Tips needed for early morning running

[TapStepBallChange]

With DD back at school, it's really hard to get our for a run in the evenings, realistically I should start running first thing in the morning before work. Has anyone got any tips? I don't like running with anything in my stomach and normally make sure I've not eaten for a couple of hours before hand, which should be fine, but how do I make sure I've got enough inside me to do the run (I want to do about 5k/ 30 minutes)? And any tips for dragging yourself out of bed on dark mornings?

[familygermsareok]

Hi Tap, I find running first thing much easier than trying to fit it in later. I don't find I need to eat or drink anything at all and prefer running on empty up to about 9 miles, although I need something before a longer run. Try it a short distance first and see how you get on.
I get up about 20 mins before I go to give myself a chance to loosen up a bit (and get my GI system working ). Some people find it easier to just get up and go immediately though.
I lay out everything the night before so I'm not fumbling around in the morning. In the winter I use a head torch.
Hardest bit is getting out of bed, but I just force myself out as I know I will feel fantastic and energised for the rest of the day. Once the habit is there it becomes much easier.
Also have to force myself to go to bed by about 10:30 if I'm running early the next morning.

[YetAnotherUserName]

I've often run 5K on an empty stomach, usually just have a drink of water or a cup of tea at most before I head out. I suppose you can only try it to see if your body can cope, just head home if you start feeling off.

[ThatsNotMyHouseItIsTooClean]

My top tip is to go to sleep in your sports bra!
I just get up & go. Clothes laid out so put those on, go for a wee, give my teeth a quick brush (not a proper brush but just so I don't have morning mouth), grab my phone & I'm gone.

[TapStepBallChange]

Thanks for the tip, will just have to make myself get up and do it. Having a rubbish few days and really miss getting out for a run

[MajesticWhine]

I think putting the clothes out is a good idea. I never run in the morning, due to imagining that I can't run on empty, but I'm going to try it.

[suzannefollowmyvan]

generally speaking running on empty teaches your body to run on empty, it up-regulates your ability to store glycogen and also to burn fat.

Perhaps start out with fairly short runs and gradually lengthen as you feel more confident that you can do it and your body adapts?

[Plateofcrumbs]

I've also been known to sleep in my running kit, then you're commited! Feel like a right failure if you have to take the kit off without going for a run.

[ShooBeeDooBeeDoo]

I put my stuff out the night before so I'm not scrabbling around for the right bra etc.

I get up, get dressed, brush my teeth and head out.

I might have a few sips of water before I go but nothing more than that because I can't bear anything slopping around in my stomach.

Give it a go - you'll love it!

[suzannefollowmyvan]

I've also been known to sleep in my running kit
great if it works for you and it seems to be a popular strategy....I've seen it suggested many times :o

I could never do it though...too uncomfortable!

[MrsMook]

I sleep in my kit too. I'm a terrible faffer so it's the only way to get awake and out quickly.

I use the C25k+ podcasts so that I have a fixed time limit and don't overrun.

[Mcnorton]

Is it just me who is too stiff to run in the mornings? I can't run in the mornings most days for childcare reasons so tend to run about 8pm and that's fine but takes up most of the evening then. On the odd occasion when I've got out in the morning I've barely been able to move. I'd like to shift to morning running (when my son is old enough to be left in the house alone) but dread the aches and pains.

[TapStepBallChange]

Not sure if I can sleep in my running kit, but I'm wondering if I get up put running kit on, drive to work and run there, as it will be a nicer run near work (historic city centre rather than badly lit rural roads) and I wouldn't want to turn up to work in my running kit and then not run. My ideal time for running is straight after work, but I can't do that anymore for childcare reasons

[familygermsareok]

Mcnorton I am stiff and slow to get going in the morning too. I get up about 20 mins before I go out and potter around a bit and do some loosening up exercises, circular movements of ankles, knees, hips, shoulders , not stretches! It is a bit of a pain, I would love to just get up and go, but it makes for a better run. Often the only time I can run is before work so I'd rather get up even earlier than not go at all.

Tap try it and see what suits you best. Badly lit rural roads are fine with a head torch though, I like them (it is very quiet here, very little traffic, which helps)

[Kate1l1]

I also find it easier to go running in the morning. Everything I need to do which is just for me and I don't want to postpone it, I do it in the morning. But I need to go to sleep early the day before. Which is hard, because evenings are for talking, chilling out, etc. I feel like I am cutting on the fun. But I try to do it, because running is wonderful. I don't eat anything before, I leave about 15mins after I have got up.
Tips:
go to bed early, so you are refreshed and don't need and alarm in the morning
prepare your running clothes the day before
that's pretty much it. Just do it:)

[TapStepBallChange]

Thanks for all the advice, I've started my early morning runs and it's going really well. I've done some lovely runs, helps that the weather has been good. I've been getting up, changed into running clothes, driving to work and then going for a run there, which seems to be working well. Going to try and do it at least 3 mornings a week and then do a longer run at the weekend. Now I need to go and start researching what you do when you've finished c25k, I need to start getting faster.

[reallyneedmoresleep]

Oh you've all inspired me! Going to try this this week!

[BikeRunSki]

In winter sleep in your socks - preferably merino wool - and get up a dressed with your shoes on before your feet go cold. Keeps your feet toasty.

[Suzietwo]

I am amazed that people sleep in their running kits! Mental!

[AppleSnapple]

I love running first thing, and never eat before hand (but I'm fairly slow and only so 6-8k or so)
As someone else said, it's hard to get up but you know if you do you'll feel marvellous (and smug) for the day. I always leave my stuff out- increasing pile of stuff now including head torch and red light for my back... Pitch black round here and feel like I will get mowed over otherwise! I also have to be up and about 10-15 mins before going to perform my ablutions