As many of you are aware, I'm currently undertaking a 1000 running challenge to raise funds for Ninewells Hospital Ward 29 and children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.
Today (Mon 27th April) is Day 118 of the challenge and I am currently at 361.5 miles, which is ahead of the training schedule. I need to run 84 miles a month (2.8 miles a day) at least however my aim is to run a minimum of 3 miles a day to enable me to have the odd day off and rest my body when I am feeling under par.
The Challenge During Lockdown
It is safe to say that the last 3 weeks have been the hardest in the challenge so far. Having to juggle lockdown, working from home, home-schooling the children and making sure that I go for a run each day (either in the morning or after work) has been tough.
Most days, my routine involves getting up at 6.30am and going for my daily run. But sometimes I have to go out after work. When I start my run, the initial thought is "I must get to 3 miles" then see how I feel and if my legs are going along okay, I then try to go a bit further. Today was a good day and I managed 5 miles!
Evidence from today's run (27.04.2020)
When I get back home, it's time to start work at 8am, I try to be quiet so the kids don’t hear me as I want to get some work done before the home schooling starts – I can never remember Maths being so hard in S1 and S2! Making sure the kids get their work done is down to me as my husband, Colin, works nights and needs to sleep during the day. That's why I'm so keen to go for my run in the morning - when I don't, I definitely feel more snappy when the kids are arguing about their school work.
I don't know about other parents but, certainly for us, the school timetable was thrown out the window within a couple of days of homeschooling! We now work to our own timetable, doing around 90 minutes work in the morning and same again in the afternoon, and that's good enough. Provided Danielle and Logan meet all their assessment and activity deadlines, they can spend the rest of the time doing what they want - including going for walks or a bike ride with their dad to get fresh air - and we are all much happier for it.
Later in the day, usually after tea, we work on Danielle's physiotherapy. She recently had surgery and needs to build up the muscles around where the bones were broken. Her physio - a mix of exercises and stretches, depending on that day's activities - is going well, even with the local land and water physiotherapy facilities being temporarily closed.
My Advice to Others
This current situation that we find ourselves in is not a normal one and everyone needs to find their own work life balance to ensure that they are not getting stressed and overwhelmed. I'm grateful for my challenge as it encourages me to get out and run, which offers an escape from everything that is going on.
I hope that by sharing updates on my challenge, and offering a realistic glimpse into our lockdown lives, will encourage/motivate others in the same situation to try and get out. Getting daily exercise is so important and it really does make a difference to my health and wellbeing.
Sponsor Me
Thank you to everyone for their continued support. I'm pleased to say I've raised nearly £200 towards my £1000 goal.
If you haven't already, and have anything to spare, you can donate to my cause at the link below.
Thanks again. I really do appreciate it.
Tina
Posted on 27th Apr 2020
Last modified by API