For most of us, running a marathon is something we choose to do. It’s not our job. It doesn’t pay the bills. We do it for “fun”. But, as anyone who has run one (or more) can tell you, it’s not an easy accomplishment and it takes a lot to fit the training into our regularly scheduled lives. Add in a snowy, cold winter and the whole process becomes a bit stressful. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad stress. I want to run this marathon. But I do need to manage it so that it doesn’t start having a negative effect on my training.
Here are some ways I manage my stress:
- Get as much sleep as possible. I know I’m horribly guilty of burning the candle at both ends. I never seem to get to bed at a reasonable time. So, I’ve totally been taking advantage of the snow days to sleep in a bit.
- Write everything down. I have “to do” lists for everything these days. Perhaps choosing to hit the highest mileage for my training right when I need to be organizing our taxes was not the smartest choice.
- Outsource what can be outsourced. I’m relying heavily right now on my cleaning service to keep my house reasonable, my friends to help keep my children entertained, and my accountant to actually deal with the tax filing.
- Make time for fun. I know lots of people set aside nights out with friends and social events to get sleep for training. While there’s nothing wrong with that if it works for you, I need to do social things. In fact, on Saturday, Beer Geek and I snuck out for a date “day” to have a chance to reconnect and discuss the schedule for the week.
- Use whatever helps with destressing. For me that means making time to read for pleasure and running some of my runs with no goals in mind (and ok, maybe a little retail therapy). I’ve also been using RESCUE Pastilles for a bit of natural stress relief. These little pastilles are like gummy candies for stress relief. I’ve been chewing a black currant flavor one a couple of times a day when I start to get overwhelmed with trying to juggle my kids, my job, and my training. (Yeah, I’ve completely given up on keeping on top of anything else.)
What are RESCUE pastilles? They are a natural/homeopathic stress aid that helps you stress less and stay calm. Thankfully, they are gentle and safe and non-habit-forming. And the pastilles are only one option: RESCUE Sleep Liquid Melts and RESCUE pearls are other options. Want to try them? Check out this coupon for buy one, get one.
I know that marathon stress will be gone soon, but I have three more heavy mileage weeks to get through first. I do have to admit that being able to run in a skirt and tank yesterday went a long way towards relieving this past week’s stress though.
How do you keep stress manageable? I’d love to hear your tips as I work my way through the next few weeks!
[Tweet “Who knew marathon training would be stressful? Here are my stress management tips. Tell me yours! #StressLess2BmyBest #CG”]
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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Running, even in marathon training, is a major stress buster for me!
YES! I use rescue remedy often, it works very well, and it reminds me of my godmother, who is always so calming, and I always looked up to her. It definitely helps, especially to fall asleep at nigth 🙂
All of the above make it stressful? I am so happy to have made it through this awful winter and my marathon training! It was a tough one, to be sure. And I can’t stand to miss sleep, so I did often skip the social activities, but now I’m back!
I have those Rescue pastilles on my desk at work and the spray in my bag. I actually use it and think that it helps me manage my nerves…seems like they’ve been working overtime lately.
Huh, I’ve never heard of these! I am a stress ball constantly, I think I need some!
Hmmm…well running is typically my stress outlet 🙂 but yes, trying to get in all the miles can be stressful for sure.
I’m *not* managing it at all! Ugh. The mental game is getting to me. :/
Great tips! I like the black currant RESCUE pastilles too! Life is stressful enough with running and tri training added in – which do DEstress me sometimes, mostly once I get into the run or workout. But sometimes it makes things MORE stressful when I realize I haven’t put away the laundry in 3 days.
Magnesium works wonders for reducing stress and calming your mind and muscles! I’ll have to try Rescue Pastilles, but read my blog on why magnesium can be so beneficial for stress and hundreds of other things. Do you supplement with magnesium?