Behavioral economists talk about the importance of choice architecture, or the environment in which we make choices. The classic example is the difference between an employermatched retirement fund where participation requires choosing to enroll versus enrollment being the default option. In the latter case, more employees participate. The gist of the field’s teaching is: Make it easy to do the right thing.
Choice architecture is huge for daily and long-term success in running. Whether it’s anticipating when you’ll be able to run tomorrow, or regularly placing yourself in the company of other runners, or spending a little extra for a hotel near a park, make good choices about the overall environment in which your running occurs. Make it easy to do the right thing for your running.