Running News Daily

Our lives are busier than ever.

We are all frantically juggling family life and long working hours; some statistics showing the average working week in the US to be close to 36 hours, with some professions working 40 or more.

That’s before we even include cooking, housework, gardening and DIY, social engagements, study and additional commitments.

With so many demands placed on us, it’s no wonder that training slips down the list of priorities.

But lets look at things a little more closely.

Are we really that busy? Or are we just poor at time management or just making excuses?

Today we are going to dive into where our time goes, and how we can make sure running remains enough of a priority to consistently keep up with training. We will share things to think about when it comes to being creative with your training, and then 5 helpful ways to fit training in when life gets hectic.

Why Is There No Time For Running?

This chart is from The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014 showing average leisure time of Americans (over the age of 15). A typical American has 5 hours of leisure time a day.

Take a look at the blue section of the chart.  Imagine how much time we’d have for running if we didn’t spend nearly 3 hours of it watching TV? So if you’re spending a bit too much time in the blue segment of this chart, then the answer to the ‘How do I find time to run?’ question is quite easy.

Turn off the TV! And work on spending a bit more time in the purple section.

But lets say you don’t spend 3 hours a day watching TV.

Lets say you work long hours but on top of that, you might have children to care for, dogs to walk, housework, cooking, washing, ironing and admin to take care of. Finding time to run can be really tough.

Make running a priority using creative runner friendly hacks

The busier we get, the more creative we have to be about how we spend our time.

It’s easy to waste many hours on the internet, watching TV, on your mobile phone or just frittering time away. You have to get tough with yourself and become incredibly efficient – don’t get distracted by things are less important.

In our frantic, busy lives, if you really want to find time to run, you have to find a way to make it work and get organized.

According to Tony Phillips, aka ‘A Mile A Day’ from the UK, the main thing that stops us finding time to exercise is not giving it a high enough priority in our lives.

‘When we have enough time, we usually manage to fit exercise in’ he explains ‘but when we get busy, exercise is the thing that gets pushed aside, because it’s not deemed as important. But running is one of the best ways to help us deal with stress and overwhelm. Yet the time when we need it most, is the time we tend to short-change ourselves’.

We all know intrinsically that exercise is one of the most important things we can do for our health and we need to make it a top priority, but it’s easier said than done.

‘People who make exercise high in their list of priorities are generally the ones who manage to fit it in’ explains Tony, ‘They understand the connection between physical fitness, health and mental wellbeing’.

That is certainly true for me.

I’ve learned over the years that running is a vital part of my life. It’s like medication, and without it I feel physically sick, grumpy and can’t function well.

That doesn’t mean I’m always joyful about going for a run, it just means that I need it in my life and on the days I run I ALWAYS feel better.

So I’ve learned to prioritize. It might mean I go to bed early, or it might mean I miss out on a social event or a TV show, so I can get up early the next day to run.

Rather than going out for dinner too often with my husband, we choose to have a ‘date run’ instead. We get to spend time together and catch up, but we’re doing it at the same time as running, rather than over a bottle of Rioja. Same goes for catching up with girlfriends for a coffee. Instead, we meet for a run or at the very least a dog walk.

It’s not an obsession; it’s just a choice. And in our busy lives, we can’t have it all. We have to make choices.

Schedule your run into your day for a guaranteed win

According to Tony, there are two other behaviors that set successful runners apart from the ‘excuse makers’.  ‘The other thing they do is schedule it into the day’ says Tony ‘they know it’s high priority, and they don’t immediately move it when something else comes up.

They also recognize that a short run is better than none at all.  Even just one mile a day is easier to fit into gaps in your schedule, and keeps you in the routine of regular exercise’.

Little and often is the key.

It’s better to be consistent, but do regular short runs, rather than overwhelm yourself with big mileage goals.

On that note, I find standard training plans for busy people often don’t work. You need to devise your own flexible plan to fit in around your own lifestyle or work with a coach who understands you and can tailor your training to your life conflicts. This is where Runners Connect individualized training comes in!

Learn HOW to train, what you need to do to meet your goals and work with your schedule to make it happen. A strict training plan (which isn’t personalized to you) can add more stress and the sense of failure when you don’t manage to follow it.

Make it a challenge to find creative ways to get your run in

Developing a ‘growth’ mindset is a vital tool to helping you become more efficient at prioritizing your running.

The ‘growth’ mindset is a concept developed by Carol Dwerk, a Professor of Psychology at Standford University.

Now:

It’s much more than having a ‘positive attitude’.

It teaches us that we can change the way we think; finding solutions to problems rather than seeing barriers. Becoming more resilient and resourceful.

