How To Train For A Marathon Around Parenting Schedules 

Training for a marathon as a parent can be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean it should be off the cards! Parenting brings many responsibilities that can take up your time such as household chores, meal preparation, looking after kids and supervising kids’ homework. You may wonder where parents can find the time to add in an extra activity like training for a marathon. Hang around while I share with you my experience and tips on training for a marathon while juggling work and toddlers. 

Why should you run a marathon?

A marathon is 42.2km, and a popular long-distance race amongst runners. People choose to run marathons for a wide variety of reasons. Some people run for the challenge, some run to raise money or awareness for a charity, while others run marathons just to stay fit. For me, I wanted to run a marathon to simply tick it off my bucket list.  I had thought about running a marathon since I was a teenager, but it wasn’t until my late twenty’s when I came across this quote: 

‘Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.’

– Earl Nightingale

The realisation that time will pass anyway, and why not do something with it resonated with me. I chose to use the rest of that particular year training for a marathon. 

If you’re not sure why you should run a marathon, see if you can be inspired by any of these reasons:

Compelling reasons to run a marathon:

• Set a good example for your kids
• Tick ‘Run a marathon’ off your bucket list!
• Improve your health
• Lose weight and shape up
• Make new friends by joining a running group
• Build your self-esteem by achieving a large goal
• Raise money and awareness for a cause or charity you care about

Once you’ve found your reason to run a marathon, your next step will be to find the time to train and prepare. 

8 Ways to Train for a Marathon as a Busy Mum

Running a marathon is no small feat, and as I know from experience, it requires a team effort. As a mum of two small kids, I had to rely heavily on family and support to help me juggle family life, work, and a heavy training schedule. Here are some of my tips from my marathon training season:

1. Create a family schedule and stick to it

Use a large family planner and put it somewhere easily accessible like the kitchen fridge. The planner can be either weekly or monthly, depending on what works best for your family. 

Take 10 minutes each week and involve the whole family to slot in everyone’s commitments and meetings. Your training runs and strength sessions should be written down on the family plan, and just like a meeting or appointment, these runs are sacred and can’t be interrupted. 

2. Build a support system – Utilise family members and daycare

Building a support system is crucial when training for a marathon. You need a plan that will allow you to leave your kids for a few hours while you run. My husband and I took turns looking after the kids; I trained on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, while he took the other days. This sometimes meant early morning runs at 4:30 am to fit our schedules.

For single mums or those with FIFO husbands, sharing parenting responsibilities might not be an option. Consider options like daycare or after-school activities for dedicated running time. While daycare can be costly, it provides uninterrupted training time.

Here are some tips for building your support system:

• Share days/mornings with your partner
• Partner with a training buddy for babysitting swaps
• If possible, leave kids with family, explaining it’s only temporary while you train
• Consider daycare services, especially if family support is lacking.

3. Choose a flexible marathon training plan

When balancing marathon training with parenting, a flexible training plan is crucial. During my first marathon, I chose a self-paced approach, completing the distance in my neighbourhood with friends. This allowed me to train without the pressure of a race deadline, especially during weeks when unexpected events like sick kids or colds disrupted my schedule.

Remember to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed, especially during periods of illness or fatigue. Incorporating cross-training activities such as swimming or cycling can add variety to your workouts and reduce strain on tired muscles. Utilise online training programs or apps that offer adaptable schedules based on your availability and progress.

Above all, don’t stress about missed workouts. Focus on consistency and overall progress toward your marathon goal. Every step forward counts, and maintaining a positive mindset is key to success.

4. Find ways to involve the kids

Finding ways to incorporate physical activity for kids is always a challenge. With so much time spent training for your marathon, you will inevitably need to include the kids in your training at some point. Consider using a running stroller to bring them along for the ride, or encourage them to ride their bikes alongside you during your runs. 

Participating in park runs as a family can also be a fun way to make running a group activity. You can even extend your run by going for a jog before and after the event, turning it into a longer family adventure.

5. Don’t underestimate the power of good marathon nutrition 

Proper marathon nutrition is incredibly powerful, so don’t overlook its importance. Fuelling your body correctly can make a significant difference in your performance. I didn’t make this a focus during my marathon training and paid for it when I hit a wall during my marathon. 

It’s essential to experiment with different gels, foods, and hydration strategies during your training runs to find what works best for you. Additionally, consider these tips for marathon nutrition:

• Consume a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to fuel your training sessions effectively.
• Stay hydrated throughout your training and on race day to maximise your race outcome.
• Incorporate pre-run and post-run meals or snacks to provide energy and support recovery.
• Consult with a nutritionist or dietitian to develop a personalised nutrition plan tailored to your marathon training and dietary needs.

6. Become superwoman when it comes to meal preparation

Master the art of weekly planning and meal preparation to become a superhero in managing training alongside family responsibilities. Take a day out each week to meal prep and create a well-organised schedule. 

This organisation is crucial while you dedicate your spare time to running and recovery. A well-structured week will ensure your family enjoys nutritious meals even during busy days. It allows other family members to pitch in with dinner preparations if you’re home late or just too tired!

7. Prioritise strength training for your marathon 

Make strength training a top priority in your marathon preparation. The only way I got through my 20-week marathon training plan uninjured was by strength training. I incorporated two weekly strength training sessions, along with regular stretching and foam rolling. 

Remember, even if you’re pressed for time, dedicating just 15 minutes to strength exercises can make a significant difference in your overall performance and injury prevention.

8. Invest in good gear – borrow what you can!

You can’t successfully run a marathon without getting yourself some essential training gear. Start with a good pair or two of running shoes that offer the right support and cushioning for your feet. 

I would also recommend a hydration vest to carry adequate water and to stash your food and gels. If buying a hydration vest is out of the question, borrow one from friends or ask through Facebook groups.

If you are running at night or early mornings, consider investing in some quality reflective running gear to keep you safe. 

Other essential pieces of gear to consider include a reliable GPS watch for tracking your runs and comfortable moisture-wicking clothing to keep you cool and dry.

Conclusion

Have I convinced you to run a marathon? Set a goal, share it with others, and make it happen! Put your goal out there and seek support from your friends and family. Enjoy the journey and embrace the challenge of training and preparing for a marathon. 

Race day is not just about crossing the finish line, but a celebration of what your body can do now after the strength, endurance, and resilience you’ve cultivated throughout your training journey. 

Don’t put a marathon beyond your reach. With training and commitment, you can do it too!