Busy parents often struggle to find time for themselves, let alone for marathon training. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to fit training into a busy schedule. In this article, we will share three secrets to help busy parents find time for marathon training.
The first secret is to prioritize training and make it a non-negotiable part of the daily routine. This means setting aside specific times for training and treating them as important appointments that cannot be missed. It may require some adjustments to the daily schedule, such as waking up earlier or cutting back on other activities, but the benefits of regular training will make it worth the effort.
The second secret is to involve the whole family in the training process. This not only allows for quality family time but also sets a positive example for children about the importance of physical activity. It may involve finding ways to incorporate training into family activities or enlisting the help of a partner or friend to watch the children while one parent trains. With a little creativity and teamwork, it is possible to make training a family affair.
1.Prioritising Your Time
As a busy parent, finding time for marathon training can seem impossible. However, by prioritising your time and making some adjustments to your schedule, you can find the time you need to train. Here are two important steps to help you prioritise your time effectively.
Assessing Your Schedule
The first step to prioritising your time is to assess your current schedule. Take a look at your daily routine and identify any areas where you can make adjustments. For example, could you wake up an hour earlier to fit in a morning run? Or could you skip watching TV in the evening to go for a run instead?
It’s also important to consider your family’s schedule. Are there any times of the day when you have some free time while your children are at school or daycare? Or could you schedule your runs during your lunch break at work? By assessing your schedule and identifying these windows of opportunity, you can find the time you need to train for a marathon.
Setting Realistic Goals
Once you’ve assessed your schedule, the next step is to set realistic goals. It’s important to be honest with yourself and recognise that you may not be able to train as much as you would like. However, by setting realistic goals, you can still make progress towards your marathon training.
Start by setting a weekly training schedule that fits around your existing commitments. This could include short runs during the week and longer runs on the weekends. Be sure to include rest days to allow your body to recover.
It’s also important to be flexible with your training schedule. As a busy parent, unexpected events can arise that disrupt your plans. By being flexible and adapting your training schedule when necessary, you can still make progress towards your marathon goal.
By prioritising your time and setting realistic goals, you can find the time you need to train for a marathon as a busy parent. Remember to be flexible and make adjustments as necessary to fit training around your existing commitments.
2.Maximising Training Efficiency
When you’re a busy parent, finding time to train for a marathon can be a challenge. However, by maximising your training efficiency, you can make the most of the time you do have available. Here are two ways to do just that:
Workout Integration
One way to maximise your training efficiency is to integrate your workouts into your daily routine. For example, you could cycle or run to work, or take the stairs instead of the lift. This not only saves time but also helps to increase your overall activity levels, which is important for marathon training.
Another way to integrate your workouts is to do them while spending time with your children. For example, you could take them to the park and do some bodyweight exercises while they play. This not only allows you to spend time with your children but also helps you to stay active and fit.
High-Intensity Interval Training
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a great way to maximise your training efficiency. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This type of training has been shown to be more effective than steady-state cardio for improving fitness and burning fat.
HIIT workouts can be done in a relatively short amount of time, making them perfect for busy parents. For example, you could do a 20-minute HIIT workout in your living room before your children wake up or after they go to bed. This allows you to get a great workout in without sacrificing time with your family.
By integrating your workouts into your daily routine and incorporating HIIT into your training plan, you can maximise your training efficiency as a busy parent.
3.Involving the Family
As a busy parent, finding time for marathon training can be a daunting task. However, involving the family in the training process can make it easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some tips for involving the family in marathon training:
Family Activities as Training
Incorporating family activities into training can be a great way to spend time together while also getting in some exercise. For example, going for a family bike ride or a hike can help improve endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, playing games such as tag or soccer can help improve agility and speed.
Encouraging Family Support
Having the support of family members can be crucial for staying motivated during marathon training. Encouraging family members to attend races or even just cheer from the sidelines can make a big difference. Additionally, involving children in the training process can help them understand the importance of physical activity and inspire them to develop healthy habits.
By involving the family in marathon training, busy parents can find time for exercise while also spending quality time with loved ones.