Someone in the fixed mindset (which is bad) might say ‘I have a long commute to work I don’t have time to train’.

Whereas someone in the growth mindset would think ‘I have a long commute, could I spend some of that running, change my stop on the train or run part of the way home? How can I make that happen? What do I need to do to make it work?’

It’s about looking for creative solutions and finding ways around barriers.

Don’t ‘go hard’ all the time

There is no scientific evidence for this (you heard it here first), but it’s something I’ve noticed over the last 20 years of my coaching work.

Running hard every single time you go out could be making it difficult for you to stay on track with your training.

Runners Connect often posts about the importance of easy running, how 80% of your runs should be easy, even if you are only running a few times per week.

”If your brain always associates running with pain, eventually it’ll persuade you to stop.”

If on the other hand, your brain associates running with pleasure and enjoyment (perhaps a slower pace and gradual increase of miles) then it’s far more likely you’ll continue and WANT to go running, rather than dread it.  Try it and see what happens.

5 Ways To Fit Your Training Into A Busy Schedule

‘Get your training done as early in the day as you can’ advises Tony. ‘Go to bed early, get up early and get it done. It sets you up for the day and makes your more productive. There will ALWAYS be something else to do, so get your run done first’.

‘Make it a habit’ continues Tony ‘Habits are easy to form when you do them every day. Even if you don’t run every day, try to make it the same TIME each day you run. It helps to have a trigger. For example, you run immediately after getting up, or always at lunchtime at work. The idea is that you embed it as something you do automatically’.

Don’t underestimate the power of a training partner. Training with someone else at least once a week is a great way to make sure you get out there and run. Book in with a friend or group session. The commitment of meeting someone else will mean you’ll be less likely to let them down and you’re more likely to train. If you do not have anyone else in your area to run with, get many of the same benefits by joining a running community like Coach Jamie Dodge talked about in the podcast Do I Need a Running Coach?

‘Make sure your training schedule works for everyone else in the household’ advises Tony. ‘If you’re finding it tough to get out, and the people around you are complaining or encouraging you stay at home, it makes it doubly difficult’. Perhaps get them to join you? Or at least make sure they know your plans and how important it is to you. Don’t allow anyone else to derail you or your enthusiasm.

And finally, leave some gaps in your schedule. Life has a habit of disrupting plans and things always take longer than you think. ‘All time management systems work best when you build some spaces in for contingency’ says Tony. ‘It reduces stress and gives you another window to run when things go off schedule’

And if you’re still struggling, here’s a final piece of advice from Life Coach and time management guru Tony Philips:

“You have 168 hours each and every week. If you work a 40-hour week and sleep 8 hours every night, that leaves 72 hours or just over 10 hours per day.

Of the remaining time how much of it do you spend doing things that benefit you less than training, such as watching television, wasting time on your computer, playing video games or on your mobile phone?

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville delivered another sensational statement at the Silesia Wanda Diamond League, storming to victory in a breathtaking men’s 100 metres and setting a new meeting record of 9.83 seconds that made sprinting history in Chorzów, Poland.

In one of the deepest and most extraordinary sprint races ever witnessed, Seville powered clear of a world-class field to take the win, with Kenneth Bednarek of the United States finishing second in 9.87 and fellow American Christian Coleman completing the podium in 9.93.

But Seville’s meeting-record victory was only one part of the remarkable story. For the first time in history, all nine athletes in a single men's 100m race broke the 10-second barrier, producing an unprecedented display of sprinting depth.

The historic race also marked only the second time that every athlete in a men's 100m final had broken 10 seconds, following the eight-man final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In Silesia, however, the achievement went even further, with an entire nine-man field dipping below the iconic barrier.

Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi produced another impressive performance to finish fourth in 9.94, while South Africa’s Gift Leotlela followed in fifth with 9.95. Canada’s Olympic champion Andre De Grasse clocked 9.96 in sixth, with South African star Akani Simbine recording the same time in seventh.

American Ronnie Baker added another sub-10-second performance with 9.97 for eighth place, while Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme ensured the historic sweep was complete by running 9.99 in ninth.

Men's 100m Results – Silesia Wanda Diamond League

1. Oblique Seville (Jamaica) — 9.83 Meeting Record

2. Kenneth Bednarek (United States) — 9.87

3. Christian Coleman (United States) — 9.93

4. Kayinsola Ajayi (Nigeria) — 9.94

5. Gift Leotlela (South Africa) — 9.95

6. Andre De Grasse (Canada) — 9.96

7. Akani Simbine (South Africa) — 9.96

8. Ronnie Baker (United States) — 9.97

9. Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon) — 9.99

For Seville, the victory was another emphatic demonstration of his exceptional form and his ability to rise to the occasion against the strongest opposition. His 9.83 not only secured the Diamond League win but also lowered the Silesia meeting record, putting an exclamation mark on a performance of the highest quality.

