Pencil It In

on July 20, 2010
in All Posts

Since my life is currently imploding (in a great way), I’ve found that I’m struggling mentally to “make time” for my workouts.  Between the book release, launching the Husband’s practice (which I’ve really hands-on about; I’m actually going to be the secretary), planning the Healthy Living Summit, and juggling freelance, I’m swamped.

 

One trick I’ve been using is to literally schedule my workouts in my Google Calendar, so notifications pop up in my e-mail box AND on my phone.  Can’t ignore that.

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Err, yes.  I actually have to schedule eyebrow pluckage or it never gets done.  :)  Unfortunately, this trick has not worked for my No More Trouble Zones DVD challenge.  I truly hate all forms of strength training and it’s been difficult to get motivated to do the super challenging DVD.

 

I did go on a run today, though! I was scheduled for a long speedwork session, but a tiny spot behind my knee has been bothering me for a few days.  My hamstrings are definitely overworked from all the speed + hills.  It’s not an injury – yet.  But I’ve got to play it safe.  The moment it started to hurt (around Mile 1.75), I hightailed it to a shortcut and went home.

 

(Localized pain is one of the major red flags for an impending injury – check out the “Is This Pain Normal?” post for the other warning signs.)

 

Final statistics:

 

  • Duration:  28:31
  • Distance: 3.0 miles
  • Mile 1: 9:30
  • Mile 2: 9:25
  • Mile 3: 9:36

 

Post-run lunch!

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Barney Butter and strawberry jam sandwich on Dakota bread!

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Plus, fruit.  I need some greens in my life ASAP.

 

Something Nice to Do!

 

Remember my goal to do 26 Races Before My 26th Birthday on April 26?  Fellow blogger John, who lost over 100 pounds through a healthy lifestyle, is attempting something similar – but even BETTER!  John is striving to do 40 races before his 40th birthday.  To finance this mission, he’s entered the Stride Gum $10,000 “Stridea” contest.  In his contest entry, he wrote:

 

My ridiculous Stridea is to try completing 40 races in one year before I turn 40. I’ve recently dropped 105 pounds and was trying to think of a challenge to keep me fit and lose the last 45.  This is what I came up with. To date, the most I’ve done is 4 in one year so it should be quite the challenge! 

 

John plans to run a variety of races, including 5Ks, Half Ironmans, and a Marathon!  All he has to do is place in the top 5 ideas to win$10,000 – and you can easily vote to support him HERE!

 

Something To Talk About…

 

Do you “schedule” workouts or take them as they come?  Are you more efficient when following a training plan or does planning drive you insane?

{ 121 comments }

 

  • tanyasdaily July 20, 2010, 1:55 pm

    The bread looks really good! I schedule them.

  • Dynamics July 20, 2010, 1:56 pm

    Right now I am struggling to workout. I am failing. I have to find some motivation to get in there and workout. Any suggestions?

    • caitlin July 20, 2010, 2:35 pm

      Check out: http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2010/07/how-to-get-and-stay-motivated.html

    • Emma July 26, 2010, 12:57 pm

      Don’t feel bad Dynamics. I’m struggling to work out. And guess what? I’m a stay-at-home mom. I don’t have the motivation and I’m always trying to figure out what to do first and/or how to do it, as well as schedule my days. So, believe me, you are not by yourself. But one good thing: This is day 2 of TRYING to eat healthy. So my advice to the both of us is simple-start off slow and try not to get discouraged. Take care Dynamics.

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 20, 2010, 1:58 pm

    Good luck to John – awesome guy!
    I always schedule my workouts – 1st thing in the morning so they’re done and out the way 🙂

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit July 20, 2010, 1:59 pm

    I just fall into a routine with working out- when I was in school I would have to workout early in the morning if I wanted to fit it in. Now that I’m just working nights, I’ll exercise mid-morning usually. I’ve never used a training plan before, but I’m about to start because I am training for my first 1/2 marathon!

  • AngelaOSG July 20, 2010, 2:01 pm

    I love the idea of a workout popping up on my screen…great idea. I pretty much fail miserably by workout plans..I think I do best when I can just fly (run) by the seat of my pants depending on my mood.
    Good job for listening to the slight pain and getting home. 🙂

  • Andrea July 20, 2010, 2:01 pm

    John has my vote! Some of those other strideas are strange.

  • Emily July 20, 2010, 2:02 pm

    First of all, I want to make that breakfast truffle!!! Yum.
    And I have an 8-5 kind of job – so for me, the gym’s either at 5am or 5:30pm. But I will say that I do write in my planner (I’m old school) when I’m going. I love to be able to “check” it off once the workout is complete. I think my love for strength training came once I finally started seeing results – now I’m a gym junkie. I love strength training. But to keep it interesting – I try to go to one body sculpt class at my local Y each week.

