The Real Reason I’m Not a Morning Runner
| July 19, 2011 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
Thank you all for your nice comments on my last post. I’m glad so many of you can relate. The funny part about all this is that when I created that poll last week, I was sort of surprised that the majority of people said they’d rather PR and come in last than win and get a PW. I was going to tell you that my feeling was the opposite. That I’m competitive, so would rather win. But, while I didn’t actually win the overall race or run a personal worst, Saturday’s age group win sort of made me re-think all that. Anyway, moving on…
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Morning runners (n): A motivated, overly perky group of individuals who enjoy getting up before the sun to log in miles when the rest of the world is sleeping. Individuals who defy norms about being tired and sluggish when first waking up and instead can’t wait to work up a sweat upon rising. i.e. not me.
I have confessed to you before that I am not a morning runner. Not only do I have a hard time motivating myself to run first thing in the morning, but I also don’t enjoy it as much (or so I tell myself). I actually love coming home from a long day of sitting on my butt and going outside for a run. It breaks up the day, wakes me up a little bit, and just makes me feel better all around because I’m finally moving.
The problem is, afternoon summers are hot. And this year, it seems like the temperatures are higher than ever. Which means my afternoon runs have shifted from something I love to something that I’m just trying to survive. In case you haven’t experienced this for yourself, running through a world that has been baking in 80/90 degree sun all day isn’t really all that much fun.
Any rational person would have switched to running in the morning right now. But I have not. Why? Well – depending on the day, I have a million and one different excuses:
- I go to work too early (truth: I could switch my schedule)
- I run faster in the afternoon (truth: not since the temperatures rose above 80 degrees)
- EC’s coaching schedule often means that if I want to hang out with him at night, it has to be after 9…which then makes me go to bed too late (truth: well, that is the truth, but he doesn’t coach every night, and something tells me that going a couple of days without seeing him probably wouldn’t kill me. (Sorry EC!))
- Etc, etc, etc
But the real reason I don’t get rid of all those excuses and just get up and run in the morning? It’s simple -
I’m stubborn.
Just like someone else I know…
Those who know me well won’t be surprised. It’s probably the trait that drives my family the most nuts (the one and only vice I have, of course). Because I can be stubborn to a fault. And yes – sometimes this stubbornness works in my favor. It’s that same stubbornness that helps me keep pushing through a marathon when I want to quit, that helps me stick to a fast pace during a race, even when I’m not really trained to do so, and that has kept me running all these years, through many life changes. Unfortunately, sometimes (in running and in life) that stubbornness can get in my way.
In this case, I realize that being stubborn about my running schedule is silly…okay, downright stupid. There’s no good reason to cling onto these afternoon slogs through the heat, or to keep my work schedule the way it is, preventing morning runs. And there’s no reason to continue stubbornly insisting: “I’m not a morning runner!” I talk a lot about having the right mental attitude to overcome things in running – and this situation is no different.
So I’m determined to change. By putting it on the blog, I’m not only admitting to you all how ridiculous I am (so that you’ll mock me into changing my ways), I’m also making sure it actually happens. Because just like declaring your relationship status on Facebook, it’s not actually official until you put it online. 
But I’m also writing because I need your help.
I’m calling all morning runners!
What helps you get up and get going first thing in the morning? I know I should do things like lay my clothes out the night before and go to bed early enough that I don’t feel like death when I get up early. But I want to know – what really wakes you up?
Do you drink coffee before you run or are endorphins enough for you?
Do you actually love running in the morning as much as you all say you do (I’m suspicious…)?
And finally – what keeps you waking up and getting out there, morning after morning? What motivates you to run so early (besides the heat)?
My goal is to arm myself with a few new tips and tricks, and get my stubborn-self out there tomorrow morning. I’ll let you know how it goes…
I’m still getting on the whole “morning run” bandwagon – I still feel sluggish and tired when I start out, but usually much better by the end of the run. Making running dates with people is the only thing that works for me – otherwise I just won’t get out of bed!
