How To Be a Full Time Runner

[Flat out, I love running.  There is no other sport I would rather do then run.  I might be out surfing right now on a Kauai beach, but nothing will compare to the runs I accomplish all over the US.  One of the biggest problems I run into though, is finding the time. I may not work a desk job but working in the field makes you just as tired and with not enough time to run.  So enjoy Abby’s guest post, and please visit her blog because she is so funny, about being a full time runner! ]

How to be a "Full-time Runner"


Hello there! I’m Abby from Abby Normally, and I am so honored to be here for Melissa. I’m also terribly jealous. She asked for a guest post and I said yes on the condition that she take me with her to Kauai. She said no, and so I decided to talk about the four letter word “work” and “running” since “beach” and “running” are but a distant dream of mine.

I'm here to tell you how to make running your day job. You know, all those tips like "how to turn your long run into a leisurely stroll” will make you a professional runner in no time. Watch out, Desi Davila, I'm right on your tail!

Ok, just kidding.

So allow me clarify: I want to talk about how to keep a consistent running schedule while working full time. Sounds easy, but it's not exactly a walk, or jog, in the park. But since landing my first big girl job about 3 1/2 years ago, I've learned a thing or two about maintaining a running schedule and still plugging in my 8 hours a day behind a computer.

1) Schedule it. This may sound strange coming from the girl who refuses to keep a planner and while I may make the occasional to-do list, I always lose it. Regardless, I look at my schedule and plug my runs into my free time. For example, I am not a morning person, so I run after work, except on Tuesdays, when I go into the office two hours later than usual. I usually get up around the same time on Tuesdays and get my run in.
2) Don't Sit Down! If you're like me and only have a set of PM legs (as opposed to AM), get your run in before you have any downtime. I tend to meet my running partner right after work or run around the college where I work before my commute home. I know once my tush hits the sofa, it's not moving except to the fridge and up to bed. I'm just like that!

3) Set a Goal. This is another tough one for me because I'm not goal oriented. But since I love to run, I'll sign up for some longer distance races to keep me running even when taking a nap after work sounds like a better plan. I don't usually set time/speed goals, I am just interested in insuring that my leg muscles don't atrophy as I spend 40 hours a week in a swivel chair and uncomfortable shoes.

4) Be Flexible! Especially if you've set a goal, you need to understand that life still happens when you're working a full time job and training for a race. Maybe sometimes I have to run on my lunch (that happened once, I hope it never happens again), maybe some days I have to take a rest day. It's ok. It's all part of being human. Recently I had a great night of cross training planned, but landed tickets to the Pittsburgh Penguins/Tampa Bay Lightening Playoff game. Would I miss that experience because I thought my core needed some toning? Heaven strike me dead if I that ever happens. Although my beloved Pens lost so next time I'll consider staying at home but only because I'm convinced I'm a bad luck charm. I'll save that for another blog...

4) Know Thy Self. When I was in college I had time to devote to running about 30 miles a week. When I got my full time job, I was so MAD at myself because I couldn't run that much. It took me a while to realize that it wasn't that I had become lazy, it was that my role had changed. I, in a sense, grew up. As I got more comfortable with my work schedule, my mileage increased. Some weeks are busier than others. Some days I'm not feeling well. Some days I need a break and some days there's nothing I need more than a run. Get to know yourself and you'll find that making it all fit into your busy schedule is completely possible and even enjoyable!

Love your job.  Love your body. And love the run!

Thanks again, Melissa! Enjoy the beach. I’m going to enjoy my swivel chair.