  • Exercise and Eat July 20, 2010, 2:04 pm

    I’m on a schedule right now! One more hour of computer work, then gym, then tutoring zone! I like a busy but planned life:)

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin July 20, 2010, 2:10 pm

    I don’t schedule my workouts to a T, but I have a general sense of what I want to do and when. Since I work a desk job from 9 – 5, I know I have early mornings and evenings free, so I figure out what else I have going on that week so I can figure out how to get 4-5 workouts in.

  • Camille July 20, 2010, 2:13 pm

    I try and schedule workouts just to make sure I get them done. However, I do listen to my body and make them shorter or longer depending on how I feel!

  • alli July 20, 2010, 2:15 pm

    that sandwich looks tasty!
    i definately have to schedule it or i just won’t do it! 4:30am is when i get up now. in phx it’s just too hot to do it any other time. that and i get easily sidetracked after work to want to work out!

  • Sarah for Real July 20, 2010, 2:16 pm

    I found that a training plan drove me nuts. I also find that without one, I don’t get out as often as I’d really like. It’s a conundrum…

    I sent Jillian BACK! (I got it thru netflix.) I decided that I hated NMTZ. I couldn’t walk for days after AND I hate that she lies and says it’s 40 minutes when it’s really almost an hour (or is my dvd player tricking me?). I can see why you are struggling with motivation on that one.

    I think I liked 30 day shred better and I might actually buy that one.

    • caitlin July 20, 2010, 2:36 pm

      yea it feels really freaking long!

    • Emma July 20, 2010, 3:14 pm

      I’m glad I’m not the only one who couldn’t walk!
      My legs were really REALLY sore for a week. (It hurt to sit down on the toilet. Now, thats funny in retrospect…but then, it was a trial!)

      • Sarah for Real July 20, 2010, 3:22 pm

        LOL. The toilet thing? Uh… yeah exactly my experience. And I couldn’t tell a soul I was so embarrassed! Thank you Emma for feeling my pain! Hahaha

    • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 20, 2010, 4:01 pm

      I thought I was going crazy and forgot how to tell time or something! Thanks for letting me know that I am not the only one who thought it was a lot longer than 40 minutes.

  • Jenny July 20, 2010, 2:18 pm

    I do not schedule my workouts, but I totally should. Friday is my last day at my job before I start grad school full time, so I will definitely start scheduling my time.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite July 20, 2010, 2:19 pm

    I just have to say it again how incredibly happy I am for you!! You are going to be famous 🙂

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 20, 2010, 2:22 pm

    I don’t need to schedule my workouts because my day is so structured to begin with. Workouts fit themselves in naturally at the same time every day.

  • Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life July 20, 2010, 2:23 pm

    I try to “loosely” schedule my workouts, because that helps keep me on track. Rarely do I get the desire to workout out of nowhere!
    Caitlin, after seeing you mention your No Trouble Zones DVD, you might be interested in a giveaway that I have closing shortly on my blog – free exercise videos + workout gear from Exercise TV! Feel free to check it out! 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 20, 2010, 2:24 pm

    I really should schedule them but I don’t. I do pencil in the rest of my life. If anything ever happened to my iCal I would be lost.

  • Jason @ Cant-Coach-Desire July 20, 2010, 2:24 pm

    I don’t schedule workouts, but have more of a weekly routine with 5 weight lifting sessions(varying muscle groupings, 4-5 runs(1 long, 2 tempo or intervals, and recovery runs), 1 day cross training. Due to work and life the days are set like a long run on Saturday morning, weights Monday at 5:30, etc. but what I do is up in the air. I keep myself accountable with a workout journal online that I share with friends. I log all of my activity here so I can look at weekly summaries to see if I slacked off a week, etc. Work pretty well. Check it out. http://www.dailymile.com

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg July 20, 2010, 2:24 pm

    I don’t schedule workouts unless my days get super packed– like yours are now!! When my life gets that hectic, it helps me to have a schedule.

  • Madeline @ greensandjeans July 20, 2010, 2:26 pm

    I am definitely a planner! Of course, I’m training for a marathon right now, which feeds my organizational side! Even if I plan to switch things around, I like to know what is coming down the pipe with my workouts!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) July 20, 2010, 2:26 pm

    i can’t get too structured with my workouts or else i really struggle with balancing the rest of my time. it works better in my world to just be as active as possible whenever i can!

  • Crystal July 20, 2010, 2:27 pm

    I tend to take workouts as they come- it seems like.. I would love to be more organized, but since I’m organized in everything else- I guess this will have wait.. however- I’m trying to get back on track so that I can work towards races..

