I am a work in progress. This marathon training cycle I find myself struggling as I juggle the art of balancing motherhood and running. I feel like there is always someone or something that needs my attention. Often a ball (important item) or two fall and I am left scrambling to pick up the pieces. Balancing motherhood and running is a work in progress.
Some days I am super successful while other days I fail miserably.
This training cycle, as I train for Boston with Team Stonyfield, I am having to learn to juggle the many responsibilities and challenges that our family encounters: solo parenting, homeschooling, moving cross country, new town, new state, new schools, new friends, HILLS, running with kids and a stroller, and so much more!
Finding that balance to fit in life, family time, and running is the juggle that many mother runners face. I know I face this juggle and each week question of “When do I fit in my long run?” without interfering with family life.
I know each family has their own inner-workings and dynamic that works for them. For me and my family, below are my five methods that I find help me with balancing motherhood and marathon training.
5 Methods for Balancing Motherhood and Running
Get Organized
I love and use my Erin Condren Life Planner. Seriously, it is my brain. I color code each member of our family’s activities and appointments on my planner. Everything goes on this planner. I write down due dates for blog posts, scheduled training runs, upcoming field trips (or business work trips), soccer practices, play dates and more!
I find that if it is written down and visible for me (and my family … ahem husband) to see… we all are on the same page with what is planned for the day or week.
Communication is Key
This seems like a no brainer. However, I have found that when I am struggling with balancing motherhood (family life) with marathon training, oftentimes my communication is lacking with my husband. Communication is key.
Communication with your help support what you need from them. I need to run 20 miles by myself this weekend. Be specific with your words and requests. There might be some disagreements with date, times and distance… but you need to communicate with your support system for the support you need.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead goes well with the first two steps above: get organized and communication. When you plan ahead with your training plan, you know what you need to do that week for your run. You can map out your weekly activities, play dates, and even children’s activities.
When the weekend’s get busy with kids sports (okay, maybe I am just the one juggling three kiddos in different soccer leagues) I need to plan ahead with where their activities are and the time. By planning ahead (and communicating with my husband), I can map out my long run for the weekend. Everyone knows what to expect from each other. No hurt feelings.
Be Flexible
All the organization, planning, and communicating in the world can still fall apart some days. Whether the weather isn’t conducive for running or you get a sick kiddo… you need to be flexible.
Perhaps you can’t run outdoors due to a crazy storm… run indoors or pop in a workout DVD to still get the effects of a great workout. Maybe a kiddo gets sick (or you do gasp), rest up and conquer that workout on another day.
My blogging friends Carla and Roni just came out with a book titled, What You Can When You Can: Healthy Living on Your Terms. As a mother runner, my most prized title is MOM. I am a runner second. By embracing the #wycwyc mentality, you do what you can, when you can. Be flexible.
Find Your Best Yes
Know when to say NO. You must evaluate and find your best yes… for you and your family. There are times when you (or your kiddos) will miss out on an activity because of a race, training run, or life event. Being prayerful and aware of what you and your family can take on is key to prevent burn out. Find YOUR best yes… learn to say yes when it is BEST (not just convenient).
Fitting in running and strength training as a mother runner striving to find balance is all about incorporating the above five methods: organization, communication, planning, flexibility, and finding your best yes.
So many helpful tips! I don’t have three busy children I need to juggle, but I do have a business, personal training clients, a part-time job, a triathlon I’m training for, plus relationships I need to maintain! I agree with you that communication is key – the people we love in our lives don’t know all the things we need to accomplish unless we let them know!
NO NO NO BALANCE HERE EVER.
just harmony.
and balls Im jugggggggling almost hitting the ground but I snatch em UP right before they do.
Props to you my friend! Training for something like that must be so complicated in the first place! I can’t even imagine having to take care of the family and house too! XOXO You’re doing so great!
marathon training is always a roller coaster of emotion for me, I can’t imagine adding in planning around the schedules of a family. As long as you’re having fun and supported I figure that’s the best we can ask for most weeks!
I’m not a mom, but I do also think these are important tips for everyone! Staying organized, keeping communication lines open, etc., are all helpful to keeping things balanced 🙂
Love your tips! It is sooo hard to balance motherhood, life and marathon training but I see you have a great plan on how to do it!!! I love my Erin Condren planner!
All of you running mamas amazing me. I can barely balance work, working out, and blogging. I can’t imagine doing all of that with kids. Keep it up and know that you aren’t just an amazing role model for your kids, but you’re a amazing role model for future moms!
wow, you definitely have a lot going on! Good tips. For me, my schedule is somewhat seasonal. My sons are home in the summer so I plan a June “A” race and then take a mid-season break where my training is scaled back while they are home, then I build again for fall races. I have to miss some great triathlons due to that schedule, but the time with the boys is more important.
Wonderful post. I think that in addition to the struggle of finding balance, so many moms struggle with the guilt of being OK with taking time for themselves. I see it in clients all the time. But I remind them that a happy, HEALTHY mommy is a good mommy, and it truly benefits the whole family!
Thank you for sharing this post! I’m not a mother (yet), but my fear has always been how I would be able to manage my time when it comes to running and baby. I think balance is very necessary and having a good support system always helps!
WYCWYC rocks! I’ve been trying to integrate into my life for a couple of months now. Trying to reduce the stress in my life.
Find your best yes!! I just love this. I might steal it and repeat it to myself over and over when things just aren’t going as planned!! Great tips!
I’m never truly balanced, but I’m usually good at rotating priorities in a way that everyone and everything gets its day in the sun. This week? Not at all. Too much going on all at once.
Very nice blog, thanks for this post..it’s been good reading this.
Not a mother but I’m blessed with people in my life who can help pick up the slack if I need help. Balance can be so hard to fine but I think I’m getting there!
Great tips whether you’re a mother or not! I need to plan ahead as well…if I just go into the week willy nilly then I’m more apt to skip runs than if I tell myself I HAVE to run 6 miles on Tuesday.