Many runners must run in the afternoon but commonly feel drained at the end of the day. This is another instance of the reflex brain responding to the stress of the day, often due to low blood sugar which triggers negative peptides that leave you feeling tired and unmotivated.
State your desired outcome: To get out the door and start running down the road.
Identify the challenge: Monkey brain has a significant level of stress from the day and if allowed to be in control will sense more stress from a workout, stimulating negative mood hormones that result in a negative attitude about anything but hitting the couch or bed.
Reduce stress as you are driving or walking home by saying, “I’m going to get home, put on some comfortable clothes, and eat and drink.” This reduces stress in several ways. There is no thought given to running, and even the thought of eating and drinking can stimulate positive peptides.
Put on some comfortable clothes and shoes—that just happen to be running attire.
Eat an easily digestible energy snack and drink water or a caffeinated beverage (if OK with you). Caffeine can shift a negative mood very effectively.
Think relaxing thoughts.
Stick your head out the door to check the weather.
Walk around outside to see what’s going on.
Cross the street, and you’re on your way.
Principle of lazy physics: A body on the couch wants to stay on the couch. But once a body is in motion, it wants to stay in motion.
Break up the challenge into a series of actions, and use your conscious brain to lead you step by step through the mental barriers.