  • Ashley July 20, 2010, 2:27 pm

    I have to schedule workouts or else they will never got done. 5:15am every morning..fun!

  • melissa July 20, 2010, 2:28 pm

    Great looking sandwich! love the 26 by 26 idea!

  • Dorry July 20, 2010, 2:28 pm

    If I’m in Dallas for weeks at a time, I like to semi-schedule my workouts. When we are super busy or traveling, I take what I can get and I like to make ordinary activities into a chance to workout.

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) July 20, 2010, 2:30 pm

    I’ve got to try this fabulous Dakota Bread…

    Yes, I’ll schedule in workouts sometimes, mainly to give me the satisfaction of crossing them off my to-do list 🙂

  • Jes July 20, 2010, 2:31 pm

    I schedule them to an extent… I dont do the times though because sometimes i do it before work if i know its going to rain, or I will go at lunch for a quick session, just so long as i get something close to what I wrote down, I am a happy camper! =)

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! July 20, 2010, 2:32 pm

    I literally have to schedule everything (at work and home) or I FORGET about it or it doesn’t get done……….I pretty much workout on the same days every week, with some variation on the weekends and that works out best for me though I have to add a “running day” to my current schedule for the 16-Week 15K Training Plan I am currenlty following, which will be hard but I will do my best.

    What great goals! Mine is to run my 1st Marathon before my 35th Birthday…………I have done several 5Ks and 1 10K to date and will be running my 1st 15K this September and hopefuly a 1/2 Marathon in December and then training for my 1st Marathon will begin, which I will have a year to prepare for before I turn 35 in 2012! =)

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete July 20, 2010, 2:33 pm

    Do you have to be the secretary? Is this a temporary thing or a permanent thing? Yikes, it sounds like you’ve got a lot of things going on!

    When school is in session, I have to schedule those workouts in otherwise I tend to put them off! This summer, my life got a little crazy without school, and I should have still penciled in my workouts, but I didn’t!!

    I learned my lesson, i’m back to scheduling it in!

    • caitlin July 20, 2010, 2:38 pm

      I have to be the secretary to start off to ensure we actually make money. Paying someone else $100 a day doesn’t sound appealing to me.

  • Chelsey July 20, 2010, 2:33 pm

    During the school year, I definitely schedule my workouts. In the summer I know they will get done, just don’t know when 🙂

    My eyebrows sometimes get out of control too – time to tame the beast over here.

  • Therese July 20, 2010, 2:35 pm

    I schedule. If it’s not done first thing in the morning it probably won’t happen, especially now with work and school I actually had to START working out in the morning because I was getting overwhelmed and stressed all the time.

  • Renee July 20, 2010, 2:37 pm

    Definitely schedule them! I schedule my entire week on Sunday night/Monday morning and try my best to stick to it. I try to work out in the mornings before work, and if I skip it I’m not always likely to make it up in the evenings. Scheduling and planning helps me stay on track. I also schedule meals for the week to make sure I’m eating healthfully and consciously.

    Can you tell I’m an event planner for my day job? 🙂

  • Kelly July 20, 2010, 2:38 pm

    When I’m training for something I schedule them, but other than that I know I go to the gym after work at 4:30.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels July 20, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I haven’t been scheduling them lately and therefore I’ve been putting them off, thankfully I forced myself to the gym today. I always feel so silly afterwards because I actually love doing weights so I’m like man why do I procrastinate so much when it feels so good!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 20, 2010, 2:41 pm

    I am a scheduler with workouts and that is first thing in the morning. I HATE for things to get in the way of me working out, so I get it done first thing. I wake up at 5:50 before anyone else, just to get it done! Take it easy on the legs. I know I over worked my hamstrings last Thursday since I could still feel them Monday after resting for a couple of days. They are finally better today!

  • Leah @ L4L July 20, 2010, 2:41 pm

    I don’t schedule as a a result, they don’t get done. Once we join a new gym after moving, that’s all going to change though! I do best with a routine so first thing, every. single. morning. I’m gonna be hitting the gym!

  • Lisa @ My High-Carb Lifestyle July 20, 2010, 2:42 pm

    Sometimes I think half the reason I train is so I can satisfy my OCD need to create schedules and plans. 😀 Although I tend to have a weekly schedule, and just get in the workouts wherever they will fit.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine July 20, 2010, 2:42 pm

    I don’t schedule workouts, but I almost always do them in the morning. I find it easier to get them out of the way in the AM, than have it hanging over my head all day!

  • Jenny July 20, 2010, 2:42 pm

    I am a Type A Personality in general, so scheduling is an obvious part of life 😉 I even have refused to switch to the on-line calendars as itrust my own handwriting in my own little notebook to be the best reminder! Regarding workouts, the heat in NY has been unbearable and makes it so hard to get moving in the morning. So I literally write out my work out the night before and stick it on the mirror so thta when I look at my face, the distance and time of what I must do is staring at my face. Having a mental goal in mind right away motivates me in a major way!

