Balance

I'm just wondering, how does everyone cope fitting in work, relationships, exercise, hobbies, housework etc into their life. I just never seem to have the hours in the day to do everything I want to do. Lately I feel like Mike is getting fed up at me going running after work as we don't spend as much time together as we would both like. I don't want to let my fitness slip like I did last time I started work but I have no idea how to cram everything into my day. How do you guys cope? Do your partners get fed up when you go for a run instead of spending time with them? I totally understand where he's coming from he's not started uni yet so at the moment he's at home all day by himself so when I come home for 5 minutes get changed and leave again I can see how it's annoying but... I don't want to give anything up!

The time management tips I've been using so far are

• Make lists with short daily tasks
• Try and be realistic about what you can acheive
• Be an opportunist - if you have a bit more time one day than you expected, get ahead of your list/diary

Yeah.. that list is a lot more dire than I thought it was going to be when I started writing it haha Can you add anymore for me?

Well the thoughts behind this post came about today when I finished work early and decided to get my long run out of the way a day early. That means hopefully I can do next weeks long run on Sunday as I have a pretty hectic week coming up. I think Mike was a bit miffed that I got a few hours off work and went running instead of chilling out at home..

I had another great run though! Whoever I borrowed these lungs from ain't getting them back!

8 miles in 1.08.59 average pace 8.38 (planned pace 8.47, score!)

Mile 1 - 8.58
Mile 2 - 8.42
Mile 3 - 8.55
Mile 4 - 8.54
Mile 5 - 8.38
Mile 6 - 8.31
Mile 7 - 8.30
Mile 8 - 7.53

I was really feeling the run again! If things stay like this I'll be one happy bunny! I could have gone faster but I don't want to burn out and lose this new found speed and ease, I hope it sticks around for Sunday when I can toddle off on my 10 miler having been inspired by the Great North Run, the more I read about it on people's blogs the more I wish I was running it! Good luck to everyone who's running it. Big shout out to Laura who will be running her first half marathon!

Before I go, I've got another question today - pretty much blog unrelated! I've been asked to bring my clarinet into work next week on Friday. The residents all have severe dementia and are between 60 and 90 so they will mainly remember pieces from their youth... I'd like suggestions of pieces to have a go at learning before Friday! So far I'm thinking of old musicals and pieces like Summertime and Send in the Clowns, maybe some war tunes... Any suggestions are welcome! I'm really nervous it's not music I'm used to playing! And I don't really have the money at the moment to go buy sheet music so I'll have to learn it all by ear... That should be ok so long as I can remember it on the day haha!