Balancing a busy professional work schedule with personal interests and hobbies can be extremely challenging, particularly if your career is in nursing. Below is an interview with Abbie, an emergency room nurse and ultra-marathoner, who offers some of her own inspirations for success:
Abbie has been an emergency room nurse for four years. She currently resides in Maryland and works at a level 2-trauma center. Her husband is a medical student finishing up a year of research at the National Institutes of Health.
Prior to living in Maryland, Abbie worked in Utah where she plans to return this summer. Abbie says she thoroughly enjoys being a nurse and loves the ER, stating, “I love not knowing what each shift will be like.” Abbie works three 12-hour shifts per week, which is considered full time in nursing. Although the shifts are long, she loves that there are stretches of days off where she has time to do the things she enjoys, such as biking, running, hiking, snow shoeing, and basically anything else outdoors.
Abbie started running at a young age, and was inspired by her Dad, who is also an avid runner. She competed in Track and Cross Country throughout her junior high and high school years, and ran her first half-marathon her senior year, right before leaving for college in Utah.
In 2001, during her first semester in college, Abbie completed her first full marathon. She has now run in 20 marathons and 9 ultra-marathons. Her first ultra-marathon was the Squaw Peak 50 mile in 2005, which she ran with her Dad.
Over the years, Abbie has had to take time off due to injuries, but as a result, she has found a love for other sports, especially road biking. In 2008, she trained for and completed a 206 mile bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Abbie currently works the afternoon/evening shift from 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 a.m. During her work days, she does some light exercise, but she never hesitates to rest if her body needs it.
When asked how she manages juggling a busy work schedule and staying fit, she says, “at times it can be difficult, but I feel so much better when I am active and exercise. It is my way of relieving stress, especially after some crazy shifts at work.”
Abbie says that the key to staying active is to find an activity that you enjoy, plan ahead, and schedule your workouts like you would any other appointment. For beginners, she recommends being easy on yourself, not over doing it, and most importantly, having fun!
Abbie not only exercises, but she tries to eat a balanced diet as well. When asked about how she gets through her long night time shifts, she mentioned the importance of fueling the body and planning ahead. Abbie prepares her meals and snacks the day before work, and she packs foods that are easy to eat when it is busy.
Abbie is a true inspiration. She is a great nurse and an example of how you can have a wonderful career and also pursue your dreams.
Be sure to check out Abbie's blog www.foodsthatfit.com.
By Rebecca Subbiah
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