  • ActiveEggplant July 20, 2010, 2:46 pm

    I schedule my workouts for each week – but I don’t follow the schedule to a T. I change up the days depending on what I feel like doing that day – so I still get all of the workouts in, just not always on the scheduled day. The only workout I actually schedule a day & time for is Spin class – obviously because that one is held at a specific time and place and I don’t want to miss it! 🙂

  • Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine July 20, 2010, 2:48 pm

    Aw, I LOVE strength training and all the benefits that come with it! To each their own though, better to do what you enjoy. 🙂

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! July 20, 2010, 2:49 pm

    Good for you for figuring out what works best for you! I usually schedule my workouts, especially when things get very busy. I would love for workouts to be more organic, but most of the time my life gets in the way. Just this morning, I scheduled a 5:30 run. It was tough waking up for it, but I prepared myself by laying out all my clothes the night before. Little things like that help me get motivated for scheduled workouts.

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous July 20, 2010, 2:58 pm

    Too funny that you have to schedule in eyebrow plucking! I never have to do that because looking in the mirror is a reminder enough for me. I’m Greek, what can I say? Anyway, I don’t schedule in my workouts, but I usually always have a plan for the week on when I’m going to run, go to a yoga class, etc. So yeah, sometimes life gets in the way and I miss a planned workout, but I’m pretty good to sticking to it!

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story July 20, 2010, 3:01 pm

    I do the same using Google Calendar, if I don’t, they don’t happen. It’s that simple. Especially during the summer when I’m working so much and I’m mentally fried. I need things outside of work to be fairly mindless and scheduled. Otherwise I end up on the couch, face first in a pile of chocolate candy or ice cream.

  • Maren @ Simply Maren July 20, 2010, 3:02 pm

    I do go through periods of trying to schedule my runs, but I don’t like to because it makes me frustrated (and slightly mad at myself) when I miss/skip them. I find it a little more detrimental than proactive. Usually if it’s a running day and I don’t want to run in the morning (or whenever) if I just wait it out I usually want to go some time later in the day. I guess I’m more of an “organic” go-with-the-flow runner.

  • Marci July 20, 2010, 3:04 pm

    Once I started exercising before work, I don’t have to worry about when I’ll get my workout in because it’s already done! Sometimes planning for them or following a plan can be stressful, but I recently started keeping track of mileage, when I crosstrain, and how I feel at the end of a week and it’s fun to look back.

  • Cates July 20, 2010, 3:04 pm

    “It’s not an injury – yet. But I’ve got to play it safe. The moment it started to hurt (around Mile 1.75), I hightailed it to a shortcut and went home.”

    I am a beginning runner, and I injured myself training for my first half-marathon. I completed the race anyway, even beating my goal time (adrenaline is an amazing thing!), but I haven’t been able to run since the day of the race, which was over 2 1/2 months ago.

    I’ve tried a variety of lower-impact activities, including cycling and swimming, but between my love of physical activity and the tendency to push myself to my limits, my injuries remain.

    Facing my limitations has taken an incredible toll on my mental health–I’ve never before realized what a GIFT my physical health is.

    I know, now, that I’m going to have to get serious about listening to my body. But, it’s incredibly hard to be happy with walking half a mile when I feel like there’s a marathoner lurking inside me!

    Reading this post brought me to tears. THANK YOU for being honest, for respecting your body, and for being a healthy role model for all of us.

    • Caitlin July 20, 2010, 3:07 pm

      I am so glad it helped you and that you’ve begun to define what ‘healthy’ is to you, both physically and mentally. way to go!!

  • Michelle July 20, 2010, 3:08 pm

    I do both. But my work schedule is different every week, every day, so its hard to do too much scheduling. I try to schedule my workouts week by week, but sometimes, I’ll fly by the seat of my pants depending on the weather, how I feel, etc. I’ve found that for me, trying to stick to a schedule ALL the time is frustrating, so its good for me to be a little flexible.

  • Emma July 20, 2010, 3:11 pm

    Regarding the little ache behind your knee:

    I had the same problem last year. It was never intense, but it would come in spurts until finally it bothered me all day long. I didn’t rest as much as I should have. As a result it lingered for more than three months!

    I went to a sports doctor, and they said it was a case of “hamstring tendonitis” (google it for a good explanation). The doc told me to rest, and gave me a few stretches. In a little over a week it was all gone! Look up the stretches; I think if I’d done them when it first started, I could have nipped it in the bud. Good luck!

