Five ways to miss your next run

Nobody likes missing a workout. But even so, there are a bunch of things we do all the time that are setting us up for just that. Here are five common culprits that might seem like no big deal but can in fact lead to your next missed run.

Hit the snooze. Sometimes there’s an amazing difference between your perspective on things when lying in bed versus your perspective on things once you get your running shoes on. That innocent “just five more minutes” can easily turn into an hour. Getting your feet on the floor right after your alarm goes off can be just what you need to get out the door.

Blow off the laundry. It’s such a silly little thing, but minor barriers to training like not having clean gear or a dry towel can be the difference between training and not — especially if you’re already having a crisis of willpower. Stay on top of the laundry and have one less thing between you and your run.

Insist on all or nothing. Maybe you’re behind schedule. Or have an unexpected meeting eating up a chunk of your lunch hour. Or just aren’t feeling up to snuff for some reason. If you don’t have time or energy to do the run you want, don’t let that become a reason to miss your workout altogether. Something is better than nothing.

Sit down. We’ve all been there. You’re a little tired or frazzled or whatever and just want to plop down on the couch for a few minutes. Then the next thing you know, it’s an hour later and your opportunity to run has come and gone. If you’re tired, the couch lets you succumb to the fatigue, but a run will actually energize you. Stay vertical and get out the door. Besides, flopping down on the couch will be way more satisfying afterwards.

Debate yourself. If you find yourself debating internally about whether or not to run, it’s almost certainly a sign that you should be out there running. Cut a quick deal between Motivated You and Unmotivated You: they can both lace up and get running and if either one regrets it five minutes in, you’ll throw in the towel and head back. Spoiler Alert: you won’t end up throwing in the towel.

How about you? What’s the most common threat to your run?