If your job requires unconventional hours, it can be a struggle to find the time to run. But with a little creativity, even runners with challenging schedules can train to improve and reach their goals!

This week’s episode features a coaching call with two runners who work unconventional hours. While both have found a way to fit running into their hectic lives, we discuss strategies to help them continue to upgrade their training.

As an oncology nurse, Daryl works 12-13 hour shifts 3 days a week, in addition to her commute. She is on her feet for almost all of those hours, continuously working with patients. Tom juggles two jobs with one starting at 3 am, and on 3 days each week he has at most an hour to transition to his next shift. His work is also intensely physical in addition to the long hours.

Some of the strategies we touch on include:

The importance of dominating your sleep
Using cross-training to transition to a higher volume of running
The best options for run workouts with limited time
Where strength training fits in when you have a physically demanding job
Why adding short, additional runs can make you a more durable runner

No matter what your schedule, you're bound to learn a lot from this discussion and be inspired by Daryl and Tom's commitment!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Using sleep to enhance your training
How to make pre-dawn running work for you
Let me help you with your training!

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Thank You Athletic Greens!

Thank you to our sponsor, Athletic Greens! They are a health and wellness company that makes AG1. This is a category-leading greens mix that has 75 vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants, and adaptogens.

One scoop per day is what I’ve been doing to help me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet. It also provide a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day. With all 3 of my kids in school, I know I need to support my immune system or else I’m getting sick and can’t train.

I also love that AG1 has changed over the last decade. Athletic Greens has made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable.

284. How to Schedule Running with Unconventional Work Hours

The Strength Running Podcast