  • Emma July 20, 2010, 3:11 pm

    Regarding the little ache behind your knee:

    I had the same problem last year. It was never intense, but it would come in spurts until finally it bothered me all day long. I didn’t rest as much as I should have. As a result it lingered for more than three months!

    I went to a sports doctor, and they said it was a case of “hamstring tendonitis” (google it for a good explanation). The doc told me to rest, and gave me a few stretches. In a little over a week it was all gone! Look up the stretches; I think if I’d done them when it first started, I could have nipped it in the bud. Good luck!

  • Teacherwoman July 20, 2010, 3:12 pm

    Way to get in a run, amidst everything else going on!

    I have to schedule my workouts. It’s just part of the planner in me. And, if I can schedule them early in the day, with another person, even better. I am more likely to get up that early and get them done. This summer off business isn’t helping my productivity!

  • Deva (voracious vorilee) July 20, 2010, 3:12 pm

    I tend to do both- schedule and go with the flow. I know what I want to accomplish at the gym, and plan accordingly with my schedule to fit in workouts, but I don’t stress if I miss one- there is always another day!

  • Rosey Rebecca July 20, 2010, 3:17 pm

    I’m the same way with to-do lists. I have to make mental deadlines for myself with freelancing or I procrastinate. Love that you include eyebrow-plucking in your to-do list. I’ve included things like “eat” in mine. 🙂

  • Amelia July 20, 2010, 3:17 pm

    I HAVE to schedule my workouts- both lifting and cardio related. Honestly, I do best if I get it done in the morning. First, it isn’t so darn hot. Secondly, I feel like I have WAY more energy and motivation through the day. Plus I am such a planner and don’t do well flying by the seat of my pants.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete.wordpress.com July 20, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I love to plan my workouts and I do much better with a training schedule. It has been 1/2 marathon or marathon training plans in the past and now I started the TurboFire program — I love being able to look at the schedule and just “get er done!!!”. It takes the guess work out of it!

  • chandra July 20, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I’ve had to start scheduling my workouts into my daily calendar as well. Between balancing my 3 jobs and studying, I was starting to slack on any workouts outside of my teaching schedule (especially running), so scheduling them in makes me hold myself more accountable!

    I know you hate strength training, but try to stay motivated with it! Remember how strong you feel when doing it consistently. I know it’s challenging, but running wasn’t easy at first either, right? Like everything, the more you do it, the easier it will get! 🙂

  • Trista July 20, 2010, 3:26 pm

    Hi, I read every day, but rarely comment. I have the same problem as you do. I HATE strength training, but love running. Well, not HATE, but I find it really difficult to motivate myself to do it. A friend sent me this workout: http://training.active.com/TransactionManager/viewPlan.do?tpId=7665&listingId=1158&header=listing&cmp=11-802&utm_source=sendible&utm_medium=feed

    So far, I’ve done the first two, which were both a combination of running/strength training. So, I get my running time, as well as a little strength training. And if I want, I can run extra afterwards. 🙂

  • Angela July 20, 2010, 3:40 pm

    I like to schedule workouts, but I don’t like to follow a training plan. Committing to specific distances/speeds/etc intimidates me. Instead I just plan to run a certain amount of time and run at whatever pace is most comfortable then.

  • Erin @ A Girl & Her Mutt July 20, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I for sure schedule workouts. They go on the Google Calendar or they don’t happen. Seeing them on the calendar makes me more likely not to schedule something right for the time that I can be at the gym!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) July 20, 2010, 3:53 pm

    My schedule is so crazy that if I don’t pencil them in they just don’t happen. I need to set aside that time on my calendar so I can literally tell people…sorry but I have an appointment.

    I’ve only ever once used a training plan for 10K and ended up injured. I think with my history I need something more tailored to me specifically but I don’t know how to do that so I’m going to have to find someone to help me with it.

  • Julz @ freshman5k July 20, 2010, 3:57 pm

    I have a training plan from my coach that I try to follow. I usually don’t have a problem finding time to workout, but with work it sometimes can be tricky and I just have to pre-plan.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 20, 2010, 3:58 pm

    I definitely am more dedicated if I put a training plan together. I like to see everything on paper and it helps me plan my week.

  • emptynutjar July 20, 2010, 4:04 pm

    You constantly amaze me. I honestly wish I could sit down with you and get advice-life coaching. No joke.
    Happy to hear about the Today show. The amazing thing about that is the “snowball effect” that will come off of it. First off, from news magazines, etc (Self, shape, those kinds), and then other morning shows (GMA, etc), then Ellen (its possible). Its gonna fly for you.

  • Amy July 20, 2010, 4:04 pm

    You’re doing great balancing it all! Maybe instead of a NMTZ challenge, you could just try incorporating a few moves after a run. Maybe even push-ups and some ab work. When I did XC in high school we didn’t do a ton of strength work (we did for track though) but we always did push-ups and crunches. It was enough to get a little toned up and keep my abs toned to help improve running form. Since you’re so busy right now, that might be an easy way to sneak in a little bit of strength until you have more time.

