Let’s talk about waking up early to work out.
We’ve all heard the arguments for waking up early to work out. You’re still asleep before you realize that you’re working out, you have fewer distractions like phone calls, emails, etc. and nothing gets in the way – a meeting or a work project or whatever.
Listen, it’s not easy. When I first started running, I had just made a BOAT load of changes in my life and I was psyched to jump out of bed at 5AM, grab my running clothes and run out the door, rain, shine, snow, whatever.
And then life gets big. And you get married. And have a kid. And running takes a backseat for a while. And then just when you think you’re getting back at it, you get injured. And then you DNF a marathon and shiz gets real.
So, I needed to make a decision; did I want to make running a priority in my life or not? I decided I did. And in order to do that, I needed to start dragging my tush out of bed at 5.
And I need a constant reminder.
My alarm goes off every day at 5AM. And it’s dark out.
And every morning I think up no less than four excuses as to why I should stay in bed. Most of these excuses revolve around the need for more sleep, how poorly I’m convinced I slept the night prior or any other lame excuses I can come up with.
After the ritual of excuses, I move on to the “Do I want to DNF or do I want to feel good during the race” phase.
And if that’s not enough, I just remind myself how hot it’s going to get later in the day – knowing that I’m going to have to do the workout anyway.
And then, I drag myself out of bed, throw on a running shirt and shorts, grab my headphones and hit the road.
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My Current Running Gear
- Fenix 6X Pro Solar
- AfterShokz Aeropex
- Daily Run: ASICS Gel Nimbus 22
- Long Run: Brooks Ghost 12
- Trex Air
- Follow me on Strava
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It’s hard and I’m impressed you’ve made the adjustment. It also helps that you’re on the east coast. Being out west and working remotely, even if force myself up early, the world is moving. I’ve got emails and messages waiting before I’ve even pulled on sweatpants to walk the dog. So I’ve given up trying to run early and instead take advantage of the time after 3pm when things die down. For a good chunk of the year that means embracing the treadmill, but I’ve found that saving podcasts and guilty pleasure Netflix shows for that time helps.