BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Make a Time Management Plan

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about what's just around the corner. Yes, Christmas is almost here (I'm so excited)! But so is the new year. And, as we all know, the new year is the one of the best times to make lasting changes and Christmas is a great time to acquire the things you need (think about adding them to your Christmas wish list) to make those changes. That being said, if keeping a consistent running schedule is on your list, I'm here to help! 

But first, let’s be honest. Making a schedule can be hard, and keeping a schedule can be even harder. Calendars fill up (especially during the holidays), kids need chauffeuring, meetings pop up out of nowhere, life happens, and suddenly—poof!—your workout window disappears like a sock in the dryer (especially those expensive toe socks). But here’s the truth every runner eventually learns:

We don’t “find” time to run… we make time to run.

Now that we've established that the time for New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner, it's easy to see that it's the perfect moment to sharpen those time-management skills so 2026 becomes the year of consistency, not excuses. 

So lace up (mentally, at least), because here are some fun, realistic, coach-approved ways to save time and keep those workouts rock-solid—even on chaotic days.

1. Lay Out Your Gear the Night Before - This is a serious time-management hack

If you wait until morning to hunt for socks, your Garmin, and that water bottle you swore you left on the counter… the run is already in danger. Especially this time of year when you need more gear because of the lack of daylight and cold. 

Prep everything the night before: clothes, thermals, vest, headlamp, gloves, hat, shoes, watch, hydration, gels, headphones.

When it’s all ready and waiting, you’re far more likely to get moving before your brain invents a reason not to. This sounds small, but trust me—it’s a game changer.

No more digging through laundry baskets for your lucky socks (which we've already demonstrated may have disappeared anyway) or discovering your favorite tights are still damp.

2. Turn “Wasted Minutes” Into Mini Workouts

Waiting on dinner to finish baking? Knock out some planks or squats. Kids at practice? Walk or jog laps while they play. Zoom call ends early? Boom—ten minutes of stretching or core work.

Tiny efforts stacked together create serious momentum. 

3. Schedule Your Runs Like You Schedule Appointments

If you wouldn’t skip a meeting with your boss, don’t cancel the one with your future healthier self either. Treat your workout as a non-negotiable block on your calendar. No guilt. No hesitation. Just forward motion. This single habit can be life-changing. 

4. Keep a “Go-To 20-Minute Workout” in Your Back Pocket

Life happens. Work explodes. A kid gets sick. Weather shifts.
But a short, fast session is always better than throwing in the towel. Stop believing that only long runs count. They don’t. A short interval session or a 20-minute aerobic run absolutely moves the needle—especially on busy days.

Try this simple 20-minute run:

5-minute warm-up
10 minutes of steady pace
5-minute cool-down

Done. You kept the streak alive—mission accomplished. You’ll be sweating, proud, and done before you can talk yourself out of it. And this win will set you up for even bigger wins. 

5. Use Tech to Your Advantage

Timers, reminders, training apps, smartwatches—they’re not just gadgets. They’re accountability partners.

Set daily prompts like:
“Run!”
“Move your body!”
“Future You is cheering!”

It’s silly, but it works.

6. Make Meal Prep Your Best Friend

The fastest way to lose a workout is realizing at 6 p.m. you still have to plan dinner. A little meal prep on weekends simplifies everything during the week and frees up that golden workout window. 

And think about this... fewer “What’s for dinner?” moments = more opportunities to lace up. Your future self will thank you when you walk into the kitchen tired and hungry and find a ready-made healthy option instead of settling for fast food and a missed run. And not having to pack a lunch because it's already made will save you time in the morning. See where I'm going with this. 

Remember: more prep = less stress = more miles.

*On a side note, I used to be a runner who prided herself on not using grocery delivery services. But guess what? Life happened in the middle of training a while back and I gave in! Each time I now place a grocery order, I consider that I save 60-90 minutes of time. And I save money too--because, obviously, I only get what's on the list. The subscription service and subsequent tip I leave pay for themselves every time in time saved.  

7. Buddy Up for Built-In Motivation

When someone else is waiting on you, excuses evaporate. Running friends keep your workouts fun, consistent, and drama-free. Plus, who doesn’t want to complain about hills together?

So, find a friend and/or running group that holds you accountable. 

8. Turn Your Warm-Up Into Your Commute

Jog to work (if logistics allow). If your office doesn't have a shower, you can always use baby wipes or bring washcloths and wash up in the sink before you start your day. This takes some planning (like stashing clothes at the office) but pays dividends. Once again, runners don't find the time, they make the time. And this is an easy way to make the time. 

9. Keep a Pair of Running Shoes Everywhere
Okay, maybe not everywhere, but a spare pair in your car, office, or gym bag opens up extra opportunities. On that note, keep a spare pair of socks and running gear stashed as well. 

Unexpected 30-minute window? Boom. Run it out.

10. Don’t Wait for Motivation—Rely on Habits
Motivation is fickle. Habits are reliable. Which means now is the time to make them. 
Small, consistent actions built over time become your default mode. And when you’re learning to manage your time more intentionally, those habits start to stack in your favor.

Why All This Matters Right Now…

Because New Year’s resolutions don’t start in January—they start in December. And, on a side note as I said before, this is the time to opt for gifts that align with your goals. A pair of running shoes is way better than a new puppy! And a new calendar is way better than a fruit cake! Let your loved ones know what you'd like to see under that tree and it will save you time and money. 

And here you have it friends. Great runners aren’t the ones who have more free time—they’re the ones who use their time intentionally and plan out their time wisely. They're the ones who have made running and working out a natural part of their lives and are reaping the benefits of it. 

So the next time you hear yourself saying, “I don’t have time to run,” remind yourself that you don’t need more hours in the day—you just need a plan. Happy Running!