This is the first in a new series, where FrontRunners Jani du Toit and Raeesa Solwa will show us how to manage training time with being a new mom. In the first installment Jani talks us through time management.
These are her words:
The most important thing for me with regards to time is routine. Without a routine I cannot plan my day. Routine helps me know that the moment baby sleeps I can fit in a 2-3 hour training session, do a few blog posts or simply clean the kitchen and make sure the household doesn't fall apart.
The only way I am able to go for a run or to do strength workouts without unnecessary interruptions like daily 'adulting' and baby duties, is by being prepared for anything, and planning for whatever circumstance ahead of time. So I prep meals, always have bags packed ready to go and ensure to stay ahead of any and all house work, because for me apart from the baby and eating, running comes first.
My training used to be very loose - I'd run however far or long I wanted and my husband would just keep busy with his own things when I was not home. But now its another ball game. if I don't have a babysitter – which is most days – I have to run and train on the road with a stroller. I consider myself to be a trail runner and not really a road runner, so I cant really take the stroller with baby trail running. This means if I don't have a babysitter then I have to run on the road with baby.
In terms of structure I now have a coach who is helping me to prepare for my races too. I want to do more ultras in the future and compete on a more competitive level and I think I need someone to hold me accountable.
So, my training has very much changed into a more structured program than before. I also have such a limit on my time that I literally don't have an option to go run at any time of the day - I have to grab the chance and well, run! I also take full advantage of family wanting to babysit on weekends or after hours - this helps me to get in some trail time.
