It’s Tuesday morning. I’m a little weary with a creaky back having lugged some furniture around at the weekend, without bending my knees properly (schoolboy error). I feel like I have a sore throat coming on and the week ahead is a little daunting.
I’ve reached week 9 of my 20 week plan. Having rested yesterday I’ve got 5 runs scheduled in for the next 6 days. Over 7 hours of running in total, concluding with 170 minutes on Sunday. The thought worries me a little.
Combine that with an ever increasing workload and it’s safe to say I’m a little anxious. Have I taken on too much? Will I be able to complete my training this week?
It’s in these moments that we need to compartmentalise, not just our running but our every day life. If we start to look at all the tasks at hand it just becomes overwhelming and the likelihood is we crumble and achieve nothing at all.
So my focus is purely on today. Tuesday. I have my morning track session which will be hard work, but also fun. It’s only a total of 44 minutes of running. I can do that.
In terms of my workload, it’s great. It was only a few months ago I was scrolling down Indeed, trying to figure out how I would pay the bills for the next 20 years. So to get in this position where the coaching is taking off and my old business is showing new signs of life, is very exciting for me.
Yes it’s hectic and trying to squeeze it all in will be tough. But that’s where prioritising comes into play. It’s an approach I’ve always taken with my running. List all the sessions I want to complete in the next 7 days and then focus on the most important one.
Once I’ve scheduled that in, move onto the next. So when can I do my long run? When can I fit in my efforts? Then pencil in the easy runs.
The same applies to work. Which of the 20 jobs on my list is currently the most important? I don’t have to do them all today. Some can even be moved to next week.
Switching off is also crucial. In today’s world we are contactable 24/7. Don’t be. People understand if you don’t reply immediately. Turns those phones off and give yourself a break.
When life gets hectic, focus on the simple things as well. Are you drinking enough water? Are you getting enough sleep?
One step at a time folks!
