Making time to run

I passed someone today while I was running who first said,"I wish I had time to run."  Then he followed up by saying, "how do you have time to do it?"  My initial response was "I have a good husband who is home with the kids so I can run."  While true, that is the short answer.  Here is the long version. 

I make time to run.  My husband's job has him mostly working afternoons, and as a stay at home mom, I generally have the whole morning to get a workout in.  He is good about watching the kids for me because he knows it makes me healthy and happy. But there are also a lot of days where I am up at 5 to run while it is still dark so I can get home before life starts, I have to make breakfast, the husband leaves, kids wake, etc.  Sometimes I squeeze in a run when my husband is home at lunch, or right before bed on busy days.  I've even hired babysitters so I can get a run in.  On days that both my spouse  and I run and work, it feels like we are tag team parents handing off kids and responsibilities and things can be a little crazy.  But if it is important, you will make time for it. 

Run time is a habit. I have been running for the last 20 years, with a few days off here and there.  It has become such an ingrained habit that asking, "will I have time to run today," would be like asking if I have time to take a shower or eat.  The honest answer might be not really, but it has to be done anyway.  Instead, I simply say, "I have to run" and then figure out what can be cut out to make room in the day.  

If you don't have time to run you are too busy. There are many demands on each person's time.  I recognize that I have arranged my life to provide time to run, and not everyone can give as much time as I do.  But I also think that if you really want to, anyone can find time to run.  Yes, it might mean giving up other worthwhile activities.  That are things I would like to do, but cannot, because it would mean either trading in running time or sacrificing family time.  But everyone has some down time.  Maybe it is a lunch hour, reading the newspaper or watching tv in the evenings, or beauty sleep.  If running is the priority, you do it instead.  Besides, the run can become your down time activity or your relaxation

So just because you see someone out running, don't assume they have lots of leisure time they decided to fill by running.  I prioritize and schedule tightly some days to make time, but it is always worth it to get that run in.  I feel better about myself, stress levels go down, and I can care for those around me better when I have taken care of myself, which makes everyone happier. That is how I have time to run.