So what tactics do other successful runners utilize every night? Read on and you'll be a better runner by morning.
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17 Things Successful Runners Do Every Night
Written by
Megan Harrington
At the end of a long day, you're probably ready to chill out. But if you can resist the siren call of the couch, giving some attention to your training can pay dividends.
So what tactics do other successful runners utilize every night? Read on and you'll be a better runner by morning.
So what tactics do other successful runners utilize every night? Read on and you'll be a better runner by morning.
1. They make a to-do list for tomorrow.
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Sometimes that means hitting the grocery story for healthy dinner ingredients, other times it means scheduling a massage.
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Your Next Race2. They evaluate their body (and mind).
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Calf feeling sore? Foam roll during the commercial break. More exhausted than usual? Get to bed early. Try to catch little issues before they become big problems.
3. Identify the reason for tomorrow's workout.
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Is it a much needed rest day? Or an endurance-building tempo run? Every mile should serve a purpose, and knowing that reason in advance can help guide training.
4. They eat a balanced dinner.
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Nope, those happy hour nachos do not count. To feel your best on tomorrow's run, aim for a mix of protein, carbs and healthy fats.
5. They focus on the "extra" stuff.
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Foam rolling, hydration, core work; the evening hours are a great time to pay attention to the things that often fall by the wayside.
6. They review today's training.
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Did you hit your expected mileage and paces? If not, what went wrong? If you're feeling achy or very tired, it might be worth adjusting tomorrow's run.
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Your Next Race7. They seek out running inspo.
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Watch a professional race on TV, catch up on your favorite running blog, fine tune your race day playlist or read a few chapters from a training book. Motivation comes in many forms!
8. They make a plan B.
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If work or family demands derail your workout for the next day—what's the back-up plan? If you sleep poorly, can you shift your sunrise run till lunchtime? If the weather is bad, can you cross-train or run on a treadmill? Being prepared for possible roadblocks is the key to consistent training.
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Your Next Race9. They connect with their running tribe.
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Need a running pal for the a.m. (or Sunday's long run)? Send a text to your buddy or post on the local running store's Facebook page. Training with others increases accountability and makes the miles fly by.
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Do you have clean socks for tomorrow? A charged GPS watch? Plan out what you'll need for your next training session and set it by your bed or pack it in your gym bag.
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Maybe it's dinner with friends or a walk with your kids; aim to get some quality time with loved ones. It will remind you that life isn't all about running.
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Thunderstorms forecasted for tomorrow evening? Better run that track workout in the morning. Record high (or low) temperatures? Identify a treadmill option, stat!
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A favorite TV show, a good book, baking—take your pick!
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Your Next Race14. They prepare for the morning.
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Set your alarm and program the coffee maker, because 6:00 a.m. comes early.
15. They top off the tank.
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If you're running early the next morning, eat a small carbohydrate-rich snack before bed. Try a small bowl of cereal or some graham crackers and nut butter.
16. They meditate.
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It doesn't have to be a formal process, but climb into bed early and spend a few minutes mentally winding down. It will make falling asleep a whole lot easier.
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Your Next Race17. They hit the sheets before they're exhausted.
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If you're in the middle of heavy training, you likely need seven to nine hours of sleep, so make sure you're heading to bed early enough.