Get your clothes ready

The first step to getting ready for a run is also the simplest: to make sure your outfit is ready to go. Just getting into your kit will put you in the right mindset to want to go out for a run. And using the excuse ‘it’s too cold’ or ‘it’s too wet’ can also go out the window.

If weather is the reason you’re not going out, remember the trick is to layer up. With a large selection of running jackets to help layer up in the winter, or more lightweight tops if it’s warmer, you’ll be ready to go no matter what.

Fuel correctly

If you’re going for an early morning run, it can be so tempting to skip breakfast and just head out. But gaining that energy and having a good breakfast before your run can help you push through the miles.

And if you’re planning on a long run, make sure you have snacks and hydration ready for the road. Opt for some healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up or make a nutritious smoothie to take with you. Make sure your bag or running vest is good to go and by the door so you can just pick it up and run without delay.

Know your route, and your run

To help make your run more efficient, make sure to plan it out ahead of time. Decide the route you want to go to, and how long you want to run for. Both the likes of Strava and most running watches offer up recommended routes or you can create a customised route depending on your plan and how far you want to run. And don’t forget to charge your watch to keep you on track.

Get these downloaded so you leave the house with a direction and goal in mind. This saves time and helps you get organised as you’re leaving the door.

Next you also want to understand what type of run you’re going for. Is it your long run day or are you training for a race in mind? Do you want to focus on speed, and so is a tempo or interval run more what you need? No matter the type of run, you need to know what’s in store for you so you’re both physically and mentally prepared.

Know what you’re listening to

Most people would agree that making sure their headphones are ready is the single most important thing to do for a run to really get you in the zone. Podcasts or playlists are the most common things to listen to on a run, with playlists easily being the more popular one.

If you’re going for a playlist, music is one of the biggest motivational factors to get you going, one step in front of the other. There are so many different options out there, that you’ll no doubt find the best playlist for your run. Otherwise, you can also get some inspiration from some of our Brooks experts.

Lace up

You can’t do a run without a proper pair of running shoes. If you have a line up of shoes you pick from, make sure you’ve got the right pair of shoes. A style like the Glycerin or Ghost is perfect for an everyday run, or the Hyperion collection is ideal if you’re working on some speed.

Not sure what you need? Take out Shoefinder quiz to find the shoes you need for your run.

Warm up

Now this is a step that quite a few people tend to skip and are worse off for it. Stretching and warming up are great ways to get ready for a run, for your body and your mindset. Dynamic warm ups are the most effective ways to make sure you muscles stay healthy and that you get the best run possible.

If you need more inspiration, there are a range of dynamic warm ups you can do to help reduce the chances of injury.

Just get out the door

This can often be one of the hardest parts of getting out for a run. The literal part of opening your front door to go outside or stepping on a treadmill. At this point, you’ve put so much effort into the preparation, it would be a shame to skip it now altogether. Or even think about the reasons you wanted to go for a run today anyway: a break from work and screens, staying on a training plan for a big race, or just to move your limbs and get some fresh air.

Once you’re out the door, you definitely won’t regret it, especially if you have your breathing and running form correct.

What about after?

You’re back from your run, but that doesn’t mean all the hard work is over and you can just sit in front of the TV. Get more water in you to make sure you stay hydrated and don’t forget to cool down to ensure your body recovers properly.

Nothing beats being prepared for run. It makes the process to get out the door much quicker and allows for a much more enjoyable run.