Can’t wait for the time change

I was so motivated during the summer, even with the high temps. I ran 3x per week without fail. But lately I can’t get myself up and out to run before work. Weekends — no problem. I go out between 8 am and 9 am and run for an hour or longer. I even started an exercise group for women made up of walkers and runners. We’re doing a 5K race on 11/7.

Running during the week is a completely different story.

Waking up a 6:15 am to darkness is just no fun. I tried to make it enticing by buying a reflective vest by Brooks. Nope, hasn’t worked so far. I even treated myself to a new running shirt. Nope, didn’t work either.

Plus work is so busy that I barely have time to breathe, let alone get to the gym during the day. I’m so zonked after a 10-, 11-, or 12+ hour workday that I can barely see straight in the evening. I know…set aside personal time, but in my industry you have to put in the hours when the work is there. It’s either run before work or not at all.

Even though the time change is in 1.5 weeks, I need to figure something out this week. The Turkey Trot 10K race is on November 25 and I have do some serious training to get ready. I’m not worried about the distance, but I’ve heard that the hills are killers. If I don’t get in the mileage, work on my speed and endurance, and strengthen my hip flexor, I’m not going to make it.

If anyone has any suggestions, please leave a comment.

Thanks! Happy running!