Nine men went under 10 seconds. Seville went under 9.84. On an unforgettable day in Silesia, the Jamaican stood tallest in a race that pushed the boundaries of what men's sprinting has ever seen.

Ethiopia’s Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu delivered one of the most remarkable women’s half-marathon performances ever seen on American soil on Sunday, powering to a commanding victory at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon in Argentina in 1:03:57.

Running with exceptional confidence and strength, Tesfay took control of the race and produced a superb solo performance to rewrite the event record. Her breathtaking run also carried historic significance, as she became the first woman to break the 64-minute barrier for the half marathon in the Americas, producing what is being celebrated as the fastest women’s half-marathon performance ever recorded on the continent.

The Ethiopian star was in a class of her own, crossing the finish line more than a minute clear of Turkey’s Nevin Can, who finished second in 1:05:06. Another Turkish athlete, Selin Can, completed the podium in third place with 1:05:11, as the leading trio all produced strong performances on the fast streets of Buenos Aires.

Kenya also featured prominently in the top positions, with Irene Jepchumba Kimais taking fourth in 1:06:04, followed by Sheila Chepkirui in fifth with 1:06:13. Magaret Akidor Ngathike finished sixth in 1:06:46, while fellow Kenyan Deborah Samum claimed seventh place in 1:08:32.

Brazil’s Nubia de Oliveira Silva was eighth in 1:11:13, while Argentina’s Sofia Luna and Dahyana Juarez rounded out the top 10 with times of 1:11:21 and 1:11:28, respectively.

Top 10 Women – 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon

1. Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu (Ethiopia) – 1:03:57

2. Nevin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:06

3. Selin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:11

4. Irene Jepchumba Kimais (Kenya) – 1:06:04

5. Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – 1:06:13

6. Magaret Akidor Ngathike (Kenya) – 1:06:46

7. Deborah Samum (Kenya) – 1:08:32

8. Nubia de Oliveira Silva (Brazil) – 1:11:13

9. Sofia Luna (Argentina) – 1:11:21

10. Dahyana Juarez (Argentina) – 1:11:28

For Tesfay, it was far more than a race victory. Her 1:03:57 performance was a statement of extraordinary quality, combining speed, endurance and remarkable solo running to produce a landmark result in Buenos Aires. In a race that will be remembered for years to come, the Ethiopian did not simply win—she redefined what was thought possible for women’s half-marathon running in the Americas.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha produced one of the most extraordinary performances in road racing history on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, reclaiming the half marathon world record with a sensational 56:51 performance at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon.

The former world record-holder delivered a breathtaking exhibition of speed and endurance to take 29 seconds off the previous pending mark of 57:20, set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and takes a huge chunk from his own former official world record. Kejelcha's new performance is pending the standard ratification procedures, but if officially ratified, it will return the world record to the Ethiopian star and mark another remarkable chapter in the evolution of the event. 

Kejelcha's achievement is particularly significant because the 57-minute barrier had already been broken before. Jacob Kiplimo had previously run under 57 minutes, clocking 56:42 that was not ratified demonstrating that the once-unthinkable barrier was possible. Kejelcha, however, has become the second man to run under 57-minute barrier who now returns to the top of the all-time rankings with another historic performance in Buenos Aires.

The Ethiopian's race was remarkable not only for the final time but also for the way he built his performance. He covered the opening five kilometres in 13:44 before reaching 10km in 27:18. Rather than slowing, Kejelcha accelerated through the middle stages, passing 15km in 40:39 and 20km in 54:02 as he continued to push the limits of elite road racing.

By the time he reached the finish line, Kejelcha had completed the race at an extraordinary average pace of approximately 2:42 per kilometre, producing one of the most astonishing sustained efforts ever witnessed in distance running. His stunning run sent a powerful message to the athletics world and further strengthened his status as one of the most formidable distance runners of his generation.

Behind the record-breaking champion, Ethiopia completed a dominant clean sweep of the men's podium. Tadese Worku Gebresilase claimed second place in 59:18, while Bereket Nega Batebo secured third in 1:00:17, giving Ethiopia a memorable one-two-three finish in the Argentine capital.

Kenya’s Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong finished fourth in 1:00:20, followed by compatriot Simon Maywa in fifth with 1:00:55. Argentina’s Ignacio Erario gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate with an impressive sixth-place finish in 1:00:57, breaking the one-hour barrier in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Dillon Kipyeko of Kenya finished seventh in 1:01:07, with Robert Kiprop Koech eighth in 1:02:01. Mexico’s Julio Ortiz Ponce took ninth place in 1:03:17, while Colombia’s Jimmy Gómez completed the top 10 in 1:03:34.