No can help you here, but I really feel your pain. I CANNOT for the life of me be a morning runner. I’m not a morning person I’m grouchy, lethargic, and I need my coffee before anything else. Plus, it would put me getting up long before the sun came up and running in the dark. I’ve asked for advice on this a few times and people say to sleep in your running clothes and to leave your ipod on the nightstand and put it on as soon as the alarm goes off.
I’m only a morning running fan on weekends, when I can eat a full breakfast first. On weekdays, the coffee + banana combo doesn’t cut it and it takes me miles to “wake up”. Of course morning runs are my only option in the summer, so I have to deal with it.
I always let myself sleep in on Fridays and honestly that’s what gets me through the week. I count down the days until I can sleep in. So pathetic.
Not pathetic – necessary!! I can pretty much guarantee that’s how I will be too.
Haha oh gosh, how do I respond? I adore morning running. Love love love starting my day out with some sweaty miles. Honestly, I don’t have any little tricks or gimmicks to get me out the door. Of course it helps to make running dates (a la Megan above) but I really just schedule the run into my day. I know that if I sleep through my alarm, I won’t run later.
And, sadly (I know this isn’t what you want to hear), I kind of do just love running that much.
This comment was probably not helpful at all. So how about you come to NYC for a while, we’ll make some running dates, and we’ll get you out there in the morning? Yes?
Haha, well I have to say – this is pretty much what I expected from you! Though deep down I sort of wished you had some secret that made morning running so exciting for you that you could pass along. I guess you’re right – the only solution is to come to NYC and join you on some early morning runs through Central Park!
You, stubborn? Your dog, stubborn? Nooooo. You must be talking about someone else?!? Haha. I mean LOLz.
I’m interested in reading the comments. I used to be a morning person and go to bed before 9. But now its still light out at 9 so I stay up too late and cannot get up in the AM. I think the truth is people who can always get up in the AM don’t require a lot of sleep. I always need my 8 hours at least!
I think EC snuck in the line about me being stubborn when I wasn’t looking. Because you’re right…I’m most certainly not!
1. I prepare EVERYTHING the night before…I lay out all my running gear and I ALSO get everything ready for work – I pack my lunch and get my biking gear ready for my bike commute…basically anything I need to do before work that I can do before going to bed.
2. I am out the door within 5 minutes of my alarm going off. I get up, go pee and get a drink, get dressed and I’m out the door and a few miles away before I’m awake enough to know what’s going on.
3. Generally my schedule is such that if I DON’T run before work I won’t have time at all, and that’s motiviation.
4. Summer=heat=death=run in the morning=less death
5. I have a couple people I run with every week or so…getting up at 5am is easier if I know someone else is depending on me
6. There is something so magical, intense and beautiful about watching the sunrise. Especially in the winter, the way everything is such a deep blue, dotted with sparkling snow beneath the street lights and starlight, watching the blue start to glow as it turns to soft green, burning orange and deep crimson as the world slowly wakes up. Everything looks different under the cover of darkness, and everything looks different coming to life to the rhythm of my footsteps. It truly is mysteriously glorious.
I love #6!! And the times when I have gotten myself out the door to run in the morning, I have noticed the beauty and loved it. I need to do a better job remembering this next time I’m struggling for motivation.
1. Preparation is key! I lay out all my clothes and have everything ready to go to hit the treadmill or if it’s the weekend and I can do an outdoor run I have all that set up as well.
2. I dont drink coffee. I have a large water before but the night before I have tea and that helps out umm the morning stuff so I can get on the treadmill without issue or on the road without issue.
3. It’s nice and quiet on the roads when I run and it’s nice because during the day you don’t get to see so many things because you are so busy.
4. I have kids so if I don’t get up early to run I don’t get it done. At the end of the day I am beat tired so running at night or afternoon doesn’t work for me.
5. This is what my alarms look like on my phone http://www.babyweightmyfatass.com/2011/06/peek-at-my-week.html
haha love it! And I cannot believe you get up before 4:30 on a regular basis to run! You are my hero.
