I have always considered myself athletic. But this week I faced a workout that seemed to challenge that assumption. I went out for a relatively short three mile run and my legs felt like bricks and my lungs couldn't take in enough oxygen. With every stride I kept asking, "What's wrong with me?"

As a kid, I grew up running distance races and then turned my attention to road cycling during my high school and college years. After a couple of seasons competing on the professional level in the sport of road cycling, I directed my attention once again to distance running. I am usually comfortable on the trail for an hour or two, but not this time. "What's wrong with me?"

Reflecting on that painful workout, I realized the problem was not with me, but rather with my routine. It was an unusually hot and humid day in Southern California. I hadn't been for a run in a couple of days. I was up late the night before and had been slow to start my day. I didn't eat enough for breakfast and didn't hydrate sufficiently before my workout. All were relatively minor infractions, but compounded to make the time on the trail miserable.

We are creatures of habit, impacted significantly by our routines. So I changed course. That evening I went to bed at a reasonable hour and was up at my usual time the following morning. I had a good breakfast and spent the morning hydrating. It was again an unusually hot and humid day in Southern California, but this time I enjoyed a five mile run comfortably.

In the world of business, we are under significant pressure to react and respond to the needs of the moment. We set goals and define routines to achieve success. But often without thought or consideration, we allow those routines to slip a little in this area and a little in that area. Seemingly minor infractions, right? But compound each diversion from the right routine and by the end of each day, we find ourselves struggling to complete a fraction of what we set out to accomplish.

Before you rush to the starting line and react to the words, "On your mark, get set, go!" be purposeful to set your goals and define a routine that will produce a successful outcome. Five miles really can be easier than three if you are intentional in your preparation. Equip yourself with a clear roadmap and a commitment to follow the right routine, you'll be in for a rewarding workout or workday.