  • Heather July 20, 2010, 4:09 pm

    I don’t totally schedule it in my Outlook calendar or anything (although that is not a bad idea to maybe start doing), but the night before I always figure out if I’m going to do a morning workout (which means I don’t have to pack a gym bag) or a lunchtime or after work workout cuz then that means I need to get gym stuff together.

    I like following a training plan, but I do take some liberties with my plans and move things around if I need to!

  • John July 20, 2010, 4:09 pm

    Wow I thought I was busy till I read your post! I’ll have to cut down my complaining 🙂 I’ve heard people who are super busy like yourself should schedule time for yourself or you’ll never take care of yourself. I only schedule the days I intend to exercise and play it by ear when I’ll do it each day.

    Thanks a lot for the shout out and to everyone else for the nice comments and votes!

  • Kacy July 20, 2010, 4:11 pm

    I schedule every single workout, it just makes me feel happy. I need to get my eyebrows waxed SO bad, it’s terrible.

  • Heather July 20, 2010, 4:25 pm

    I dont actually write them out, but I have an idea of what I want to o that week, but I try not to be toos trict about it or it puts too much presure on me if I for some reason jsut cant do it. i dont want to feel guilty or bad if it’s a crazy day, if that makes sense!

  • Angharad July 20, 2010, 4:30 pm

    I sometimes mentally “sign up” for a race I might not run just to follow a decent training plan and have something to aim towards – otherwise my running takes a nose dive. I prefer to fly by the seat of my pants but I struggle to say no to social stuff if work outs aren’t on my calendar.
    As for strength – I HATE it too. Won’t catch me in the weights section of a gym for love nor money. BUT have you ever been to a Body Pump (les mills) class? It’s the only strength I can do. I still can’t sit down the next day but it only lasts a day and it’s that good kind of hurt. Being in a class is the only thing that can motivate me to do strength – it’s really pretty fun!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day July 20, 2010, 4:33 pm

    I find that I’m more likely to stick to a workout plan if I have it scheduled on my calendar. Its just like another thing to check off my to-do (but oh so more than that at the same time). Also, when I plan ahead, I don’t have excuses such as “oh, I don’t have my workout clothes with me”. I always prepare myself ahead of time, even if that means having a gym bag in the back of my car with shoes and clothes.

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] July 20, 2010, 4:38 pm

    You’re certainly a busy bee, but you’re good at it!

    Who all do you write freelance for? =]

    • Caitlin July 20, 2010, 4:42 pm

      sparksavings.com

  • Kelly July 20, 2010, 4:41 pm

    I absolutely have to schedule workouts, or I will easily find something else that I “need” to do. This is also the reason why I need to take classes, because then once I’ve paid for a session, my money would be wasted if I didn’t go! That is pretty good motivation for me.

  • Lisa @ Early Morning Run July 20, 2010, 4:43 pm

    I’ve been craving a pb&j sandwich lately and yours looks delicious! Great job and working out your schedule. Hope your knee feels better soon.

  • alex July 20, 2010, 4:51 pm

    I definitely schedule workouts! I set my alarm the night before, and put out my gym clothes in eye sight from my bed. That way when the alarm goes off, I have no excuse! If I didn’t do that, I for sure would never hightail it to the gym!

  • Emmanuelle July 20, 2010, 4:55 pm

    I usually plan my workouts and long yoga sessions, not in a proper calendar but in my head at the beginning of the week 🙂
    That said, I also allow myself some flexibility. I don’t workout or have a long yoga practice everyday, so if something comes in the way or I feel I’m too tired, there’s always a possibility to make up for the missed workout / practice.

  • Alyssa July 20, 2010, 4:56 pm

    I am pretty type A so I schedule everything. I usually have a loose schedule of the week so I know which days are strength, which are cardio, any classes I want to go to, etc. Then I usually specifically plan what I want to do before I go to bed each night (I workout first thing in the morning). Of course, now that I am training for a marathon, everything is pretty planned out so I don’t have to do much – I love it!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople July 20, 2010, 5:13 pm

    When I’m not injured I work out daily. Some days I decide to go hard, and others I just walk or do yoga. But it has to be a part of my life otherwise I go a little crazy.

    I don’t know how I’m going to be able to deal with my workouts being pushing a walker from the bedroom to the bathroom, to the living room and back. Sigh!