I think there are lots of pluses to running in the morning.
1. You get it done and out of the way first thing. I don’t have to think about running all day and reminding myself that I need to get it done.
2. I shower in the morning so running before showering means I only need to shower once and I’m not spending my morning in my PJs.
3. I feel better after I run and it wakes me up. (I’m one of those weird people that doesn’t drink coffee) I wish I could remember this feeling before I run b/c it would be so much easier to get running.
This doesn’t mean it isn’t hard for me to do morning runs as this morning was not an easy one to get myself out of bed to do. I also have to say that I can’t do this year round as during the school year I have to get up to get the kids on the bus and there is no time for running in the morning so I run during lunch instead. During the summer though I get up in the mornings and run and I do prefer it.
I used to be a morning runner and I would actually enjoy it. Got up at 6:30 regularly to run on the treadmill. I don’t know how I did it. My roommate must have thought I was crazy. This year I got into the habit of running in the afternoon, which I thought I’d hate but now I’m used to it.
best way I can describe:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Activation_energy.svg
seriously though it’s just like this and for me just like when I started running. The first few times SUCK (high activation energy), and you will be discouraged, but if you just keep doing it, after a while it’s not so bad (I chose endothermic reaction here because let’s be real, it’s never gonna be as fun as afternoon running)
aaaand even though this is pretty nerdy already- if you are looking for your own morning-running enzyme (to reap the benefits of the whole enzyme-lowers-activation-energy-thing) you also gotta remember that (most)enzymes are pretty specific. so it might take you a while to figure out what’s optimal for you. But you end up with the same products catalyzed or not, so no matter how sucky it seems, you can at least feel good you got your run in!
I never was very good at chemistry…
But this is a great visualization/explanation. I’ve heard lots of people say that I just need to give it some time and as I get used to it, getting out of bed to run in the morning gets much easier. And I love your conclusion – I need to remember that at the very least, the run gets done!
i actually feel very much the same way that you do. i do not necessarily enjoy running in the morning at all. but lately, it’s my only choice. i have to admit…since i’m without a job right now, it is crazy hard to be motivated to go to bed early, wake up early and get my run done before the heat takes over outside. i support your struggle. for me, the only surefire way that i’ve EVER found to get me up and running consistently in the mornings is to find a running partner. that’s the magic bullet. at least for me.
I’m also stubborn (though my parents prefer to use the terms “rigid” and “set in my ways” to acknowledge this). The things that help me the most are avoiding computer use before leaving (unless I have a legitimate weather concern that warrants checking it), and getting up and dressed and out the door before I have time to second guess myself. If I’m using an alarm, this means getting out of bed the first time it goes off (before I’m even entirely awake) and putting on my running stuff. Getting shoes on ASAP is especially helpful because I’m less likely to lay around with shoes on. I always tell myself I’m going to lay my clothes out the night before, but that never actually happens. Bribing also works…my favorite is telling myself I can get coffee or a bagel/pastry on my way home (or way to work) if I get up and run. If I still lived in RI, Seven Stars Bakery, Bagel Gourmet, and Coffee Exchange would be my incentives of choice.
Yes! Those are all awesome incentives. Especially a loaf of bread from Seven Stars. Their bread = heaven.
Now it’s out there online and you can’t retract it, Lauren! Just kidding
The funny thing is, I used to be a gung-ho morning running: out at 5 am, back and showered and fed before Peter woke up. And I loved it. Then I went through sleeping troubles, running fell by the wayside, and I haven’t picked up morning running in a while. When I DID run in the mornings, I loved how quiet it was outside, how cool the air was, and how accomplished I felt when I finished my workout and started on my day before 7am. Perhaps if I keep all these things in mind, it may motivate me to start up again?
I know what you mean by stubbornness, though – sometimes I feel like I just want to stick to the schedule I have. I know you can do it, though! You can do anything you set your mind to, Lauren! Just think: cooler air!
