We all love to run. We all need to work. Sometimes the balance of both can get pretty tough. This article offers some tips on how to manage both running and working and gives you a glimpse into my personal experience as a runner and a full-time entrepreneurial mom of two teen girls.

1. BE CREATIVE WITH YOUR TIME

I think back to the times before I had kids before I worked full-time when running was as simple as grabbing my shoes and my watch and heading out the door. Fast forward a couple of years and running is not so simple - but it is still achievable. First, you have to ask yourself where you prioritize running. For me, I know that if I don’t run I won’t be as good of a mom, wife, or business owner. I make the time whether it is 5 am or 5 pm, to get in my run 3-4 times per week. I find that I can if I really want to make it happen.

With teens, I definitely have more freedom now. However, when they were little it was a completely different challenge. During the week I would find the time before or after work before dropping them off at daycare or picking them up. Some fortunate people have the opportunity to run on their lunch break. If you are one of them I suggest bringing a change of clothes so you are not stinky the rest of the workday!

I know for a lot of people they really may not have any time in their day to run. I suggest planning out your workweek schedule with fewer days of running so that you do not get stressed out about going every day. Then, plan your weekend to include one or both days of running. I've also learned that it can be tough if you go more than 2 days in a row without a run. So, I try to do 2 runs during the week and the other 1-2 on the weekend.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP

Ask friends to help out when you want to get in a run but don’t have any child care or life is too hectic to get to the gym. The favor goes two ways and I am happy to watch a friend’s kid so they can get in a run. I have learned that it is OK to ask for help if it gives me the opportunity to get in a short run, de-stress and clear my mind. These are things that are essential to me being the best in all the areas I put my priorities. Running and exercising is very important for productive employees so if anything, use it as an excuse to help improve your work output!

3. ENJOY THE TIME YOU CAN RUN

Make time for running during your week but also keep in mind that stressing over it won’t help anything. Know that doing a 20-minute run is OK and sometimes that is all we have time for. It is not a waste of time, and you will benefit from the time you spent on your feet. Ask for help, and seek support. It does take a village!

Maybe you don’t have kids, just a very demanding job, we all seek support in different ways. Meet up with a buddy. The buddy system gets people out the door. Running at 5 am is made much more enjoyable with a friend and a conversation. Be flexible and allow yourself some slack. In my dream world, I can run when I want to for however long I want to, but in reality that just is not going to happen.

I have learned to give myself a little bit of slack here and there, I am okay with having to take a day off and see the mileage in the book fall a bit one week. As long as it is not consistently happening, I know it will be okay. And last but certainly not least, have fun! I would not run if I was forcing it. Running is my time to myself, my thinking, stress-relieving, mind-clearing, the time I am not answering to anyone else and I am going to enjoy every moment and every step of it. You should too!

NEED SOME REMEDIES FOR THOSE RUNNING ACHES AND PAINS?

I've got you covered! I put together a quick guide that gives you my professional remedies for some of the most common running "niggles" or aches and pains. This "Remedies for Running Niggles" guide is a perfect 1st response to those annoying niggles BEFORE they lead to an injury that can sideline you.

Click HERE to grab your copy!