Morning Runners - How Do You Do This?

[VeryExpensive]

I would like to get into morning running as this is the time I can mostly commit to consistently. But I have never been a morning cardio person, I am slow to come round after sleep.

But it’s all excuses, I know. So, I just wanted to check if regular “before work” runners fall out of bed and set off with a hazy head and stiff limbs, and just power through discomfort? Or do you wake up buzzing to go?

I drag myself out... it's a painful experience and I argue with myself to go or not.. I always feel better after though.

But I have three small children and I haven't had a full night sleep in a decade.. so my experience probably doesn't count!! Ha

I def don't wake up buzzing to go! But a couple of things I do:

• sleep with the curtains open so the morning light wakes me up naturally, before the alarm (obvs doesn't work in winter!)

• when I wake, the first thing I do is drink a bottle of water; I keep a bottle by the bed so that it's literally the first thing I do.

• I don't give myself an option of, 'shall I run today'. I run every other day without fail so it's like a default to me, a non-negotiable.

For me it's the only time of day I can do it, so I've had to get myself into the habit otherwise it would never happen!

I force myself to go especially when it’s still dark in the morning, but once I’m out there I’m glad I went. If I don’t run in the morning the day kind of fills up with stuff I have to do and I don’t have time.

I have a running partner. I have to get up and do it.

I don’t do this any more, but I used to get up with alarm and get dressed before I had time to think. Don’t question it, just act. It feels shit, but you will be glad you did it once it’s out the way!

I drag myself out of bed. Get dressed and get out. I don’t really think about it or bargain out of it. Harder in winter for sure so as soon as my alarm goes off I do a little count down 5.4.3.2.1 then I get out of bed. No snoozing.
Some mornings I’m stiff and sore but it usually gets bettter as I get moving and I wake up quickly when I get going

I get my running kit out the night before & leave it by the bathroom door, trainers too. I get up, go for a wee, get my keys, earphones & go. I try not to think about it or I won't go. I'm always slower than if I go later in the day but I try to think about the miles rather than the pace. It's such a good feeling to know that's it's over & done with.

Let's hope I never need an ambulance as I've BAD morning breath & last nights knickers

When training for something and needing to run early I have in the past slept in my running kit, to avoid the awful winter experience of getting out a warm bed and getting first naked in the cold and then into cold kit and then the cold outdoors.

Just up, a drink, teeth brushed, then out.

Running kit by bed and no thinking allowed. But have to have a coffee before I can set off!

I am a seasoned runner and I literally hate early morning running. I am so used to training in the evenings. My muscles feel tight, I don’t have enough fuel and I always feel tired after running so not good just before work.
So don’t feel bad or lazy if this is not for you. I have done 47k this week and the only morning run was Saturday, at 9:45.

Oh, and also - you have to just expect that you'll be falling asleep on the sofa by 8.30 every night... or is that just me? 😂

I think you can make yourself a morning runner but it needs a hell of a lot of effort and commitment. I used to love it (before my knees got too dodgy) but my DH, who is a very keen runner and runs marathons etc, never does it unless it's forecast to be a very hot (30+) day. Even then, he still has to get up an hour earlier to build in time for faffing whereas I just got up, had a wee and went. The best routine for you is always going to be the one that's most sustainable.

Geniusly unhinged, I love it 👏🏻👏🏻

I meet my friend, so I can't bail out. Alarm set for 40 mins before we set off. Enough time to get up, clean teeth, get dressed and go (8 mins drive to the meeting place). Kit is all out and ready to go, to minimise faffing.

Thanks, all. Sounds like it’s a Just Do It attitude for most. You are inspiring!

OP, are you eating/drinking anything before you set off or just heading straight out? Although it sadly means even less sleep I find getting up 15 minutes earlier to have a cup of tea & a banana makes my early runs a bit easier.