This week I managed two swims, two runs, two gym sessions and two rest days (all the two’s). Ideally I should have done a little more but that’s life. My parents came to visit at the weekend and I worked five shifts last week. On a positive note, one of my runs this week I ran eight miles; the furthest distance I’ve done in a while.
Sometimes I find it hard to train when working a few shifts together so I need to plan my sessions ahead. I work twelve and a half hour shifts both day and night which change each week. Some weeks I have a few shifts back to back so I have a few more 5am sessions and may train less. You just have to be realistic and flexible as we are only human and sadly I have to work to pay the bills. I plan each week ahead so I know what I’m doing each day and generally if I have a plan I do (most of the time) stick to it.
Another way I try to stick to my fitness plan each week is to go to at least one trained session per week. I am member of the Edinburgh Triathletes club and they run weekly sessions each week for running, swimming and cycling. This keeps me motivated by mixing up my exercise sessions. Group sessions help me to work harder as you have someone pushing you. I am quite good at plodding along at the same pace during training and I find club session push me much harder. Other members at training also help as I am quite determined to finish training just like everyone else.
Next week I’m continuing regular running and swim sessions. I am planning longer runs, maximum two gym sessions and to use my turbo trainer more this week.