Time management is managing time and resources to maximize efficiency and productivity in performing particular tasks to accomplish priorities and goals. Time management is important for college students because with all the tasks at hand it maximizes productivity, balance, and reduces stress. It's especially important for the students who are runners training for marathons. Planning and organizing your schedule ahead of time can ensure you are on task and that you know what to do each day so you are not forgetting to do anything. Prioritizing the tasks that are most important helps you focus your energy on what matters during the day without worrying about the small, meaningless tasks. Overall, using these skills will help you achieve your academic and athletic goals because it makes seemingly large tasks into more manageable daily actions while ensuring no time is wasted.
Why Time Management Matters For College Marathon Runners?
Marathon training requires constant consistency and planning, even more so when academics are involved. Without a solid thought through plan your training and academics will fall through. Planning your runs in advance around classes and other activities allows you to allot time to keep you accountable. This prevents the indecisiveness of figuring out when to fit your run into your daily schedule. When you plan your schedule and training ahead of time it's easier to identify realistic times to run. In addition, in your schedule you can plan when you do homework, eat meals, and recover because these are also all important factors for balance and success. When a schedule is followed it allows you to have time for academics and training. In your training a schedule allows for your body to adapt more and more to running and gives you the foundation needed to prevent injury. Planning your schedule ahead of time prevents any unneeded stress from appearing.
Five Time Management Strategies That Work
1. Create a weekly schedule
Having a schedule is imperative for staying organized and on track with everything you have to do. Using a digital calendar is very helpful for me. On this schedule you should block out the times you have class during the day. As well as something that is also helpful is putting all your assignment deadlines on your calendar. Around your class schedule and assignment deadlines you can put the times in that you will run. In addition to recovery time that is equally important. Although this can seem like a hassle to write all out it will be extremely beneficial to your productivity and organization.
2. Prepare the night before
This strategy is one that will save you so much time and stress. My recommendation is to set out your running clothes you are going to wear the next day as well as your school clothes. In addition, I would set out your school items you need for the next day. For example your backpack and any important materials. Doing this ahead of time will prepare you for the next day to be ready and not have to worry about making certain decisions. I would also review your schedule for each day the night before so you can make sure you know what to do and not forget anything last minute.
3. Eat The Frog
This technique is great for people that have a hard time prioritizing, and tend to procrastinate. Many students have this problem so I thought it would be very beneficial. It involves starting your day with the most difficult or unappealing tasks you have that day. Doing this will make every other task you have feel easy comparatively. This task in the morning could be your run or a hard assignment you have due. In completing this it gives you a sense of accomplishment and starts your day on a productive note.
4. The Pomodoro Method
This strategy is perfect for people that have trouble with multitasking, and easily get burnt out. This is a common problem within students. What it involves is separating your work into intervals allowing short breaks in between.
First, set a timer for twenty five minutes.
Work on the same task until the time is up.
Take a five minute break.
Take a longer twenty five- thirty minute break after completing your fourth round.
Repeat until the task is completed.
5. Stay flexible
Some days are going to be better than others. You might have to adjust your planned schedule because of unexpected circumstances or commitments and that's okay. I know it can be frustrating when your schedule doesn’t exactly go according to plan. But obstacles are going to come your way with the amount of training and academics involved. Some days you might need to choose recovery over going to run, or when finals are happening, Just give yourself grace and stay consistent when you can. Showing up trumps perfection.
Conclusion:
I know doing all of this can sound overwhelming but just remember the skill of time management develops over time. It won’t be perfect right away and that's okay! Just stay consistent and keep yourself accountable. I would start with finalizing a weekly schedule that is realistic and works for you around your college class schedule. You can start small and work your way up to being a pro at managing time. Your training and academics is a journey not a destination. Celebrate your small wins and stride through running and life.
