Running first thing on a morning

[Happyinheels]

Hi,

I'm struggling to fit running in after work as I'm so exhausted. I'm thinking of getting up earlier on a morning and fitting my run in before work.
I've tried this a few times but my body just doesn't work as well! I'm really sluggish and feel like I'm running through treacle!
Has anyone got any tips to make it better? I literally get up and get out at about 6am. Does it get better? Does your body get used to it? Or should I maybe eat before I run?
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks 😊

[ichundich]

I hate exercise in the morning; it fills me with anxiety and I end up sleeping badly! Could you perhaps go for a run in your lunch break?

[Happyinheels]

Sadly not, my job doesn't allow for a lunch break. My body just doesn't want to work so early on a morning 🤣

[SendMeYourSpuds]

How many times have you tried to do this, OP? When would you get out of bed if not 6am run?

[fellrunner85]

I do it almost every day. Up at 5.30am, out at 6.15ish. I just have coffee before I go, unless I'm doing a really long weekend run of 18 miles or so and above, in which case I have a banana too.

Often I'm still half asleep when I set out, but wake up by mile three!

[Dozer]

I love morning runs, now, got easier over time. I listen to podcasts and sometimes buy nice coffee after, which is an incentive!

but 6am is v early. If getting up and out by then means less sleep, that won’t help.

If have time I have a cup of tea or coffee before running, if not just a glass of water.

[DinoHat]

Don’t eat and just get out the door with some decent music. Takes me longer to get into my stride but never regret going.

[actiongirl1978]

I run early any time between 4.30 and 8 depending on the demands of the children and dogs.

I live v rural so wear a head torch in the dark and I'm not bothered about coming home with soaking wet feet from splashing through mud and puddles.

I can't eat or drink before exercise but I do have to poo before I go generally.

[actiongirl1978]

Oh yes to headphones. Can't listen to myself breathing!

[TheVolturi]

I should do my run first thing, but like you I just can't. I really need a coffee and to wake up properly first, or I'm just not in the zone! I absolutely can't run in the evening.

[megletsecond]

I struggle with morning exercise too. I can drag myself round a half decent 5k at 8am but I'll never enjoy it or get a decent trot on. BUT it's better than nothing. I have to eat, drink and poo first.

You'll get into the habit and it'll make weekend runs easier.

[idontlikealdi]

I don't run but pre lockdown did a 6am HIIT class a few times a week, absolutely my favourite class of the week but I am more of a morning person. I don't eat before, I roll out of bed at ten to six, chuck some clothes on and get there for 6.

[MondayYogurt]

Love a morning run, but when I feel sluggish it's because I haven't had carbs the night before.

[Happyinheels]

I've only tried it a handful of times, and sporadically too!
I haven't ran for about 6 months and I'm
missing it.
I don't mind the dark or the wet so that's not a problem.
I've heard so many people say it's a great way to start the day. I guess if I persevere then maybe it will become a habit?!

I start work at 8 so realistically it would have to be about 6am.

[Guidebutton]

I do run first thing occasionally but I don't get a "good" run then, I use it for recovery runs or very short efforts. I have to do the quality sessions later.

It does make a big difference if you est something, even just a banana or a glass of orange juice.

[Ifailed]

I remember when I started cycling to work, the first few weeks were hard and I felt very sluggish. However, after that it became a lot easier, get up have a quick cuppa and then go out. I was leaving at about 5:30, getting there at 6 feeling great!

[SendMeYourSpuds]

Would be somewhat easier if you ran early much more regularly.
Sporadic is like worst of all worlds.
The point is being there not being energetic about it.

[massistar]

I like to eat, drink and poo before my runs too so struggle with early. I can manage 730/745 but I start work at 9. Love the weekend as 1030 seems to be the optimal time for me. If only I didn't have to work I swear I'd be super fit. Running in the evenings more enjoyable now that it's getting lighter though!

[Wildlynx]

Find a buddy? Mutual accountability helps me and great to have a morning chat before the day gets on top of you. Albeit that we run slower than we would without the chat!

[TheHoundsofLove]

I love running first thing, but need to have a coffee before I go. I never eat beforehand, even if doing up to half marathon distance, but do make sure I have a decent amount of carbs the night before. I agree with SendMeYourSpuds - you need to just decide that‘s your new routine and go until it becomes a habit. Doing it sporadically will always feel hard.

[Keratinsmooth]

I can’t exercise first thing, just don’t get such a good workout, so I don’t. Did a workout at 1030 yesterday.

Can you get a treadmill or join an online class?

[Awomanwalksintoabar]

Everyone’s different. I run early, after a cup of tea and a poo. If I’ve had anything at all to eat, I struggle.

[Glittertwins]

I'm usually up and out the door by 5am. Never eat, just have a quick drink of water, I've always been like that. Works for me and it's nice to get out when nobody else is.

[schmalex]

I get up at 5.45 and run fasted at 6am (earliest we're allowed out as we're under curfew in France!) On days I don't run I do strength training at 6am instead. I do find getting up at the same time every day helps, otherwise if you lie in some days it makes the earlier starts seem harder.
I put my clothes out the night before and have some good music on my pods. Then straight into a hot shower and breakfast afterwards.
I love it and find it sets me up for the day, but I am quite a morning person and would be up at 6.30 anyway.

[Boopear]

It really depends on what works for you. I don't run early as it basically wears out my body for the day and it is also really stressful trying to squash in the post run stretch and shower before the workday starts. Running after work (well, wfh!) is so much better as it is a great way of clearing my head of work stuff and I can stretch, shower and do whatever afterwards without worrying about time constraints. I tend to run in what use to be my commuting home time.

[Dentistlakes]

I run at 6am and don’t eat anything but I do drink a glass of water. I find it helps to properly warm up before I run, so I spend 5 minutes on that before I set off. Some days are easier than others, but generally it takes me a good 20 minutes before start to enjoy it. It’s much better than going later when it’s like a 3 ring circus where I live at the moment. Solitude is easier to come by at 6am!