1. It Builds Stamina
Running in the morning is tough. Your body is tired, and your mind–well, yeah, it’s tired too. But running in the morning regularly also means you’ll be better prepared for those evening runs, or a morning race.
At the very least, running in the morning makes me feel stronger. And that counts too, doesn’t it?
2. It’s Out of the Way
Run first thing in the morning and you don’t have to battle the “Well, I was going to do it but then I ate that large pizza and then I was just so busy.”
I can’t count the times I told myself I was going to work out and then didn’t because I just “didn’t get around to it.”
3. Schedule
Running in the morning fits into my schedule. I can wake up as early (or as late!) as the day permits. You can’t beat that!
4. Energy for the Rest of the Day
When I run first thing, I don’t feel the need to drink 10 cups of coffee to stay awake. I feel stronger throughout the day. My concentration is spot on. It works for me.
5. You Can Pig Out On Breakfast?
Okay, so maybe this is just what I tell myself after the third pancake.
15 comments ↓
Beth,
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier.
I’m with you on this 100%. I used to consider myself an afternoon or evening runner - I felt more awake, faster, and loved being out doors at sunset (still do). However, I think one of the reasons I largely stopped running in 2006-2007 was my schedule. I work full-time in the day, and have family commitments in the evening and weekends that make it tough to get out there and get my running in. Getting up early (5 am - ugh) twice a week to run ensures that I get it done. I do mostly maintenance running on these days. I like being on the roads when they’re quiet, and the Florida sun is not yet making me squint or overheat. I find it boosts my energy level all morning long, and I do not need a caffeine boost to wake me up. I’m sure it’s been good for my metabolism. I also do my weekend long runs in the morning, before the family is up and doing things. One more thing factor - races tend to be in the morning, and if you’re used to getting up and running, it’s not a big deal. I expect to be out there tomorrow morning, before sunrise.
I used to be a morning runner but now I’m more of a midmorning runner or midafternoon runner.
I’m starting to think about getting up early and running. At the moment I get up early and go blogging instead of jogging!
Jeff,
Thanks for the insightful comment. Sometimes life gets so hectic it’s hard to find the time to run, but getting up at 5 am is a good way to do it. I also enjoy the peaceful nature of morning runs, which is something I didn’t think to add to the list, so thanks for the reminder!
Andrew,
My schedule now is jogging then blogging, but blogging then jogging works too.
(Couldn’t resist the rhyming…)
Hi! (I found you off of completerunning.com… if you’re wondering.)
I love running in the morning for all of the same reasons. Except for maybe #4. I’ve been rather tired recently for the rest of the day, but hopefully I’ll get over it.
Keep it up!
Hi, Allison. Thanks for stopping by! It’s funny you mention #4. I went for a run this morning and have felt incredibly tired since. It’s weird, but hopefully tomorrow will be better.
i’m with you! i often am on the trails by 5am so i can finish up before work. on the weekends, it’s usually sometime between 3-4am that the alarm goes off so i can drive to someplace neeto for a long run. no coffee necessary and unless i kill myself during a run, i feel alive the rest of the day.
I know that I need to start running in the a.m. I really want to get in shape. I am looking for inspiration. I will set my alarm once again for 5 a.m. Wish me Luck
Good luck Caprice! I know it’s tough at first, but you wont regret it. I know I don’t.
I’m with you all the way — and for almost the exact same reasons, especially #3. If I don’t roll out of bed @ 4:30 to log those miles, I’m either not going to do it, or have steal time from my family to get it done.
Im definitely more consistant when I run in the morning. I can find a million reasons to put it off if I leave it for later in the day. Plus, running before work means less strollers and dog walkers on the bike path that I run along =)
I am wondering how long you usually run for?
like 5am to what
or 7am to what?
You’re not the only one. I love running in the morning but will whine and complain and feel terrible if I have to run while the sun’s out high (and steadily cooking my brain) — in the summer that encompasses most of the day and the evening.
i’m not much of an endurance athlete but i also enjoy a good morning run for a few miles. if you run before you eat it will help avoid type 2 diabetes as well.
Hey, new readers! I hadn’t noticed the new comments on this entry, but thanks for stopping by. Ree, if you happen to visit again, I’ve answered your question in my newest entry. I usually run for about 30 minutes, sometimes more sometimes less. It all depends.
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