I am a morning runner! My problem is: if I don’t run in the morning, the odds of me running at all that day are very slim. I love coming home after work and just being able to cook with my husband and have a glass of wine. Plus I hate showering twice in one day.
I always lay out my clothes the night before. Also, it helps that when I wake up from my alarm, I’m usually hungry. So I’ll get up so I can have a 1/2 energy bar, and since I’m already out of bed, I might as well go running.
PLUS its been SO hot (like you said) that I would probably have to wait till 8PM to go running, which would never ever happen.
Good luck!!
I only love running in the morning when I can get to bed early. So I don’t know if that even counts! The best part is getting it over with for the day and being able to squeeze in an extra lunchtime workout if I have a slow work day.
I can’t imagine running g at night, biking is fine but running in New England at night in July…no thaks
I get up between 430 and 5am M-F, I either go to the gym in the wintery months or we swim or run I. The summer. I go to bed very early, like 830 is “late”. I have always been an early riser
For the first 8 years I ran, I was always an afternoon/evening runner because that’s when practice time was. I’d never be able to run in the morning, and if I tried, it was a disaster! It wasn’t until I started working a full time desk job with unpredictable hours that I started running in the morning. I think it took me a full 6 weeks to adjust, but now I actually love it. It definitely takes a bit getting used to.
I love having my evenings free for plans with friends, errands, relaxing, etc. or working late. I am also usually pretty tired during the day no matter what, and tend to feel more awake on the mornings I ran than those I slept in. Weird.
My biggest tip: SLEEP in your running clothes! That way, you don’t even have to change in the morning. Big time saver for me, even if it’s a bit weird. Just get up, drink some water, go to the bathroom and get out the door. You’re out and on your way before you notice.
That’s the same way it was for me! I have tried to make the switch to the morning before, but it always feels more natural to go in the afternoon because that’s how I learned through XC/track practice. 6 weeks is a long time to get used to something, but I realize I need to be patient and it’ll get better (hopefully)!
Definitely making plans to run with a friend helps–its much easier to bail on yourself, but when your alarm goes off and you know someone is waiting on you a few blocks away, its hard not to go meet them!
Also, its all mental, but I LOVE sitting in my flourescent and mind numbing cube at 9 a.m. knowing that I’ve already tackled XX miles, and the day is still so young!
That’s a good point! I need to do something to wake me up before I go sit in that mind-numbing cube. Coffee doesn’t always cut it. And I think I need to find some local running buddies who would be willing to get up early with me and keep me accountable.
I am CRAZY stubborn
It’s one of those oldest children traits, I think!
I HATE HATE HATE waking up early to run. BUT I love my morning runs. I’m such a contradiction. Like today – I was DREADING my 5 miles, I even tried to talk myself out of it about 15 times. I mean, I was fully dressed and was 2 seconds away from just climbing back into bed. As soon as I started running though, it just all comes together and I never regret it.
I do drink a cup of coffee before I go – and it takes me about a half hour to convince myself that I want to run (except for long runs – but I’m usually driving 30 minutes to meet my group).
It’s comforting to know that morning running doesn’t come naturally to everyone. And though I sort of hate the feeling of forcing myself to do it, if I was honest with myself I’d realize that I have to force myself most afternoons these days. So it’s no different…
#1) Put good music on your ipod – it’s something to look forward to. #2) Just get up and go! I love running in the am, because if I don’t it hangs over my head all day. ENJOY!!
i am totally a morning runner. it gets me ready for the day and i kind of get it out of the way, i know that sounds bad but it is kind of true eek. i eat before i run it depends how i feel for how much but i really suggest it it makes a difference. not a ton but something. yes on all those prep things very important to a successful run which you clearly realize. have someone to go with because it makes you accountable!
I am NOT a morning person or a morning runner, but I do usually run in the mornings, only because I can’t trust myself to get it done in the afternoon. I usually am so tired by the end of the day that the last thing I want to do is go out and run…and once I’m home and my butt is on the couch, the chances of me getting out the door again go WAY down.
