Time management hacks for runners

Feeling a little pushed for time? Not having enough time is one of the most common excuses for not working out. In many cases, it’s a valid one too. All too often, other items that are high in the priority list just take over. Having a full plate makes fitting in the workout more complicated. That said, there’s always that common argument that if you want it to work, you make time. It’s true.

Fall is a particularly busy time of year for many people. Those who take lengthy vacations during summer are back and when responsibility can slide a little during the lazy days of July and August, falls comes around and it’s time to pull up the socks. Whether the schedule is crammed because you’re back in the classroom or because new fall projects at work are picking up, consider these ideas to kick start your workout:

Use a timer for activities other than the workout. When you press the button on your watch at the start of a run, you run quickly because you’re keeping an eye on your time. Why not do the same for other activities? Instead of letting the chores drag on, set a timer and make sure to have as much as possible done by the time it goes off. By doing this, things on the to-do list get done quicker and you suddenly have more spare time for your body needs.

Include strength exercises while killing time. Waiting for dinner? Put on hold on that annoying customer service call? Try these exercises and boost strength when you’d be sitting idle anyway.

Add a half hour to your day. Whether you’re an early bird who is going to commit to waking a half hour earlier or you’re a night owl willing to push bed time a half hour back, find a way to extend your day. When introducing this change, be firm. This extra half hour is for exercise. Don’t use it to get ahead at work or lengthen the morning beauty routine.

Run commute. Nearly all of our run commuters have listed time efficiency as a major reason for running to or from work. Give it a shot.

Stop thinking that every run has to be a long one. You only have 25 minutes? Just go. Not every run has to be a 40 minute plus time commitment. A short run is better than no run especially if the next two weeks won’t allow the incredibly long ones.

Eat something simple for dinner. Sometimes the simple sandwich or breakfast for dinner option works just fine. If it slices an hour of cooking and cleanup time out of your day, you can fit in a run. If you’re going to take this advice, also make sure that what you’re eating is a healthy and filling option.