Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Things I Tell Myself to Get Out the Door

In order to successfully move my runs to the 4am hour, I had to play mind games with myself. Now that I've gotten into the routine, it's not so bad. Once I'm up, it's easy, and morning runs leave me with a ton of energy throughout the day. I really believe I'm a better teacher on days I wake up early to run.
It amuses me that my long run alarm is set later than my weekday runs.
Still, I have to cajole myself to get out bed. Here are some things I remind myself that I love about morning runs as I'm shuffling around the bedroom like a zombie:

Feeling like I'm the only person in the world. I very rarely see another runner out that early, and if I do, I feel something like 10x more runner-solidarity than at any other time of day.

The bump it gives my runner reputation. I may not be the fastest, but no one can question my dedication.
One of my wake-up buddies, Montana, and I talked about this the other day. It got me thinking about the people who believe in me. I don't want to let them down!
I don't have to worry about what I look like. It's pitch black! Even if someone does see me, they won't be able to tell how gross I am, or if my run is little more than a hunched-over shuffle.

Cool weather. The temperature difference between 4am and evening is 20 degrees, so I love taking advantage of the cooler weather.
I guess "cool weather" is relative, but 77 feels amazing these days!
Minimal accessories! I don't need to worry about a hat or sunglasses; often I don't wear my headphones on a morning run. Everything just gets simplified.

I'll feel unstoppable the rest of the day because I started it with me-time. I spend all day "on stage", talking and interacting with others, being the most perfect version of myself that I can be. Having some alone time first thing in the morning to get my head right is invaluable.
And of course, I love feeling like a super badass because I woke up when the rest of the world was still sleeping!

How do you convince yourself to get going on a tough workout?
Have you noticed more autumnal weather this week?
What do you love about your chosen time-of-day to run/workout?

ABK

7 comments:

  1. I love running before bed. It gives me a chance to work through the day - and is especially wonderful after a long and stressful 12 hours at work. I'm lucky enough that I get off from work in the wee morning hours (and in the cooler hours!) so I don't have to worry about getting up early. I would definitely need LOTS of alarms and LOTS of cajoling out of bed so I admire your ability to start your day with a run. :)

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  2. I have tried to become a morning runner....I just love my bed too much I think. Plus....around here...I'm not sure how safe I'd feel that early running by myself...does that ever creep into your head?

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  3. It's so fun to be training at the same time as two of my friends- it's easier to get motivated when I know others are doing it too! I love morning runs but only get those on Saturdays and Sunday's currently. My evening runs give me time to unwind especially if it was a challenging day for me. And I feel like I sleep better on days I workout. Good job keeping up with training!

    Oh and yes, next week it's supposed to be in the 70s all week in the morning. Best thing ever.

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  4. Well now I feel bad complaining that 5:30am is early! You are EXTREMELY dedicated, Ali! You WANT THIS!

    I totally understand what you said about needing "me time". I freaking love me time. I love to be alone. And obviously as teachers we don't get that during the day!

    PA is having the opposite of autumn weather this week! We are having a heat wave! It is 90+ and kids are coming in from the playground showing signs of dehydration! My morning runs have been warmer than usual but nothing horrible.

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  5. My hat is off to you for a 4am wakeup call. That is hard core! We have had a heat wave here for the start of school. UGH.

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  6. Kudos to you! I could never get up that early to run :)

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  7. I want to run in the morning I really really do! Due to my schedule I can't and I have accepted that but on the weekends I am all over it!
    I feel more accomplished at the start of my day. While others are waking up I have already ran x amount of miles and started to get things done!

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