Help me find the time to run

Here is a quick back story. I have a one year old son. I am teacher in queens- my commute is about an 1hr. I leave for work at 6 am and get home around 4:30.

When should I run? I can't run as soon as I get home because my mom watches my son starting at 6 and is exhausted by the time I get home at 4:30. My husband gets home around 6:30. I also usually have about an hour and half of lesson planning to do a night.

I am getting really depressed that I don't run during the week. I want to buy a treadmill but my husband is not on board because we don't have room for it anywhere. He told me to join the gym but I've joined before and never really went.

So basically here are my options- join the gym and try and make it a habit to go. Go running at 4 am. Go running at night around 7:30 when the baby goes to bed (then do my work).

Any other suggestions?

What do you think the best option is? What do you do?

Help me find the time to run

Can you get a jogging stroller? I know it is a pain to push, but at least you will be able to get a few miles in each day.

What subject do you teach? Do you not get a lot of prep time at work?

Re: Help me find the time to run

Do you have to run during the week, or would other exercise work for you? I don't think I would want to run in the dark, so I think if I was in your shoes, I would probably run Saturday and Sunday, and then maybe do a workout video at home 2-3 mornings a week.

ETA: jogging stroller is a good suggestion too (although maybe won't help you for the winter), but you could go with DC when you get home at 4:30.

Message edited 1/12/2013 8:42:15 PM.

Re: Help me find the time to run

jogging stroller is a good option. I don't like going out when there's no light, so please be careful if you choose that option.


I run after work before getting kids (which wouldn't work for you) or treadmill or after I get home in lighter months.


I used to go to the gym at 4 am - I had to sleep in my gym clothes. Wish I could start that habit again, i really loved the quietness of the time.

Re: Help me find the time to run

I go at 8:30pm. If you can get in a 7:30 routine I say go with that.

Re: Help me find the time to run

buy a treadmill. or come use mine

Re: Help me find the time to run

Thanks for the suggestions! I do have a jogging stroller but thought maybe it was too cold to bring the baby out in. But maybe it will be okay if he is bundled up.

I've tried work out videos- but for whatever reason I do them for 3 days and then get too tired to do it and end up just giving up. I always go back to running though.

I'll see how the weather is and take the baby out at 4:30 and hopefully he will cooperate and not cry the whole run.

Re: Help me find the time to run

I'm in a similar situation but don't have as long a commute. I bring my stuff to school a couple times a week and run right after the day ends. I am done with my run and then get the kids, make dinner and take care of everything else! Is there anyway you can ask if your mom will watch him like a half hour longer maybe 2x a week and then you can get a longer run in on the weekends? I don't like to run in the dark, so I'm not recommending that. Other wise I'd try the gym again and really try to stick to it.

Re: Help me find the time to run

i have a similar problem:
i work f/t and have 2 little ones. my DH is out of the house by 5am and doesn't get home until after 7pm so in the winter running during the week is almost non-existent.
here are a few things i have done to help run at least 2 MAYBE 3x a week in the winter (other seasons i can sneak in more b.c of daylight and weather):

1. jogging stroller definitely, i bundle kids up, give them a snack and do a 2-3 mile run as soon as i get home from work (which is pretty early and it's still light)

2. joined a gym and will occasionally bring the kids with me for a 1/2 hr. run while they are in the gym daycare. i don't do this a lot b.c i feel guilty b.c i am away from them while at work...but they do really like going and it's only a 1/2 hr or so!

3. i have just started to run during my lunch hour. this is not ideal but 2x a week i find i can do it. the high school is across the st so i run the track. i get back and clean up with baby wipes and new make up deoderant etc. and it's fine. easy b.c it's cold out so i am not so gross and sweaty. i take a shower when i get home.

none are perfect solutions but it does get me a few runs here and there. and of course sat/sun are always running days. i just started doing Jillian's 30 day shred tape too b.c it's 20 min (i can handle that!) and helps keep me in check.
good luck- i know how hard it is esp this time of year!

Re: Help me find the time to run

Re: Help me find the time to run