Even though I am not a morning person, I do love the feeling of accomplishment in knowing I already got my workout for the day in as I head to work. I also do love the feeling of running in the cool, quiet mornings (just maybe not in the dead of winter, but otherwise this is true:).
I don’t really have a lot of tricks, though. Except going to bed at a reasonable time really does help. Sometimes I will sleep in a pair of comfy running shorts and a sportsbra, so that I just have to roll out of bed, put on a shirt and shoes, and head out the door. My work also has a program where you can use three hours (out of your 20 work hours) a week to work out. There are a ton of great running trails by my work, so sometimes I’ll pack my work clothes/shower stuff the night before, and head to work early (which is a huge motivator because I can beat some traffic), and work out before work, and shower and get ready there. The key there is DEFINITELY packing the night before, otherwise I end up running late and a 6 mile run turns into a 2 mile run:/. I love that work program, though, because even if I don’t feel like running that day (I always feel great once I get out, but getting out the door can sometimes be tough), it’s always way better than going to work for that hour, so I am way more likely to get a workout in, haha:).
Anyway, sorry if none of that was very helpful…but I will at least try and hold you accountable, now that it’s official and on the internet and everything;) Good luck!
That is the coolest work program I’ve ever heard about! I wish my employer did something like that. I think it would be huge for improving health/productivity for employees.
Okay as if my novel of a comment wasn’t long enough…I also meant to say that you should tell yourself you’re going to stick to it for a couple weeks, at least, before going back to afternoon running. You probably will feel weird/sluggish trying to run in the mornings when you usually don’t, but your body WILL adjust, just give it some time!:)
I appreciate your novel of a comment! I’ve heard a lot of people say to give it time, so I wil {try} to commit to doing it for a couple weeks at least, and see if it gets any better. At the very least, it can’t be worse than struggling through the heat in the afternoon…
I think once you convert to being a morning runner, you will be surprised how much you love it! I’ve been a morning exerciser since college, and I can’t imagine anything else. Part of it is probably biological (I practically bound out of bed in the morning, but after 6pm any exercise feels SO forced and lethargic for me…) but if you really want to change your routine, you can.
I think the hardest part is actually physically getting out of bed. Once I do that and turn the light on and walk around, I know I’m “up” and not going to fall back asleep anyway, so running becomes the only option. If it’s a bad morning and I feel really tired, I just put on my shoes and blast the ipod and really don’t give myself a chance to think about it. I don’t have coffee before a I go – just some sips of water and a few bites of something (granola bar, cereal, cookie, anything carby works).
I know you can do it!!
I’m a morning runner by necessity; if I don’t get it done first thing, it’s not happening that day. I do a lot of the same things other people have suggested: try to get to bed at a reasonable hour, lay out everything I need the night before, and get up right away. “Just five more minutes” of rest always seems to turn into “Ack! Now I’m late for work!”
Before I leave, I have a Luna bar and a glass of water, then have breakfast pretty much as soon as I get back.
Good luck with changing up your schedule! You can do it!
The truth is I hate running in the morning. What works for me is finding a running partner who is equally crazy and will agree to meet you somewhere. When my alarm clock goes off at 5:15 am, I know that if I don’t get up and go, my running partner will be pretty annoyed with me. And whereas I am willing to blow off a workout for myself, I don’t want to let down a friend.
This is both encouraging and sad. Glad to know I’m not the only one – but would you run in the afternoon if you had a choice? My fear is that I’ll start to resent running if I run in the morning and hate it. Maybe that’s a silly fear and it could just be another excuse…
I really need to find myself an early morning running buddy. You’re right – it’s so much easier to cancel on yourself than blow off another person who is counting on you.
I love taking an afternoon break from work to run outside, but sometimes the days are too crazy and sometimes it’s just too hot. And I’ll take an early morning run over a treadmill run any day! The hardest part is getting up. Once that happens, the run isn’t so bad – definitely more peaceful! And then you have the rest of your day to not worry about when you’re going to squeeze in a workout!
