I started a new job in November and since then, I have become a morning runner, which helps me fit everything in. By everything I mean alllll of the little things that goes into training outside of running— strides, plyos, stretching, stability, lifting, etc. Looking at your training schedule and everything there is to do, it can be a little intimidating. I overwhelm myself sometimes too.

In order to get everything in, you might have to get a bit creative. I don’t always wake up early enough to do everything I want to do, so I have to find random times during the day to fit stuff in (this plan will for sure change in a few months when I go back into the office and my mileage ramps up).

Here is my current plan:

Monday Morning run followed by strides and when I get home, a short lift. If I don’t have time for my lift, I do it at lunch or after dinner.

Tuesday Another morning run followed by plyos and stability.

Wednesday Off day— lots of stretching followed by some core.

Thursday A normal run followed by strides and a lift. Just like Monday, if I don’t have time to lift in the morning, or I’m too hungry (usually the case), I lift on my lunch break or before bed.

Friday Just like Tuesday, I do a normal morning run followed by plyos and stability.

Saturday A short run, usually 3 to 4 miles, followed by core.

Sunday Long run day, with strides and plyos!

As my mileage increases in anticipation of summer marathon training, I’m sure this schedule will change, but for now, this is what works best for me. The best part about this sport is how flexible it is. You don’t need to do what I do or what another runner does, find out a schedule that works best for you! Be patient as you figure it out and know that things will change, and that is totally okay.