It seems that every Monday evening when I change into my gym clothes at work, I’ve left something at home. Whether it’s my socks, a water bottle or, heaven forbid, deodorant, there’s always something I  forgot.

Last night I thought I had remembered everything. Then I realized I hadn’t packed an elastic band for my hair. But I dug through my gym bag and found one. Victory!

I finished up, putting on my right shoe and then reaching for my other, um, right shoe. Did I have my left shoe on my right foot? Nope. I had packed right shoes from two different pairs. Thwarted again. 

I walked out to the parking lot in my socks, having to explain my shoe situation to my co-worker Tom. “That wouldn’t do me any good, I have two left feet,” Tom said without missing a beat.

Fortunately, I keep a spare pair of old running shoes in the trunk of my car. Workout saved. 

I think the moral of the story is to keep extra shoes and gear in your car. But it may just be that I need to slow down and pay attention when I pack my gym bag.