I run in the morning or at lunch time because it helps me focus. If I do not start my morning off with a run, I am ADHD, the rest of the day. So, I am then sure to do one at lunch. For me it’s a way to focus.
I’m a morning run addict (I swear!). Running at night is just torturous for me. I love being the only one out there, watching the sunrise….it’s just so peaceful. Not to mention, you get one thing knocked off your to-do list by 8am. That’s pretty sweet!
Especially in the summer, running is the AM is essential.
I’m a morning person to begin with so I think that definitely makes it easier to get out of bed.
I swear I used to be a morning person. Not quite sure what happened or when it changed. Maybe if I force myself into a routine, I’ll become a morning person again (fingers crossed).
I have the problem of only running in the morning, unless I absolutely can’t run in the evening. This often leads to me snoozing several times and wondering..well I could fit in four miles before dinner and right after work. I’ll move my alarm to outside of arm’s reach from my bed. Once i’m up, i’m up!
Take advantage of the summer months when it’s light out when you wake up early! It only gets harder in the winter
I also am a terrible morning runner. I feel like I need to be fed and caffeinated before I’m fully functional to run. I want to become a morning runner, though, to just get it out of the way and to also run when its cooler out! So, let me know if any of these tips work for you!
First of all, your dog is unbelievably cute.
I don’t run in the morning, (because of an old running injury that I’ve been meaning to email you about…) but I do get up and exercise. For me, getting out of bed is the worst part. I always try to talk myself into sleep a little while longer. But, I tell my self (and it’s usually true) that the act of getting out of bed when I’m so tired is the worst part of my day. Every time, it gets me up! Then, I usually reward myself in some small way.
Good luck!
i love that perspective!!
And sorry about your running injury. Feel free to email me! You know I love talking about running all the time and maybe I can even offer some useful insight.
Running is my favorite thing to do, so why wouldn’t I start the day by doing it?! Seriously though, running (or any workout) gives me a jumpstart on my day.
haha, cheesy but I love it! I think I just need to change my attitude, because this is great! I need to keep repeating it to myself when I’m finding it hard to get out of bed.
I’m definitely not naturally a morning runner. I don’t wake up at 5 and think how great it is to be awake. All I want to do at that time is sleep forever. But with that said sometimes I have to make it happen. Usually I make plans in the evening so I have to get up and run and I just tell myself that if I don’t get up and do it I’ll have to drag myself to the gym and suck it up on the treadmill. (ok sometimes the treadmill wins for shorter runs)
Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t but it’s always nice to start the day with something you want to be doing.
I love morning running! I am one of those crazy weird morning persons though. What gets me out of bed is really just the promise of Central Park being quiet and full of runners, meeting running buddies and waking up through the miles. I feel weird if I don’t start my day with a run!
I hope you start to like it – I promise it gets easier to get out of bed!
I’m a morning runner!
It happened, because I am a triathlete and have to use the evening for bike rides, weights, and swims!
I have to lay my stuff out at night….so all I do is wake up, dress, and go…I even have my water next to my clothes.
I would say that I am NOT a morning person, but what I realized is that I have no problem getting up first thing and running….I run three times during the week at 5AM on Saturday AM with a group. Don’t get me wrong, of course I love sleeping, but there’s something about being out there when everyone else is in bed.
Not to mention, this South Mississippi heat is a bit MUCH LOL!!
Try it for a month…just give yourself one month, and I think you’ll fall in love with it. The world is a different place in the morning….
I am a morning person, so as cheesy/annoying as it sounds, I really just love being up & outside when it is quiet & the sun is coming up. I also can’t deal with the afternoon heat, & would rather not run than shower twice a day. Of course, if I could sleep in, run before the sun is out AND be ready on time I would, but that’s never going to happen… so here’s what helps me:
1. I get up RIGHT when my alarm goes off. No pressing snooze, no waiting 5 minutes… I find that the longer I’m IN BED when I’m awake, the more tired I am when I actually get up. Also, I like to give my alarms names (I use my iphone) like “coffee + 5 mile run with new playlist!” so they pump me up 1st thing. It’s incredibly dumb but it helps.
