making time for the trail

When I began running again, it was in bits and pieces.  I did the couch to 5k program which called for 3 runs a week - pretty manageable. 
Then I got my Nike sensor and was so motivated by the miles adding up that I began to set goals to run more often.  Again, not for long distances or hours at a time so still pretty easy to work into my schedule.
But as running became a passion, I found it was harder and harder to fit everything in and those days when I had evening meetings found me stopping for fast food on the way home.  Not a good way to support a body that wants to run further. 
This fall I have begun a new habit - menu planning.  I bought a small meal planner pad.  To the left are 7 boxes with the days of the week.  To the right is a shopping list.  On Saturday, we look at the ads and our cookbooks and decide what we will have for dinner the next week.  Then we go to the store and make sure we have all the necessary ingredients.  On Sunday, I do a bit a prep - browning meat or cutting veggies.  Then, I put the basic meal together -either the night before or in the morning.  This gives me the flexibility to go for a longer run after work or to stay for FitClub with out worrying about dinner.  It is a lot more fun to work out when you don't have to worry about dinner.