Many of you know that I am what is called an "Ultra Runner". I love the thrill of long distance races. I put the term "ultra runner" in quotes primarily because I will be the first to admit that not everything that I do when I am out for a run is "running". I do a fair amount of walking in races and in training which, contrary to road races, is strongly encouraged. One of things that people always ask me when I say that I am training for 50-100 mile races is "where do you find the time?" Sometimes I wonder myself where I find the time to be a husband, a father, an employee, a coach, a member of a board, a friend and still be able to run 75-80 miles per week while doing strength training and some really funny yoga. And honestly, I'm not real sure.
I do a fair amount of my runs VERY early in the morning or VERY late at night. I will wake up at 3:30am and try to get 12-13 miles in before my kids wake up for school and/or get out the door around 8:00pm for 10-15 miles. Most days this is a struggle. I am not a fast runner. I am no stellar athlete. Some days it takes 2 cups of coffee in the morning.
The one thing that pushes me to put on those shoes though when I just want to lay down and take a nap is knowing that running is my escape. It's my time to be alone in my head. It's what has helped me to lose weight. It helps me to manage the stress of my job. It helps me to be a better husband and dad. It's what helps to burn off the calories that I consume with my addiction to Gold Fish crackers. It helps me connect with people. It helps me to see parts of the city or country that I may have never seen before. It is my way of connecting with my creator. It helps me connect with the world on a level that I can't get from sitting behind a keyboard or in front of a TV.
Where do I find the time? Cutting out TV. Cutting out the web. Cutting out the time killers, but never cutting out family time. Where do I find the time? I don't know, but I make time.
What can you cut out this week to make time?
Stay Strong, Run Long
Brad