  • Tara @ Food for Fuel July 20, 2010, 5:15 pm

    I tend to do better with a training schedule, that’s why I love training for marathons/half-marathons because for each day of the week, I know what I have to do and know that I have to do it to reach my goal! Whenever I’m not training for something, I’m way more lax and don’t do as much and feel so unmotivated! Recently started training for my first triathlon and I’m loving it—gives me a reason to get out on my bike and swim, rather than just run!

  • Cyclist Kate July 20, 2010, 5:23 pm

    I have to schedule it in, too; it’s too easy to keep going with the work, but I had an epiphany within the last year that the work will never end. If I wait for it to end before I take care of myself, I’m going to find myself very out of shape and very unhappy.

    I think I’ve mentioned it before, but for real, you have GOT to try Pilates. I never like strength training until I started doing Pilates–I practice on the reformer, but mat classes are great, too. You just have to shop around to find the right teacher (I like teachers who kick my butt and don’t much care for the slow/easy pace some teachers adopt). It’s definitely expensive, but it’s so, so worth it (this coming from somebody who lives on less that $15,000/year), even if you just go once a week. It has made me stronger than I’ve EVER been, and I’ve done a lot of different things over the years! And it’s helped my knees MAJORLY for running–I couldn’t run at all before Pilates without pain, and now I can. I still have to be careful, but it’s so huge to be able to walk and run without knee pain.

  • Lea July 20, 2010, 5:27 pm

    At the beginning of the week on Sunday, I schedule my workouts and make them as appointment “to myself”. I don’t like flaking out on appointments to other people, so why would it be different if the workout time is considered “an appointment to myself”. So far this has worked for me 🙂

  • Tina July 20, 2010, 5:31 pm

    I certainly schedule workouts. I don’t necessarily put them in a calendar but I have a time set aside for them or else they won’t get done.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) July 20, 2010, 5:32 pm

    I definitely like to plan my workouts (and my meals, and my entertainment etc etc) – but yep I am a planner! Mr BBB actually had to tell me to ‘calm’ down when I went into full planning mode for an upcoming holiday. I think the words “honey this is supposed to be a relaxing trip” may have come up once or twice when I was researching bike hire, kayaks, running paths, restaurants etc etc hehe

  • Vicky July 20, 2010, 5:39 pm

    I was inspired… I just started filling out my Google Calendar… I started with my workouts!

  • Erin July 20, 2010, 5:44 pm

    I am quite the planner (I even admit to that in my About Me section!) So in many ways it helps me but at the same time it drives me nuts! I suppose I’m on the fence with this one.

    Love your blog and your message!

  • Anne @ the doctor takes a wife July 20, 2010, 5:53 pm

    I definitely have to pencil in workouts too!! It’s all about planning ahead 🙂 LOVE Google.

    How fun that you’re going to be hubby’s secretary… I’m playing that game soon too!!

  • Jill@MySoCalledHealthLife July 20, 2010, 6:06 pm

    I HAVE to schedule workouts. This way I have no excuse not to do them. But of course I allow for extra fun workouts like walks with my boyfriend and tennis games!

  • Amber July 20, 2010, 6:07 pm

    This is going to be the most random question – but I LOVE how you organize your life/schedule in your google calendar! Here’s my thing, I have TRIED to do this numerous times before and I always get jumbled and end up and just scribbling little to-do notes for myself in my planner and on random post-its etc.

    I’m wondering, do you schedule out your google calendar the day before? The morning of? A week ahead of time?

    You seem REALLY organized considering you have a million different things going on and I’d love to know how you do it!!!! 🙂

    • Caitlin July 20, 2010, 6:09 pm

      If I know I have something to follow up with, I just drop it on the calender during the work day (example: Follow up with BlogHer. I got an email last week that I needed to follow up about, and I knew I needed to give them a week or so to write back). But I will often rearrange the blocks in the AM so I have a plan and can complete the most important stuff first. It’s REALLY easy to get off track with blogging.

  • Eliza July 20, 2010, 6:33 pm

    careful with the eyebrow plucking, last night I poked myself in the eye with the tweezers, and I must say “OWWWW” mega eye injury

    • Caitlin July 20, 2010, 8:28 pm

      are you ok!

      • eliza July 20, 2010, 9:09 pm

        haha yes thank you, but I think I’ll be making a waxing appointment instead 😉

  • Mary July 20, 2010, 6:50 pm

    I have to schedule my work outs as well. I actually am a HUGE fan of my google calendar and I put EVERYTHING in there so that it pops up on my phone. I am having a hard time getting long runs with with marathon training, I’m trying so hard to get better about it, there is no faking 26.2 miles. that’s for sure!

  • Erin July 20, 2010, 6:51 pm

    Keeping a schedule definitely helps! Then you can’t argue that you’re too busy because, hey, you already scheduled the workout on your calendar!

