Sunday is my favourite day for long scenic runs…it’s also my worst!

I keep thinking about how it’s really the only day I have to sleep in and so every Saturday night I have this massive internal battle – sleep in or set the alarm. I know how amazing I’ll feel after the run (motivation), but I also know how hard it is to get going (beyond motivation.)

These 5 steps are by no means revolutionary, but they do help me get up and running.

1. Having an early night – It seems a pretty obvious step and it’s one that makes all the difference. If I manage to have my 7 hours of shut-eye, opening said eyes early on a Sunday morning isn’t all that hard.
2. Laying off the booze – There are few things worse than dragging yourself off for a long run with a raging hangover as company. If you can’t manage total abstinence, at least try and curb the quantity and gulp down loads of water in between and after drinks.
3. Finding inspiration – Laugh if you must, but I love watching YouTube clips of long distance races…the end bits, that is. Something about seeing the determination on the runners’faces helps get me in the mood (to run!)
4. Prepping my kit – Procrastination is a dear friend of mine and is never far from my side, especially on Sunday mornings. Knowing this, I make sure to get my clothes, shoes, earphones out and ready on the night before.
5. Visualisation – Just before nodding off, I picture myself at the end of the Sunday run – sweaty, sore, tired…but elated and fueled with endorphins.

I’m happy to report that I had a fantastic Sunday run this morning! Now to work on my Monday motivation…