Doug Milne, PGA Tour senior communications manager: keeping workouts on track

Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to fit a run in is routine for Doug Milne, the senior communications manager for the PGA Tour. Running fuels his passion, no matter how busy life gets for him while on the road with the world’s best golfers. Milne has been a guest columnist for The Record on several occasions and he is back to share his tips on how he manages his time to lead a healthy lifestyle. Here is our Q&A: Q: How do you find the time to run, considering the amount of travel you do with the PGA Tour?

A: I decided early on that if I wanted my workouts to be effective, I would need to find the time. Often, that means getting up at 4:30 a.m. or staying up until midnight. At one time or another, we all claim that we just don’t have enough time. But, if you want something, you can find the time. It’s all about how much you want it. A strong mind and body is something I really want and know I can’t go halfway with it. Therefore, despite 10-plus hour workdays, I always find the time. Getting up at 4:30 a.m. may sound grueling, but it only hurts for the first minute or two.

Q: Do you have a preference for running outdoors or on a treadmill when you find the opportunity?

A: I’d always prefer road running but the fact is, I’m often on a treadmill in the hotel or nearby fitness centre when on the road. It’s a close second. When I get to a new city I try to drive around when I first arrive to see if I can find good roads on which to run. But I’m also fairly bound to the proximity of my hotel. So, I’m on a treadmill more often than the open road when travelling. It all counts.

Q: What advice would you give someone who just started traveling more and believes there is no time fit in a run?

A: I find it hard to believe someone has “no time” to fit even a brief workout in. My job with the PGA Tour requires 10to 12-hour days of me. But I always make it a point to pencil in at least 30-45 minutes, even if for an abbreviated workout. Sometimes those workouts are very early, sometimes they are late at night. When I’m on the road, I try to stay in hotels with decent fitness facilities or track down 24-hour fitness centres. Like I said, if you want it you can make it happen.

Q: How do you follow healthy eating habits on the road?

A: It’s not hard for me to eat regular, healthy meals on the road. I’m a creature of habit so I don’t tend to stray too much. I don’t forbid myself of anything and sometimes I do go off the rails, but I don’t beat myself up for it. If, for the most part you’re happy with the diet you keep, allow yourself some indulgences. Q: What is your diet like? A: I tend to eat a lot of fish and chicken. Admittedly, I am not the best with vegetables. For breakfast, my favorite thing of all time is yogurt with either cereal or granola mixed it. It’s incredibly filling. I enjoy the occasional steak. I believe we should not see certain foods or meals as “the enemy.” Indulge from time to time. I find that doing so makes me want to return to my regular eating patterns even more. I am a total sucker for fruity candy. I love it. But with a regular daily workout I find that I’m able to eat what I want without much consequence.

Q: How do you stay motivated to work out when you are tired or jetlagged?

A: No question, getting the motivation to work out when tired or jetlagged is tough. I try my hardest to focus on the takeaway; that “how-good-it-will-feelwhen-done” mentality. That usually works. Rather than battling the starting process, I focus on the finishing process but sometimes we do need a day off to get back on track, (which) is totally understandable. I just don’t like to let more than a day or two pass without it. Exercise is more important to me mentally than physically so I am reliant on it for many reasons. www.runwithit.ca Twitter: @christineruns Run With It on Youtube Channel