Hey, have you ever tried turning your morning coffee into a little ritual that actually gives you a mental edge for a long run? I’ve been doing a quick five‑minute sip-and‑grateful‑step routine, and it feels like it smooths out the mental lag before the game starts. Want to hear the details?

First, pick a mug you love—something that feels like a warm hug in a cup. Pour your coffee, and before you even take a sip, pause and inhale deeply, like you’re smelling a fresh bouquet. Count to five as you let the steam rise; that’s your countdown to focus. Then, take that first sip slowly, savoring the taste, and as you swallow, do a quick body scan: feel your shoulders, your legs, your feet—just a quick “yes, I’m ready” check. Finally, set a small, fun goal for your run: maybe hit a new distance in the first five minutes or simply keep a steady pace for a minute. Keep the coffee warm by wrapping your hand around the mug for a second or two after you finish. Repeat this each morning, and you’ll notice your mind feels a bit less cluttered, ready to go. Feel free to tweak the steps—maybe add a quick stretch or a silly chant—anything that turns it into a ritual that feels uniquely yours.

Sounds like a plan—just imagine that 10‑count breath as your own little countdown to the finish line, and watch those seconds shrink. Let me know how it goes, and I’ll sprinkle in a few extra tweaks if you want to make it even sweeter. Happy sprinting!