We've all heard of the five second rule. You drop some scrumptious treat on the floor and you have five seconds to pick it up so it will still be "safe" to eat.

When it comes to running in the morning, I use something I like to call the five minute rule.

When my alarm goes off, I hit the snooze button once, and then get up when the alarm goes off five minutes later.

So why five minutes? And what do I do with that time?

True sometimes I shut my eyes and doze off for another minute or two, but usually I'm awake during those five minutes and use them to mentally prepare myself for the run.

This doesn't mean I use the time to debate whether or not to go on the run. That's definitely not the question. The assumption is I will be running.

I use the five minutes to visualize the route and think about the goal of the work out. If it's a speed session, I picture myself covering ground quickly. If it's an easy run, I think about leisurely enjoying the morning.

I think about how great the run will make me feel and how accomplished I will feel by 6 a.m. when I finish.

Waking up five minutes earlier than normal certainly isn't going to deprive me of any sleep, and I've found spending just five minutes concentrating on and visualizing a successful run really puts me in the right frame of mind to kick butt with my training.

How do you get yourself in the right frame of mind to work out?

If you don't think too much about it, I definitely recommend giving the five minute rule a shot.