2. I set my coffee so it brews at 5. That way it’s going to be cold if I don’t get up & drink it. I also make it strong so I can get the maximum amount of caffeine in the smallest amount of liquid (quicker to drink).
good luck tomorrow!
Truth: I hate running in the morning. I only love the feeling I get when the run is done. Another truth: This summer I lost all motivation to wake up early, which has drastically changed my workout routines.
And you are stubborn…but it’s a very endearing stubbornness!
I’m on your side, Lauren! I can’t run in the morning, so I just don’t. Because of my current work schedule, I have to leave the house at 6:30 every day. I’m not a morning person, so there is now way I could run, shower and get ready before that. Plus, I hate to start my day feeling rushed.
Now that it’s too hot to run in the afternoon, I learned to love my lunch break runs! I’m usually looking forward to leaving my desk for an hour all morning, and it helps me to avoid my afternoon slumps.
Maybe you could try to do some lunch break workouts instead of those dreaded morning runs, too?
I’m a morning runner for practical reasons–it’s too hot to run later, and I usually don’t have time for it later in the day. However, I’ve found myself really liking it. It gives me energy for the day, gives me time to go over what I’m going to do for the day (like my lesson plans), and I don’t have any excuses not to run–if I’m awake at 5 in the morning, I might as well be running. Also, it feels really good to know that I’ve already done my workout for the day, and I don’t have it hanging over my head if something comes up. I don’t drink coffee most mornings, but I do have a handful of cereal and some water before I head out.
I read your description of a morning runner and I laughed because I am a morning runner, yet I am none of those things. I’m not perky and honestly, I’m not real happy to wake up in the morning.
I run in the morning because it’s the only time of day I can properly fuel without too much left over (or not enough) food in my system. It’s also the only time of day where I haven’t been worn down by the rest of the day! I run in the morning because if I don’t, I’ll make excuses to not due it at night. It’s also easier to go out after work and not feel bad that I’m skipping a run for it.
What keeps me getting up each morning is knowing that if I just get up and do it, I will feel good about it during the run and after. The night before I have to set my mind to the fact that I AM waking up early to run and don’t give myself the “maybe” option, that’s the only way I can do it. Also, don’t snooze your alarm no matter how tired you are. Remember that once you get going, you won’t feel as tired….and yes, coffee or caffeine of sorts helps
I actually do love running in the morning, but I have to admit it’s the getting out there that’s a problem for me. Once I’m out, I love it!
Hope that helps a bit! Just remember you don’t need to be a morning person to be a morning runner
I have three very small kids, so the early morning is the only time I have to run. Even if I didn’t, though, I’d probably run early – it is cool, peaceful, quiet, and there are very few better ways to start the day! My alarm rings between 4:30 or 5 (depending on the length of my run). If you want to become a “morning runner,” I think the key is just making doing it for a couple of weeks in a row with very few days off. Your body gets so used to it that you have a hard time sleeping past that time, no matter how tired you are. I usually start to wake up a few minutes before my alarm, even if I’ve been up at night with the kids.
But whether or not you decide to make it a habit, my #1 tip is to make a cup of tea at night and put it in the fridge – that way you can guzzle it as soon as you get up, without having to wait for anything to brew or cool. You get a little caffeine to get you going, and then you can dress, stretch and use the bathroom (again) before you head out the door.
Other tips:
Do everything the night before – lay out clothes, watch, ipod, hair ties, socks, etc., put key by the door and any water you’re taking, etc – you don’t want to have to think at all.
Give yourself extra time to just move before you stretch.
And put some uplifting but not too crazy songs at the start of your playlist (I don’t know about you, but I’d rather the first thing I hear be Coldplay or U2 and not Lady Gaga or Jay-Z). Or plan to just not put the earbuds in until you’re a couple of miles into it. The sounds of morning are uplifting and addicting.