The Buenos Aires Half Marathon will now take its place in the history books as the scene of a truly extraordinary breakthrough. For Kejelcha, this was more than just another victory. It was a spectacular return to the top, reclaiming a world record he had previously held and once again rewriting the limits of the half marathon.

The 56:51 performance remains pending ratification, but Yomif Kejelcha's run has already delivered one of the defining moments in the history of road racing.

Kenya delivered another commanding display of distance-running excellence at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, with Isaia Lasoi leading a memorable Kenyan clean sweep of the men's podium in a race packed with world-class performances.

Lasoi emerged victorious after a thrilling battle at the front, crossing the finish line in a superb 58:26 setting a new course record. His winning performance underlined his strength and speed over the half-marathon distance, but he was made to work all the way by fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, who finished just three seconds behind in 58:29 after an electrifying duel for the title.

The contest between the two leaders produced one of the standout moments of the race, with both athletes pushing deep into elite territory as they fought for victory. In the end, Lasoi found just enough to secure the win, while Mateiko's narrow defeat highlighted the remarkable depth and quality of Kenya's leading distance runners.

Vincent Kipkorir completed the Kenyan sweep, taking third place in 1:00:38 to ensure that all three places on the podium belonged to Kenyan athletes. Samwel Chebolei added further Kenyan strength to the results, finishing fourth in 1:01:01, while Amos Langat was also among the leading finishers.

The international field featured several prominent names. Australia's Jimmy Whelan produced a strong run, while Ethiopia's Yismaw Dillu featured among the front group. American marathon star Galen Rupp also delivered a notable performance, clocking 1:01:29 in another competitive outing for the experienced distance runner. Former world-class track and road athlete Edward Cheserek was also among the top finishers.

Lasoi's 58:26 victory, however, was the defining performance of the day. Together with Mateiko and Kipkorir, he gave Kenya a perfect podium and another emphatic reminder of the country's extraordinary strength in elite road running.

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon once again provided a fast, competitive stage for some of the world's finest distance runners, but when the decisive moments arrived, it was Kenya that owned the podium.

One of the most iconic milestones in the history of ultramarathon running is drawing closer, with entries for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon set to open on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The Comrades Marathon Association has officially announced a detailed entry process for the 2027 race, which will unfold in three stages and give runners around the world the opportunity to secure their place in what promises to be one of the most significant editions ever held of The Ultimate Human Race.

The announcement followed the official launch of the 2027 Comrades Marathon on Wednesday, 19 August, when the centenary campaign, “The Greatest Story Ever Run,” was unveiled alongside a special logo created exclusively for the landmark 100th edition.

The launch also revealed several major highlights for the Centenary Race. The historic event will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, and will be a Down Run, with 28,000 places available. The entry process will include a ballot, while the race will offer a record R8.919 million in prize money. Organisers have also set an ambitious goal of raising R10 million for the Amabeadibeadi charities, adding an important charitable dimension to the centenary celebrations. One of the defining moments of the launch was the unveiling of the special Centenary mark, created to commemorate this extraordinary milestone in the history of the race.

The entry process begins on 25 August at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Green Number runners, Yellow Number runners and Amabeadibeadi charity entrants.

The next phase follows on 2 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Comrades Marathon Association members. This window will remain open for 72 hours or until the available entry allocation is filled, with places offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

For general entrants, the process will move to a ballot system. General entries open on 9 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, with runners able to enter the ballot until it closes on 22 September at 4:30 p.m. SAST. The ballot draw is then scheduled to take place on 23 September.

Several other crucial dates will shape the road to the historic race. The substitution period will run from 15 to 31 March 2027, while 3 May 2027 is the final deadline for runners to submit their qualifying performances, seeding information and other required entry details.

To qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, runners must complete a 42.2km marathon in under five hours between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027.

The journey will finally culminate on Sunday, 13 June 2027, when thousands of runners are expected to line up for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

The 2027 race will represent a remarkable moment for the legendary South African ultramarathon. For more than a century, the Comrades Marathon has captured the imagination of runners and spectators with its extraordinary test of endurance, determination and human spirit. Its centenary edition will celebrate the generations of athletes who have faced its demanding roads, conquered its challenges and helped build one of the world's most respected endurance events.

For runners dreaming of becoming part of this historic occasion, the road to Comrades 2027 is now clearly marked. From the opening of entries in August 2026 to race day in June 2027, every deadline will matter.

The Greatest Story Ever Run is preparing for its most historic chapter yet.