  • katie July 20, 2010, 7:16 pm

    I need to schedule my workouts, or at least write them on my to do list for the day. I would totally go to your husband for acupuncture if I lived in Charlotte. I’ve been going for about 2 months now and, combined with eating gluten and dairy free, my IBS symptoms are sooooo much better. I’m a huge fan of acupuncture now!

    • Caitlin July 20, 2010, 8:29 pm

      wahoo!!!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie July 20, 2010, 7:24 pm

    I like a little of both. I love a good schedule but spontaneous work outs are great because it means I’m in the mood for running.

  • jo July 20, 2010, 8:11 pm

    Sorta schedule. I work full time, so if I don’t have plans after work, i hit the gym and then twice on the weekend. So it usually works out to 4 days per week.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 21, 2010, 2:30 am

    What about time to make/ eat breakfast and lunch? Haha, I always schedule those in to their own block!

  • Amanda July 21, 2010, 2:47 am

    Oh my goodness, I know how you feel. I’ve scheduled in plucking my eyebrows too! So sad but so necessary! You go girl, good luck with all your stuff!

  • Sarah (GF vegan) July 21, 2010, 3:47 am

    I’m so unbelievably lame when it comes to fitting in exercise when I’m feeling overwhelmed with everything else I need to do. Monday night I was stressing about it so didn’t sleep, ended up feeling rough all Tuesday and didn’t get any exercise in. Frustrating! I did tick some things off my to-do list though 🙂

    Scheduling sounds like a great idea and I know I should do this. But, is it weird that I get stressed out by having too fixed a schedule? If I scheduled in exercise for 12pm for example, I would be stressing about it all morning until then. And then I probably wouldn’t do it because my IBS would be aggravated. And yes, I am a basket-case at times!!!

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 21, 2010, 3:55 am

    I try to mentally schedule time for workouts after work but am pretty loose about it. As long as I do at least four per week – even if it’s just a few short runs, or some long walks – then I’m pretty happy. I don’t have specific days on which I workout so I just take it as it comes depending on what else I’m doing that day and what time I get home from work.

  • Julia @ Brit Bride July 21, 2010, 5:14 am

    I love John’s idea (and your 26 by 26) I wonder if I could do 30 by 30?? I have a 30 by 30 wish list already on my blog but thats for things like places I want to visit and things I want to do.

    I have just checked my calendar and 30 by 30 races would mean 1/2 races a month which is a bit much -and a bit hard on the pocket! I need to have a think about whether this is something that I can do… how long did you give yourself to do your 26 by 26?

    Thanks

    Julia

    • caitlin July 21, 2010, 8:27 am

      Well the way it happened was that I looked at my calender and realized I only had to do four races in 6 weeks to make the goal. 🙂 But I started to do races when I was 23. So it took 3 years, although the first year I only did 2.

    • caitlin July 21, 2010, 8:27 am

      Well the way it happened was that I looked at my calender and realized I only had to do four races in 6 weeks to make the goal. 🙂 But I started to do races when I was 23. So it took 3 years, although the first year I only did 2. 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin July 21, 2010, 8:25 am

    When I’m back at school and have a more regular schedule, I figure out where I can squeeze in workouts around my classes and I tend to stick to that for the entire year.

  • Maura July 21, 2010, 8:40 am

    I need to start using my Google calendar more often! I love the idea that the notification will bug me on my computer AND my phone! Maybe that’ll keep me in line 😛

  • Wei-Wei July 21, 2010, 10:37 am

    I actually take workouts as they come. I know I must do some exercise everyday, but if at the end of the day I’ve been quite active and there’s no time, I’ll just call it a day. My life is too sporadic right now to plan everything! 😛

    Wei-Wei

  • Sara July 21, 2010, 3:08 pm

    I try to schedule it (in my mind) but I’m new to this. Right now, if I can’t squeeze in at least 30 minutes, six days a week, I get upset! But I’m human. It IS hard to squeeze it in some days! I try to get up early on normal days and knock half out then, and the rest later in the day. Splitting up helps me w/ the time constraint.

  • Amanda July 21, 2010, 4:19 pm

    I am a habitual planner and constantly have at least one todo list going and live by my iCal (which conveniently links to my iPhone). I look at scheduling my work outs as scheduling time just for me. Sometimes we spend so much time scheduling things for work or other people that I think it’s important to also schedule me time, which is my workout time

  • PnkAngel1968 July 26, 2010, 9:29 am

    I too have a difficult time in doing my workouts especially when I’m in college. There doesn’t seem to be enuff time in the day. I’m also a mother 4 children,which includes 2 teens,1 preteen and a my little girl whose is going to be 8 in December. I may have to try to schedule the workouts as I do for school or else I may not acheive my goals in getting healthy.
    I’m glad so see that I’m not the only one that has to do this.

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