For weeks now I’ve been trying to modify my training schedule. As a lifelong early AM runner, I’m finding the transition to a PM runner much harder than I ever would have thought.

AM
Alarm set for 4:30 – 5:00 AM; pop out of bed quietly; grab a Diet Coke and Tiger’s Milk bar; get dressed; GO!!!

PM
Work for 12 hours; 35 minute commute home; spend time with the family; talk self into running; get dressed; GO!!!

I’m so used to having the energy and fortitude to execute the AM routine that tackling the trials of a long day make running at night nearly impossible. Something’s got to give because at this rate I’ll never run again (except on weekends) and that’s unacceptable!!!

If you’re a PM runner, what are your tricks of the trade for getting out the door after a hard days work?

RMFR

It happens every time I travel to run in a race. “What did I forget?” On the eve before I pack up the family to spend 5 well earned days in the California sun (and smoke), I know I’m going to leave something behind. I procrastinate and pack the night before (opposed to my wife whose been packed for 3 weeks). This always leads to me scrambling to get my running gear together.

[x] Shoes
[x] Socks (different kinds for different conditions and moods)
[x] Shirt and shorts (warm and cold options)
[x] Band-aids and Vaseline
[x] Garmin and sunglasses
[x] Clif shot gels and Tiger’s Milk energy bars

Yep, I’m ready…or am I? I’ll lose sleep over it tonight although I know that anything I forgot will be readily available at the expo. Feel free to comment if I forgot something obvious. I’ll be back on Wednesday with race reports of Mickey’s Main Street U.S.A. 5K and the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon.