Here are a few things that you can do to make your race day morning run a little more smoothly:

Within 24 hours of the start, check the weather forecast so you know what clothing to wear (for both your warm-up and the race). Next, get your directions to the race site, and plan for plenty of extra time to pick up your packet, do your warm-up, and make your way to the starting line without the added pressure of running behind (no pun intended!). Then, lay out all of the clothes and other items (wallet, keys, energy bar, etc.) that you will be taking with you on race morning so they are easy to grab.
 
I put all of the clothes that I am wearing to the race on my dresser and everything else that I may need in a bag by the door. That way I can grab the bag and not worry about packing everything when I am half asleep.

Once you get to the race site, find the packet pick-up site and get your packet right away (take a photo ID just in case they need to make sure you are who you say you are). Then, before your warm-up, pin your bib (the thing with your number on it) to the shirt you will be racing in, and put your timing device (chip or D-tag) on the shoe in which you will be racing. Now you can go for your warm-up, come back to your car or base camp and do any last minute preparation for the race.

Start smooth, finish strong, and have a blast!

One of the biggest things to overcome in distance running resides in the space between your ears. Running is a mental activity just as much as it is the physical act of putting one foot in front of the other.

I have addressed what you can think about while you run, but what about when you just don't want to get out the door, or you want to quit in the middle of your run? My wife often tells me how much she wants to run on a scale of 1-10 right before she heads out the door, and sometimes her motivation is around a 2. I feel this way sometimes, also, especially in the morning, and that is just to get the run started. There are numerous other things that can come up in the middle of the run that can curtail your well-intentioned plan.

Sometimes there is a physical reason: injury, upset stomach, sore legs, etc. All of those should be handled delicately, and it could be that cutting a run short is the best option for you that day. Running through a legitimate injury is not a good idea - it will probably make things worse and keep you away from running even longer. BUT sometimes you psych yourself out when you really can do the workout that you think is going to be really difficult, or you can get out of bed and do your 4-miler before work.

What helps me the most is looking at my goals and telling myself that, in order to accomplish those goals, I need to stick to my training plan.

For me, the factor that really drives this home is the reason for which I run: I run because I believe God has given me a gift: the ability to run well. I am responsible for using that gift for God's glory. If I fail to put in the work, I feel like I am failing to live up to that responsibility. That motivates me tremendously.

What about your goals? What helps motivate you? Is there something that would help you become more motivated? Looking at the big picture is the best way to handle the mental block that may cause you to slack on your training plan.

God bless,

Chad