Be a planner

I got this idea from my daughter.  I took a page from my planner and marked all the days that I ran in 2011 so I could see the big picture.  It is interesting to see the months when I ran fewer days and to remember what was going on during that time.  Looking at this also helps me think about how I want to plan my running for 2012.

I also had an email from the trainer at our Fit Club today with this you tube video.

http://youtu.be/rEBedscSlYk

Time to make some plans.

Even when I don't want to

We all have those days - we would rather end the day sitting on a bench instead of running or walking or working out.  This time of year there are more of those days with the sun setting and darkness coming well before dinner time.  Most days we are heading out of the parking lot in the dusk of the day.  Makes it hard to get out to the trail.  And once I am home, it is very hard to get myself motivated to do a work out video or climb up on the elliptical. 
So, what to do?  My main tactic is to pack my bag before I leave home in the morning.  I pack about three options so I can do an inside workout or pile on the layers to go to the trail. 
My back up tactic is to tell someone else I am going to work out.  Asking my running buddy to go for a run after work or telling a co-worker that I will meet her at FitClub.  It is harder to slip out when you have made your intentions known.
Here are some more ideas on how to get out even when you don't want to.

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.