In today’s hectic world it can be difficult just finding the time to run. Gromit shares how he manages to find the right balance between training, work, rest and keeping his family happy!
Getting the Right Life Balance
One very very busy man!
Let me tell you a story… are you sitting comfortably? Okay let’s begin.
I only knew one person at the running club and in fact I had only met him once before which had been at a seminar. When I had mentioned to him that I was looking to join a running club he said that he ran with a friendly bunch at a club 7 miles from where I lived. So that’s how I found myself standing in the reception area of Wetherby Road Runners on a cold winter evening on 6th Jan 2006.
As the bells chimed and the clock struck twelve on New Years Eve, I like many others had made the big decision that “This was going to be my year”. I was going to be taking this year very seriously and I had made a commitment to get fit, take control of my life and chase my dreams until I caught them. And I was starting right there and then.
My First Run with The Club
So here I was introducing myself to everyone as the new potential member, eager to see what happened and joining everyone on a 5 mile run around what was soon to become my usual Wednesday night route. I joined the intermediate group as they seemed to run at a pace that I could manage – 9 minutes/mile steady. “No problem”, I said, “I can do that”.
3 miles into the run I had already stopped to re-tie my lace that wasn’t loose, eased off the pace due to a “stitch” and blew air out of every orifice trying to keep with the pace up what seemed like a never ending hill. Luckily for me the club policy was to buddy up every beginner and new member with a more experienced runner. This was in case they fell off the pace and so that they were accompanied round the route and safely back to the club. Simon was the unlucky runner tonight!
As I struggled to the top of "Everest", Simon distracted me in conversation, politely asking questions about what I did, telling me about the club and teasing me with the prospect of a nice hot shower and a beer in the club at the end of the next 2 miles. It was a very one sided conversation. My lungs were burning my legs were like lead, I was overdressed, overheating, and unable to talk because I was gritting my teeth so hard. (That was probably why I was finding it so hard to breathe!)
The beer manifested itself in my mind as my “Winners Medal” and I plodded along in my own little world of pain until we reached the club and I got my breath back enough to tell Simon, “Thanks, for sticking with me, the beers are on me!” Off I toddled for a shower. Having failed miserably to hump my unfit complaining body round a 5 mile road run without stopping, I didn’t think now was the time to tell them that I had only joined because of my desire to break my inertia.
I had to focus on getting better at running because I was committed to running one of the “Toughest foot races in the world”. In 14 months time I would be lining up in Morocco for the Marathon de Sables.
The Importance of a Balanced Life
As I drove home that night, sore and tired (but proud that I had taken a positive step of action) I pondered on something that would live with me all throughout 2006, It is one of life’s fundamental rules;
"You cannot take out of life more than you put into life"
For life you can substitute:
- Your running (especially when looking for a good performance when you haven’t invested in the proper quality or quantity of training)
- Your relationships both work and personal
- Your bank account
- Your diet
- Your health both physical, mental, spiritual or psychological,
- And in my particular case since January 2006 my family life and my endurance training.
The fact remains that this rule is a fundamental and therefore applies to every aspect of life. I'm sure we all have experienced the penalties for non-compliance in one or more areas in the past. If you breach your overdraft or try to take out more than you have invested in any of these areas the penalties come into play. Seen in context the penalties can also be viewed as a "gentle reminder" that we are neglecting to pay proper care and attention to important aspects of our lives.
I have learned that I do tend to become a bit blinkered as events appear on the training horizon and in the run up to endurance events. I must admit I can become less than considerate with the work/family/training life balance. Everything becomes weighted towards work and training and not enough invested in the family part of the equation.
Subsequently I find myself pushing my luck just a little too far by accepting a last minute invites on a Friday afternoon for a “Great new 10 mile training run” with the lads on Saturday morning (which eats into time that I have already committed to my wife!). To cut a long story short I can find myself well into overdraft on the "Brownie Points account" and these further withdrawal attempts receive a "not so gentle reminder!”
So I am learning to choose to redress the balance of harmony by sticking with what I had said I would do in the first place, and subsequently reaping the rewards. (If I have to go to the supermarket for the weekly shopping then I throw in a nice bottle of Red wine as a reward!)
Getting the Balance Right
So balance becomes an important part of what we do, but let’s not forget that our goals are important and build in a balanced plan that accommodates all areas.
For me in the final 10 weeks leading up to the Spartathlon the mileage increases to the 100+ miles per week level during August. That means getting up at 05:30 for early morning 5 mile runs, followed by work, family time, late evening 10 mile runs, quality rest and sleep and a 45 miler at the weekend. Allowing for family time and entertaining, oh and cutting the grass, doing the DIY, and having a quality rest day (after the grueling trip to the supermarket!)
When you learn to create a balance and life is in perspective you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. You’ll gain time, energy, peace of mind, and enjoy your achievements so much more…ask yourself this question....
“If you knew you couldn’t fail… what would you attempt?”
Then when you have a goal all you need to do is invest enough time effort and dedication to all the important areas of your life and ask those who are important to you for help in achieving your goal. You will find that life will balance in your favour. You know you can do it. It’s all about balance and it is summed up for me in the slogan for my favourite running shoes Asics:
“Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” - A Sound Mind in A Sound Body, the powerful alliance of balance between mind and body.
Go chase you dreams!
Gromit is currently in training for the 150 mile Spartathlon Ultra. Keep tabs on his progress at http://andy-desertrunner08.blogspot.com.
Read more from Gromit:
Self Belief the Key to Achieving Your Goals
Self Talk, Vision and Making it Happen
_________________________________________________________________________________
Back to Homepage