5 Ways To Get Ready For A Week Of Running

We’ve all been there: Fumbling in the dark for a pair of running socks or shorts; searching for our favorite running bra, because we have to have that particular one for the tempo workout; too busy to charge our GPS watch all week and now it’s only twenty percent charged (then comes the dreaded fear that it will die during the workout).

It’s heroic that we are going for our daily run, so why not make it easier and organize everything at the beginning of the week? Check out these helpful tips to keep you happily gliding out of the door on a daily basis.

Prepare Your Running Outfits On Sunday

Wash all of your running laundry—separately and on a delicate cycle—over the weekend and prepare each outfit for the entire week. An easy way would be to make a stack of the essentials: running bra, shorts or tights, shirt or tank, a half zip if it’s chilly, socks, watch, hat, sunglasses and gloves if you wear them. Leave your shoes at the door unlaced and ready for action. Oh, and don’t forget to put on the sunscreen!

Charge Your GPS Watch Daily

On the days you wear a watch, it will always be charged and ready-to-go. I find this especially helpful during a marathon training cycle when you are logging tons of miles.

Plan Your Meals

It makes it so easy to fuel our bodies and eat healthy when we have a meal plan. Eliminate the guesswork of What’s for dinner? at 3 p.m. (I am so guilty of this and it can be a little stressful.) It’s also super helpful to have an idea of healthy snacks that you love for the week and add those ingredients to your grocery list. For instance, I love apples and almond butter, plus I eat a lot of bananas and berries over the course of a week, so those are always at the top of my list.

Leave Yourself A Love Note

There are times when we are so tired and simply don’t feel like running. Write yourself a note of love and encouragement (be good to yourself!) as a reminder and incentive to keep working hard toward your goals. I like to leave it on the bedside table so I’ll see it as soon as the alarm goes off in the morning.

Keep A Large Pitcher Of Water In The Fridge

And even better—fill it with cucumber and lemons one day and something delicious like berries the next. Another fun idea is to fill your ice tray with water and fruit (mangoes!). The next day you’ll have awesome, fruity ice cubes for your water. We all know it is so important to drink a lot of water and if it’s waiting and ready for you, the more likely you are to hit your daily goal.

I’d love to hear your creative ideas! Tweet to @WomensRunning and @natrunsfar to share.