Out of shape - getting back into running with a new schedule. Advice?

First of all, you need to take a long look at your life. Why are you commuting 3 hours everyday? That is a lot of time in a car.

What is this desk job that you have? Do you love it?

Are you in a situation where you can afford to pursue other options?

Are you marries? Kids? I presume not, but you need to know that once that starts, you will have even less time to yourself.

Start making decisions.

I left a damn good job to start my own company b/c I was working 14 hour days for 7 years. I made a ton of money (over $250k before bonuses) but it was VERY bad for my mental and physical health. 4:30 am runs and lunch runs was how I managed to stay in shape, but that is no way to live life. Sometimes you need to have time to enjoy runs and not just cram them into your day.

Now I have less stability (although I feel more stable), make less money, but have fewer worries and my stress level is remarkably lower. I work varying amounts, some days more than others, but I often have lunch with my kids and get to run whenever I want. I now make about half what i did before, but it is worth it.

Start making these decisions now. You do not have to be a cog in the corporate machine. People forget this sometimes.

Good luck, but it sounds like you need to make some changes.

The job is a financial analyst. I graduated with an accounting degree and am currently in the process of taking the CPA exam. I actually do enjoy the job so far (I've only been here 2 months.)

I am commuting 3hrs every day because as many people know it's not easy finding a job coming out of college right now. I went on many interviews over the summer with no success and I finally got this job after 5 months of job searching so I took it.

The job began as a temporary position and is currently in the process of transitioning to a permanent position (paperwork, background checks, etc.) I am waiting until I am officially a fulltime employee before I start to find a place around here to live because I don't want to have to start paying rent until I'm positive that I have the security of a paycheck coming in.

Not married. No kids. No current girlfriend. So right now, I have some flexibility with changes.

Thanks for the input.

Well, since the situation is temporary, I'd say just suck it up and run in the AM for a month or two. When you move, it should be easier.

If you are looking to add fitness back into your life, I'd recommend living within 10 miles of your office so the option to run/bike to work is there. Commuting kills free time, and often free time is when you must work out.

I am glad you like your job, that is good news.

Look, its not like you are trying to train to make the Olympic team or anything. You just want to get back into shape. Consider your week:

Work/commute: 60 hours

Sleep: 56 hours

Free time: 52 hours

Of those 52 hours you will have no problem finding 3-6 hours for physical activity.

Don't like running in the dark? Join a gym and use the treadmill either before or after work until the weather gets nicer. Maybe run at lunch. Maybe run right after work from work (enabling you to miss rush hour and shorten your commute time). Maybe find a running group (most running stores have them) to join for group runs, etc. Make good use of your weekend (longer runs, etc.) Tons of options, just find a routine that works for you.

In terms of training, forget about what you did in high school. Run easy and/or cross train until you lose weight and get fit again. Its not rocket science. The key is consistency.

I would suggest moving as soon as possible. Maybe you could find someone that is looking for a roommate, and while you live with them you can look for your own place. Until then, listen to audiobooks or something on your commute so it doesn't feel like a total waste of time.

If there is someplace near your office to shower, running at lunch could work.

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