My husband and I are both signed up to run the Richmond Marathon on November 15th. If you’ve been around for awhile, you may remember there was a time when we often trained for and ran the same marathon. The last time we did this was in 2015, before having kids. Since then we have each run 2 separate marathons. Our lives are much different than they were 10 years ago and I do question if we will be able to pull this off, but we are going to try! So if you want to learn about how 2 working parents plan to train for a marathon, keep reading…
How 2 Working Parents Plan to Train for a Marathon
Alternating Schedules
Logistically, alternating our schedules is the key to each of us being able to run. Our kids are 6 and 2, so while we can run with the youngest in the stroller, that won’t work for our 6 year old.
We have a treadmill, so if we both want to run in the mornings before the kids get up then one person can run outside and the other person can run on the treadmill. Our plans are set up so we have hard workouts on different days (since we both prefer to do our workouts outside).
I’ll do my long runs on Saturdays and Rob will do his on Sundays. I always run in the mornings but sometimes he prefers to sleep in and will run at night. I have an outline of our plans posted in the kitchen so we both always know what workout the other person has.
Keep things simple
Knowing that we don’t have a ton of time, our plans are straightforward with just enough strength/core to hopefully prevent injuries without taking too much time. Meals over the next 4 months will be simple and basic. Only the necessities will get done around the house. We will need to be intentional about focusing on what is most important.
Be flexible
There will likely be times when one of us will have to make adjustments for various reasons. If the weather is bad only one of us will be able to run on the treadmill. If someone has to move around a workout we will need to coordinate about how that will affect the other person. I know that there will be nights where our kids keep us up, and maybe we will need to alternate who gets to sleep so they can get in a good run.
Adjusting our goals and expectations
We both need to be realistic about what we can accomplish during this training cycle. If all goes as planned I have a goal in mind, but I know that may need to be adjusted. Not only are we trying to train for a marathon with 2 young kids, but we both also have jobs and long commutes. It will be a balancing act for sure!
Have you ever trained for a marathon with your significant other?
How do you juggle all your other responsibilities during marathon training?
You may also like:
How To Prepare to Train for a Race
What It’s Like To Live With Your Running Coach
How to Choose a Running Goal Time for a Race
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
I have trained with my husband for a marathon (many times 🙂 ) but never when we had small children. I know it will take planning and coordination but you both will do fine.
I am sure this takes lots of planning and flexibility! Excited for you both to do your race together
That takes some doing and I have no doubt you will both be successful! My husband and I used to run and train at the same time and it was rough. He’s not much a of a scheduler, so it was a literal race to who could be the first one up and out in the morning (although I would go super early so he could also squeeze in a morning workout if needed). The difference is that he owns his own business and we both work from home, so really, we had a lot more flexibility.
good luck! You’re both going to do great!