Getting The Most Out Of Your Morning Run
Most of us have probably seen people out having an early morning run and wondered why in the world they would do that. The fact is that there are a ton of benefits that come from running early in the morning. It’s a great way to wake up and feel refreshed, plus there is a positivity about accomplishing something right at the start of the day, which is great for self-confidence. The toughest part of adding a morning run to your daily routine is finding the motivation to make it happen. Let’s be honest, it’s a whole lot easier to simply roll over and hit the snooze button, especially on days when it’s cool and gloomy outside. But, it can be done and we have some tips to help you get into a morning run frame of mind.
Getting Enough Sleep Is Important
Getting up in the morning doesn’t feel like such a chore when you have had enough sleep and don’t still feel tired and groggy. Life often gets in the way, making a regular sleep schedule difficult to maintain, but you can help yourself by committing to going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Ideally, that should mean getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep every single night. Once out of bed, it's helpful to drink a large glass of water to help shake away the last remnants of sleep before you embark on your morning run.
Preparation Is Key
Getting a good night’s sleep is just the first step. You should also think about planning ahead, which means laying out your exercise items before you go to bed. Seeing your running outfit sitting at the end of the bed when you wake up is a good reminder of the task at hand. It’s also a good idea to prep a bag containing your water bottle, phone charger, and other items that you might need on your run. This is especially true in the winter months, where stumbling around in the dark looking for your stuff becomes trickier. It can even become the excuse to "skip it for today."
Choose A Running Buddy
If motivation proves to be a problem, you might want to consider asking a friend to join you on your morning runs. Having someone tag along, even if it’s only once or twice a week, is a great way to stay motivated and be held accountable. It’s tougher to make an excuse when doing so feels like you are letting someone down. Besides the motivation and accountability factors, the reality is that it’s also more fun to run with a friend. You can get to know that person a little better when you stop for a drink of water and have a little chat.
Ease Into Your Morning Run
Have realistic expectations when you start running in the morning. There is no need to run a marathon on day one. Take time to understand your mental and physical limitations and take breaks as needed. Unreasonable goals are impossible to reach and will only make you want to quit when you fail to hit them. That said, you should still be trying to challenge yourself. Take time to learn your limitations and what you can reasonably accomplish, and then set attainable goals that you can achieve as your fitness levels improve over time. It’s okay to not hit every goal in the allotted time. Cut yourself some slack but do continue to push towards all your goals.
Stay Fueled and Cool
When the winter months hit, you need to be prepared. That means carrying extra fuel, such as a protein bar for the end of your run. A good supply of fresh water is also a must, so pack accordingly. While hot coffee may seem like a good choice, it is not the best for a run. You also need to pay attention to your clothing choices. You will want to stay warm, but not so warm that you are sweaty and uncomfortable. Consider dressing in layers. In the summer months, cooler clothing is better, but not items that will expose too much skin to sunlight.
The Morning Run As A Welcome Part Of Your Day
Following these few simple steps should make it easier to get out of bed and get started on that early run. Plan ahead to save time and to make things more enjoyable. It will become much easier when you start to see and feel the fitness benefits. You may be surprised when your morning run becomes the part of your day that you look forward to, and are disappointed when something causes you to miss it. Seriously.
RX Fitness Is Here To Help
RX Fitness Equipment in Thousand Oaks, Anaheim Hills, and Fountain Valley works with hundreds of nutritionists, trainers and personal coaches. If you would like to discuss your personal plan with a professional, we're happy to connect you with someone who can help. We offer the best equipment from the top manufacturers to fit every fitness goal and budget. Stop by today for expert advice and friendly help in finding the equipment that is perfect for you. And don't forget to check out Tim's best-selling book, Fitness Equipment – A Shopper's Guide, available at Amazon and other online book sellers as well as in our store.
