Since getting back from Charleston with our newest family member the one thing I’ve been craving is a routine. I’m someone who hates to admit this but I thrive in routine whilst thinking (hoping) that the chaos and flexibility that both Tom and my jobs also works. 

The most consistent marathon training block I have ever had (and surprise surprise – my marathon PB!) was when I was working in a hospital as a dietetic student and nannying in the evenings whilst commuting from reading to the City so I had to be really organised. 

And you know who else thrives on routine…toddlers and babies. 

With Tom’s job as a long haul pilot, I’ve found it really hard to get into a weekly routine with my training. But while I’m on mat leave from the NHS I’m really trying to stick to more of a weekly schedule where possible.

Here’s what a rough week of training looks like for us at the moment: 

Monday –  Mum & Baby Pilates 

Tuesday – Baby yoga & treadmill run 

Wednesday – Rest day 

Thursday  – Strength class and run 

Friday – Carrifit (like a HIIT class with a baby carrier!) 

Saturday – parkrun 

Sunday – long run (or rest day and swap thurs for long run depending on Tom’s roster) 

Let’s be honest, sometimes when the night has been very broken, motivation is low but routine helps me stick to a plan. I read a quote the other day that said “don’t let the night dictate the day” which I’m trying to take on board whilst also being flexible knowing that rest is often as important as a workout, and swapping a run for a dog walk. I’m tracking my sleep on my smart watch and trying to push through when I’ve had more than 5 hours sleep total, and give myself permission to swap or skip the workout if it’s less. 

With so many of us having already broken our New Year’s Resolutions – please tell me I’m not the only one – instead of feeling deflated, it’s the perfect time to reset and start a new routine. 

I think the key to creating a routine to improve consistency is to create a realistic routine. 

Previously I’ve tried running 5 or 6 times a week, but with my current lifestyle, it’s not possible. The easiest workouts to fit into my routine, and truthfully the ones I’m enjoying most, are the ones I get to do with Woody (or runs with Bertie in the buggy and Chester with us) so they are the ones I won’t skip. 

Aside from exercise, I’ve been trying to make sure I do the little things everyday to feel as good as possible (lets be honest, sleep deprivation isn’t making anyone feel their best!)

My daily non-negotiables: 

2L+ water per day  – because when you’re tired it can be SO easy to keep reaching for caffeinated drinks before realising you’ve had 5 coffees and zero water at midday. 

10K steps – running mileage might be pretty low at the moment but I’m getting in my 10,000 steps per day with dog walks, walking Bertie to nursery, and generally just trying to get myself and the boys outside at least once a day.

5+ servings fruit and veg – I’m pretty sure I hit this myself daily but am making sure Bertie also gets 5 different servings. Fruit is obviously easier than veggies for a toddler, so we start the day with a smoothie made with banana, mixed berries plus a protein powder (I use Organic Protein Company) and then often add in a range of veg to bolognese, lasagne, tomato sauce. We recently got the Ninja Blender which has been an upgrade from our old blender for making big batches of sauces, smoothies, soups etc. 

Supplements – taking Vitamin D every single day in these dark winter months, plus Collagen, Creatine and AG1.