don’t get my hair or nails done monthly, so I shouldn’t feel guilty for taking some time to myself for running. It’s my thing! It keeps me happy and healthy, which makes me a better Mom & Wife.

I’m sure my husband would agree that I need my runs. Finding the perfect balance between training & family has been so important for me. As soon as one is less important, my whole life feels off kilter. Even though it takes constant effort to keep the two balanced, it’s entirely worth it!

How do you maintain balance between training & family?