Running and golf

[wjsryan]

A few years ago I had a blood pressure scare. My doctor told me I needed to incorporate more endurance training to help lower it. It works, but takes time. 
 

How do y’all balance running and golf, which both take a good chunk of time in the week? It doesn’t help I’ve got one kid and another on the way!

[MacTourney]

8 minutes ago, wjsryan said:

A few years ago I had a blood pressure scare. My doctor told me I needed to incorporate more endurance training to help lower it. It works, but takes time. 
 

How do y’all balance running and golf, which both take a good chunk of time in the week? It doesn’t help I’ve got one kid and another on the way!

Not sure what kind running you're talking about, or even if you're medicating the scare, and am not considering costs,  but would combining walking/carrying bag substitute for running.  I believe you might be able to kill two birds with one stone.

[russtopherb]

When I was a runner before the doc told me I needed to stop due to my knee, I'd run in the early evening. That let me spend time with the family at dinner then still be back by the time the kids were getting ready for bed. I also ran in the early morning a lot as well. 

Like any other activity or hobby, there's a balance. My kids went from babies to 22 & 17 in the blink of an eye. Don't miss out on stuff when they're young. 

[ejgaudette]

As a father of three, father and runner myself I find the need for that balance as well. I usually run at lunch or in the morning to try to keep it out of the way of the kid time. On days I golf I don't run. I am not sure how much you are running time wise but running for 30 to 40 minutes a day is generally considered enough. In a health research book I read recently they advocate 1:30 of light activity (walking) or 40 minutes of vigorous a day (running). It is a hard balance and I think the key is that not every day needs to be perfect. There will be days when everything goes wrong and exercise is just not gonna happen. Just try to get back to it tomorrow.

[NM01]

Like with any activity and hobbies it’s hard to find a balance to do everything. Something usually has to be sacrificed, whether it’s practice time, running time, extra sleep, family time.

Figure out the things that are important and schedule them to be done no matter what then fit everything else into the time left

[cnosil]

Surprised no one posted this:  https://www.speedgolfusa.com

combine running and golf and fix the pace of play! 

[cksurfdude]

IMO aerobic fitness is important for everyone, and especially those with any kind of cardio-vascular thing going on. I used to really enjoy running - when I was much much (MUCH) younger, and would go for distance and endurance runs, but eventually had to give it up as the knees and hips started complaining too much (at the time I was also skiing a lot .. and hard .. during the Winters).

Fast forward a few years and I made a big investment in a quality elliptical - which I still have today, and my wife also gets a lot of use out of it - so over the years it's been well worth it!! It's in the basement so it's always accessible and convenient, and while admittedly it may not give you that "runner's high" you get outside, you can get an excellent aerobic workout on it (plus you can watch golf on TV so talk about killing two birds ).

The other machine you can get a really great aerobic workout on is an "adaptive motion" trainer .. kind of a cross between an elliptical, a stepper and a treadmill so it's an excellent zero impact exercise. The downside, though, is these things are *pricey*...

[ejgaudette]

3 hours ago, cnosil said:

Surprised no one posted this:  https://www.speedgolfusa.com

combine running and golf and fix the pace of play! 

I have actually tried this once. Played in about 1 hour for 18 and shot the same score with 6 clubs I usually did back then.

[Charles Lechair]

This doesn't mean much given i don't have a wife or kids, but i get up and hit the gym before work. If that's something you can swing, i highly recommend it.

I absolutely love knocking it out early in the day and having my afternoons free to do whatever - in your case could be playing golf or hanging with the family and kids or both

[wjsryan]

I’m probably going to be doing mornings. I wake up early naturally and it just works. I’ll also probably do the “no running on golf days” thing too. It just makes the most sense. 
 

I’m really looking into ordering a kidcaddie too. 

[mpatrickriley]

15 hours ago, wjsryan said:

I’m probably going to be doing mornings. I wake up early naturally and it just works. I’ll also probably do the “no running on golf days” thing too. It just makes the most sense. 
 

I’m really looking into ordering a kidcaddie too. 

I'm a morning runner myself.

But the best way to handle balancing family time and golf is to get your kids interested in golf  . In all seriousness, it can't be forced. But if it happens, it's awesome.

[rdocherty]

Very true statement. I have a 2.5 year old who I am taking mini golfing next week for the first time and she is over the moon excited and started trying on all of my golf hats to see which one was best to play in. 
 

The other tip is playing with your in laws. My brother in law is my golf partner and the course we play is next to the grandparents house, so my wife views it as family time when I go golf with her family. 

[ctg44]

I just walk and carry my bag fairly often. From a combo of that and medication, my BP is way down and my weight is down from 279 to 214.

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[Goober]

[Goober]

That was me at 58 .. 2 years ago. I love running . All I do . And combine that with HITT training . It’s an amazing combo. I feel like I’m 21 again. And it’s helped my golf game swing flexibility as well 

[Klemmantin]

Balancing running and golf when you've got a busy schedule can be a challenge, especially with family commitments.One approach is to integrate some efficient cross jacks exercise into your daily routine. They're great for cardiovascular health and can be done in a short amount of time.You might consider incorporating quick Cross Jack sessions during breaks or before golf rounds. This way, you're still working on your endurance while leaving time for both your family and golf.Remember, consistency is key, and finding creative ways to fit exercise into your busy life can make a big difference in managing your blood pressure.

Edited December 12, 2023 by Klemmantin

[higherplane]

During the week in season, with 1st tee time like to play golf running between shots, use 4 wheeled push cart.  Get funny looks but can be in the office by 9 AM.   Side benefit, is the running seems to keep one a little looser.            

[Lochlan2000]

A few years back, I was in a similar boat. I had to fit in running for my health but also wanted to keep playing golf. What really helped me was finding a routine that worked for my schedule—early morning runs before the day gets busy.

I also decided to hire a running coach to help me make the most of my time. It was a game changer! They helped me set realistic goals and improve my form, which made running feel more efficient and enjoyable. Now I feel great, and I can squeeze in a round of golf on the weekends without feeling wiped out. Just remember to be flexible and enjoy the process—finding that balance takes time!

Edited July 22 by Lochlan2000

[WaffleHouseTour]

No running allowed because of the artificial hip, but on days I don’t golf, like today, it’s 40 minutes on the elliptical at 5:30 am.  On days I’m not on the elliptical it’s walking the golf course. 
 

I’ve never understood people who run, but then ride around the course.  

Edited July 16 by WaffleHouseTour