The "Night Before" Prep

Today’s newsletter is written by Letty from Marathon Media. Letty hosts both, the Marathon Running Podcast and LettyRuns YouTube Channel.

This week, let’s explore the profound impact that a simple routine can have on our running consistency and peace of mind. This is the "Night Before" Prep, the intentional practice of getting all of your running gear, clothes, and fuel ready the night before a run. It’s a small, quiet ritual that not only saves time and reduces morning stress, but also serves as a powerful promise to your future self that you will show up for your run.

In the early morning hours, when motivation can be at its lowest, every single decision—from what socks to wear to where your keys are—can feel like a monumental task. The Night Before Prep is designed to remove all of that friction. By taking just a few minutes the evening prior, you eliminate the mental and physical obstacles that can talk you out of a run. It’s an act of foresight, a commitment to your goals that you make when your mind is clear and your energy is high, making it much easier to follow through in the morning when you’re tired.

Think about how much easier it is to start a run when everything is laid out and waiting for you. Your shoes are by the door, your clothes are neatly folded, and your water bottle is filled. This simple ritual transforms the beginning of your run from a chaotic scramble into a calm, seamless transition. It's a way of saying, “I am committed to this. I value this time, and I’m going to make it happen.” By preparing the night before, you are not just setting out gear; you are setting a powerful intention that makes it virtually effortless to lace up and get out the door.

Why Practice the Night Before Prep?

• Saves Time and Reduces Stress: Eliminating the need to search for gear in the morning allows you to get out the door faster and with a calmer state of mind.

• Boosts Consistency: By removing all the friction, this ritual makes it much harder to talk yourself out of a run, leading to greater consistency in your training.

• Enhances Mental Clarity: The act of preparing your gear the night before serves as a final mental check-in, allowing you to go to bed with a clear, focused intention for your morning.

• Builds a Foundational Habit: This simple ritual can be a powerful building block for other positive habits in your life, reinforcing the idea that good preparation leads to successful outcomes.

How to Intentionally Incorporate the Night Before Prep into Your Next Run:

• Lay Out Your Clothes: Decide what you're going to wear and lay it out, from your socks to your running jacket.

• Set Out Your Shoes and Gear: Place your shoes, watch, and any other gear you'll need right by the door.

• Prepare Your Fuel and Hydration: Fill your water bottle, mix your sports drink, or set out your pre-run snack so it’s ready to go.

• Set Your Intention: As you do this, take a moment to set a positive intention for your run the next day. Think about how good you’ll feel once it’s done.

This week, I encourage you to make your run a promise to yourself that you keep. By taking just a few minutes the night before to prepare, you can transform your morning from a rush to a ritual, making it easier than ever to show up for yourself, one well-prepared run at a time.

Happy (and well-prepared) running!