PUBLISHED 09/09/2005
(Be Balanced)
Don't get fired. If you're dragging at work because of the heavy training load, especially on Monday mornings after long Sunday runs, there are several options. First, schedule long runs on Saturdays so that you have all of Sunday to recover. Second, go to bed earlier every night--or sleep later--because heavy training requires more sleep. If you're still sluggish, back off on the mileage because you may be overtraining. Or maybe it's just the office prankster slipping decaf into the coffeemaker again.
Justify it to others. Feeling guilty that your marathon training is cutting into time with family and friends? Explain to them the reasons for doing it. "Tell them why your fitness and athletic goals are worthwhile," says Cristin Reichmuth, a California-based running, triathlon, and life coach (bodyandmindsolutions.com). "Invite them to join you on your easy runs, too--they can bike alongside you--to bring them into your world and help them understand it. And always give them advance notice of your running plans if it affects their plans. Younger children, however, will have a harder time understanding your running, so try hardest not to miss their functions."
Justify it to yourself. Sure there are sacrifices, but all this training--setting goals, conquering fear, overcoming obstacles, and achieving your goals--is also excellent training for life challenges that lay ahead. Successfully making it through a 20-mile run or a high-mileage week will make it easier to handle the tough stuff in the real world, whether it's managing employees, raising kids, taking care of elderly parents, or beating cancer. Adds Reichmuth: "The Team in Training runners I coach are more willing to attempt greater challenges after successfully training to run a marathon."
