How to Balance Running with Life: Tips for Staying on Track
Hey! Balancing running with life now that's something I’ve had to figure out over the years. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely doable with a bit of planning and a lot of heart. Let me share some of my personal tips, straight from my own experiences, on how to stay on track (literally and figuratively) while juggling running with everything else life throws your way.
- 1. Prioritize Your Runs But Be Flexible: When I first started running seriously in college, I thought every run had to be set in stone. I’d schedule my runs and freak out if something came up. Over time, though, I learned that life doesn’t always follow a strict plan, and neither should your running schedule. Prioritizing your runs is important after all, they’re key to reaching your goals but it’s equally important to be flexible. If something unexpected pops up, it’s okay to reschedule or even swap a run for another type of workout. The key is consistency over time, not perfection every single day.
- 2. Find Creative Ways to Fit Running In: Life gets busy, and sometimes it feels like there’s no time for a run. But here’s the thing: if it matters to you, you’ll find a way to make it work. I’ve run in the early morning before the world wakes up, during my lunch breaks, and even late at night when the streets are quiet. I’ve also found that incorporating running into other activities, like running errands (literally) or running to meet friends instead of driving, helps me stay on track without feeling like I’m sacrificing time.
- 3. Listen to Your Body And Your Life: There was a time when I ignored the signs that my body needed rest. I was so focused on hitting my mileage goals that I didn’t realize I was running myself into the ground physically and mentally. Balancing running with life means listening to both your body and your life. If you’re feeling exhausted, stressed, or overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a step back. Running should enhance your life, not add more stress. Rest days are just as important as training days, and sometimes, life itself needs to take the front seat.
- 4. Make Running Social: Running doesn’t have to be a solo activity all the time. In fact, some of my best memories involve running with friends or joining local running groups. Not only does it make running more enjoyable, but it also helps you stay connected with others, which is crucial when life gets busy. Plus, the accountability that comes with running with others can keep you motivated on days when you’d rather hit snooze.
- 5. Embrace the Balance: For me, running is a passion, but it’s also part of a bigger picture. I’ve learned that the best way to stay on track is to embrace the balance between running and everything else. This means being present in all areas of life whether I’m out on a run, spending time with loved ones, or just relaxing. By embracing this balance, I’ve found that I enjoy running more and feel more fulfilled in life overall.
- 6. Remember Your Why: Whenever life gets hectic and running feels like just another thing on the to-do list, I remind myself why I started running in the first place. For me, running is about finding peace, pushing myself, and staying healthy, both physically and mentally. Keeping your “why” in mind helps you stay motivated and makes it easier to find that balance, even when life gets crazy.
Balancing running with life is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding what works for you, being kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned, and staying connected to the joy that running brings. I hope these tips help you find your own balance, and remember, it’s all about enjoying the journey, one step at a time.
Happy running, and here’s to living a balanced, joyful life!
Alex
