I agree 100% on the time aspect. One of the things that I try to maintain is a regular run time for daily runs. If I'm training for something, I try to keep the same long run day and start time. Part of this is for my own regularity, as I'm a creature of habit, but it's also expectation setting. I love to run, my husband knows that and he is incredibly understanding, but it's more often than not a priority and not just routine. So setting expectations around what we'll be able to do and not do is important.
Amen. Truly happy for you that you have such an understanding partner. That's awesome.
you said something really interesting. Something fundamentally shifts when running goes from routine to priority. Not sure what it is, but there's something worth exploring.
I'm curious when it has become a "priority". I feel like during training for races, I'm more motivated, but now that I'm in between races, it is easier to fall out of the routine. I'm up in NYC for a few weeks so I think it's helped having new runs to get me back into a routine (albeit with different running paths).
Couldn't agree more with the consistency. I run after work, but I also do the cooking in our household so it's crucial for me to reduce friction and get out the door right away. That also means snacking and hydrating towards the end of the work day so my body is up for it.
What I need to work on now is not letting my running interfere with others lives. I'm just starting "real training" for my first ever ultramarathon in the spring so I'm obviously geeking out over it. I'm always especially excited to venture to new trails for my weekend long runs, but weekends are also the time when I can really spend quality time with my partner since she and I have pretty different schedules. Currently working on getting my ass out of bed early on saturday morning even though its dark and cold in order to get my fill without eating up a quarter of the weekend.
Second, welcome to the eternal ultra runner's lament. Lena and I have been working through this for the last seven years. Some training blocks have been better (or harder) than others. The important thing is we keep communicating with each other about our needs. If she really needs me to be somewhere or do something that interferes with my running schedule, then I'll adjust my schedule. And If I need her to take care of something (usually child care,) I let her know in advance. We may grumble from time to time, but it usually works.
ALSO! Get your ass up and get going! I don't are how dark/and or cold it is. Embracing the elements is what being an ultrarunner is all about. Make every effort to minimize the impact of your running on your partner. Get up early, get it in later, whatever. That way you can make time for each other.
Communication is definitely what I'm working on so I can make my running priorities work for both of us. Also, I'm learning to accept that my other wants/pleasures/hobbies will need to take a backseat if I'm going to be running in most of my free time. Shout out to Lena and all the wonderful significant others of runners, I can imagine its a lot to deal with trying to both support and reign in a partner who is *slightly* obsessive about running or the like.
On that last note, you better believe I'll be layering up and getting out there tomorrow morning when there's a 1 degree wind chill!
Oh that looks amazing. I'm envious of west coast races.
There's always tradeoffs in training like this, for sure. It doesn't have to be all or nothing either. You can still make time for other pursuits/hobbies. It's a matter of prioritizing things. Hope you survived the cold!
I agree 100% on the time aspect. One of the things that I try to maintain is a regular run time for daily runs. If I'm training for something, I try to keep the same long run day and start time. Part of this is for my own regularity, as I'm a creature of habit, but it's also expectation setting. I love to run, my husband knows that and he is incredibly understanding, but it's more often than not a priority and not just routine. So setting expectations around what we'll be able to do and not do is important.
Amen. Truly happy for you that you have such an understanding partner. That's awesome.
you said something really interesting. Something fundamentally shifts when running goes from routine to priority. Not sure what it is, but there's something worth exploring.
I'm curious when it has become a "priority". I feel like during training for races, I'm more motivated, but now that I'm in between races, it is easier to fall out of the routine. I'm up in NYC for a few weeks so I think it's helped having new runs to get me back into a routine (albeit with different running paths).
I think this is a deal where you know it when it happens. But there's also something to be said for letting running go during down periods as well.
Definitely worth exploring.
Couldn't agree more with the consistency. I run after work, but I also do the cooking in our household so it's crucial for me to reduce friction and get out the door right away. That also means snacking and hydrating towards the end of the work day so my body is up for it.
What I need to work on now is not letting my running interfere with others lives. I'm just starting "real training" for my first ever ultramarathon in the spring so I'm obviously geeking out over it. I'm always especially excited to venture to new trails for my weekend long runs, but weekends are also the time when I can really spend quality time with my partner since she and I have pretty different schedules. Currently working on getting my ass out of bed early on saturday morning even though its dark and cold in order to get my fill without eating up a quarter of the weekend.
First of all, hell yeah. What race are you doing?
Second, welcome to the eternal ultra runner's lament. Lena and I have been working through this for the last seven years. Some training blocks have been better (or harder) than others. The important thing is we keep communicating with each other about our needs. If she really needs me to be somewhere or do something that interferes with my running schedule, then I'll adjust my schedule. And If I need her to take care of something (usually child care,) I let her know in advance. We may grumble from time to time, but it usually works.
ALSO! Get your ass up and get going! I don't are how dark/and or cold it is. Embracing the elements is what being an ultrarunner is all about. Make every effort to minimize the impact of your running on your partner. Get up early, get it in later, whatever. That way you can make time for each other.
This is so cool, John. I'm stoked for you.
The leona divide 55k (https://www.khraces.com/races/leona-divide-55k) and I cannot wait.
Communication is definitely what I'm working on so I can make my running priorities work for both of us. Also, I'm learning to accept that my other wants/pleasures/hobbies will need to take a backseat if I'm going to be running in most of my free time. Shout out to Lena and all the wonderful significant others of runners, I can imagine its a lot to deal with trying to both support and reign in a partner who is *slightly* obsessive about running or the like.
On that last note, you better believe I'll be layering up and getting out there tomorrow morning when there's a 1 degree wind chill!
Oh that looks amazing. I'm envious of west coast races.
There's always tradeoffs in training like this, for sure. It doesn't have to be all or nothing either. You can still make time for other pursuits/hobbies. It's a matter of prioritizing things. Hope you survived the cold!
Agree about getting up and doing the thing! Passion often comes with a price. Most of the time that price is comfort!