Happy Wednesday! So you know how there is a national holiday for just about everything? Well today happens to be National Simplicity Day! This day is observed in honor of Henry David Thoreau, who was an advocate for living a life of simplicity.
Simplicity. A “simple” word but yet very complicated. Everyone definitely has their own meaning of simplicity based on how busy they are in their everyday lives. Let’s face it, we’re all busy, so having a routine can help to make your life much easier. This especially applies to running. Here are a few tips that I have used to simplify my running routine.
Hire a Running Coach
If you’re training for a race, take the guess work out of your training and hire a running coach. Although I just use a basic training plan for half marathons, I knew that I needed a coach for marathon training. Because of the amount of miles, I wanted to make sure that I was training smart, and correctly. In addition, having a training plan helps you to schedule your workouts because you know what you’ll need to do on each day.
I imagine this is how all coaches feel when adding in tempo runs to training plans LOL
If you’re lucky, your coach will also become your friend. That’s the relationship that I have with my running coach, Abby. There’s never been a time where she hasn’t answered a question or given me encouragement. She’s also great at adjusting my training plan if a pace feels too easy/hard, or if I have a race. If you’re looking for a running coach, Abby is offering a summer sale – 10% off all run coaching services. If you’re interested, send her a message!
Layout Your Clothes
This is a great tip for a run or a race. By laying out your clothes the night before, it’s one less thing to worry about in the morning before your run. I don’t just mean lay out your shirt and pants/shorts. Lay out everything – literally, everything – socks, sneakers, sports bra, hat, GPS watch, running fuel, running belt, ID, money, momentum jewelry wraps, etc. I am ALWAYS worried about forgetting something, especially before a race, so I literally will lay out everything I’ll need for the run the night before.
Utilize Amazon to Stockpile Items
I have Amazon Prime and it’s amazing! Although I use it for a number of things, it can come in handy for keeping certain running items stockpiled. If you have a favorite running fuel or hydration product, you can order it from Amazon. They have a bunch of different brands available – Nuun, Tailwind, GU and Honey Stinger just to name a few. Even better, you can use their subscribe and save service so that you automatically receive what you need, and at a discount! For example, if you know you go through a few tubes of Nuun every few weeks, you can subscribe to get Nuun sent to your house automatically every 2 months. You don’t have to spend time worry about running low on a product you use all the time.
Do you have any tips on how runners can simplify their running routine?
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Susie from Suzlyfe, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
I love using subscribe and save to stock pile on running items! With 2 runners in the house we can go through some of that stuff pretty quickly. I definitely felt like it was nice to have a running coach when training for my last marathon- it took so much of the pressure off!
Amazon is a lifesaver, especially Amazon Prime! I love that I can order something and have it delivered in 2 days.
I totally agree with you about the running coach. I just feel like it’s one less thing to stress out about and I love having a plan already made for me!
You know I’m a fan of a running coach 😀 I think organization and routine are also key components! And, asking yourself do your really need all those accessories?
Organization is so important! When stuff inst organized I tend to feel stressed!
I have a workout schedule that I adhere to pretty closely. That helps keep me on track and I don’t have to think much about what I have to do. I like the idea of keeping things simple. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately and I’m not sure why.
I agree. Without a schedule, it’s very easy for me to fall off track. I’ve been feeling pretty exhausted lately which is making me feel a little overwhelmed. Hopefully the overwhlemed feeling will pass quickly for both of us!
I have a workout schedule that I pretty much keep the same each week which helps me keep things organized. I write down my workouts in my calendar each week. LIke Wendy said above, I also feel a little overwhelmed lately not sure why either.
I think all 3 of us are in the same boat as I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed lately – Hopefully it will pass!
Having a schedule/routine is key. My tip to simplify would be to to just RUN. We can definitely make running complicated with all the gadgets and accessories!
Definitely! A schedule just gives me peace of mind and keeps me on track with my goals. You are so right – I think the gadgets are awesome, but sometimes it can complicate things!
I had no idea it was simplicity day, I should have know because I try to live that way. These are some great tips. I agree that keeping a schedule is a great way to simplify.
I am always amazed that there is a national holiday for everything, lol.
Yes, yes, and yes! These are all great tips. I’m so glad you love working with Abby! I love my running coach. He’s amazing. I hope my runners feel the same about me.
I’m all about keeping it simple!
I do love having a coach and not having to think about it. 🙂 And I also lay out my clothes the night before — often with a couple of different options, because sometimes it’s warmer or colder than you think it was going to be (or raining).
I also have a couple of bags that usually have some kind of protein bar, or honey stinger, a wipe, etc. It’s also got my swimming stuff in it, so there’s a lot of shuffling around.
That’s true. It’s good to lay out a few options since the weather can be a little crazy at certain time in the year!
Having a coach has been one of my best investments
It’s so awesome not to have to think, overthink and second-guess myself with my training
Hiring a coach is truly a great investment – I couldn’t agree more!
I’m still giggling over the coaching face!
As a coach, I obviously agree that everyone should hire one. It really is the best way to get the best training program for YOU, not to mention the support, motivation, and feedback you get from your coach.
LOL. I just imagine that coaches get some pleasure out of scheduling tempo runs 🙂
Great tips! I simplify my running by being a creature of habit. I know my route, the number of miles I plan to run, etc.
Even though I do like to switch it up every now and then, I also like to run the same route.
My life has too variable of a schedule to have the same schedule on a regular basis, but I do sit down at the beginning of each week and figure out when I can fit in my workouts in the coming week.
That’s a really great idea. I like that you still find time for your workouts even if they occur at different days/times each week.
I used to only “layout the clothes” the night before a race…finally it downed on me to do it the night before every early morning training run. Duh! 😉 It really is a time-savor!
LOL I was the same way!
Laying out my clothes the night before is so necessary. Not only does it make the flat runner picture but I can sleep easy knowing I have everything together.
Exactly! I’m so paranoid about forgetting something on race day.
Amazon has become my BFF since I started running. I use the subscribe and save option for my fuel and protein powder!
It’s just so convenient!
Great tips. I think every day should be simplicity day!
LOL I totally agree with you about that!
I have Nuun on my Amazon subscription items now and I love that I don’t run out! or make an extra stop to get some 🙂
I simplified summer schedule by making a 40 min. time goal for week days runs and just doing a 10K for my long run, I am not training so I am taking it easy…and if I want to go longer I do 🙂
You are so right about laying everything ot the night before a race! I always forget something it seems.
Love how you simplified your summer!
Great tips! A running coach is key for me! and I love Amazon prime too- the protein powders and Nuun just keep coming! 🙂
Amazon Prime is a such a blessing!
Great tips! I loved having a running coach, this time to save money I bought a another mother runner training plan! And it comes with a coach for questions. Easier than planning it myself.
That’s great! I’m all about anything to save time and money 🙂
Hahahaha… that is not what I look like when I give you speed work.
Basically because I feel the same way about it as you do – Uggghhhhhhhh…
However, it is so neccasary for half and full marathon training when you are shooting for a time goal and not just running for fun.
I’m doing it too so you are not alone.
It does make me feel better that I know other runners are suffering through speed work too, lol
I only lay out my clothes for races, but I can see why it would be beneficial to do so on a regular basis. I do this on a regular with my son’s clothes to help simplify our morning routine. I really should do it for myself more too.
I didn’t think about doing it for normal runs until last year but it definitely makes things easier in the morning for me. I also do it for my work clothes, lol
I needed o read a useful and educational post like this one. Well done!
I love simple things and your tips are so useful! Why make it challenging when it can be so simple! 🙂
Thanks so much Agness!