Early Morning Runs Before You Start Your Work Day

Ever heard people brag about their early morning runs? Maybe you want to be part of this exclusive club, but you’re not a morning person. Or perhaps you simply want to have more productive mornings and get a jumpstart to your day. Any of this sound familiar? 

If doing anything other than sitting on your couch with a large mug of coffee is asking too much of your early morning routine, then read on. The good news is that even if you aren’t a morning person, there are things you can do during the day that will help boost your morning run habit.

Here are 5 easy tips that will help you rise and run, and give you a super charge before you head into your work day.

1. Go to sleep early the night before.

The battle is won or lost right here. If you go to bed at 12 pm, you won’t want to wake up at 6 am to get in your run before you head to work. The National Sleep Foundation recommends between 7 to 9 hours for adults in the 26 to 65 years old category. And if you need time to calm your brain and your emotions before bed, begin turning off appliances at 9 pm. Keep all electronics outside of your bedroom, and snuggle up with a book instead of an iPad.

2. Place your workout clothes front and center.

Some people suggest sleeping in your workout clothes to make it easier to head out the door in the morning. But we’ll understand if you aren’t ready for that. There is comfort and hygiene to consider after all. However, having your workout clothes immediately visible when your eyes open in the morning will be one less obstacle for you to overcome. It will make your journey from your bed to the road outside one step shorter.  Before you go to bed the night before, place your workout clothes at the foot of your bed, or somewhere within arm’s reach.

3. Drink coffee and get a small bite to eat.

No need to skip coffee just because you’re going for a morning run. In fact, Runner’s World states that studies have shown drinking coffee improves performance. If you aren’t a coffee drinker, drink your preferred choice of early morning beverage. Chances are you’ll need that boost in the morning, as most people’s blood sugar levels are low when they first wake up. Eat a small portion of something. You don’t want to overload your digestive system. Half a banana, or one slice of toast will do. Eat just enough fuel to get you out the door. You can eat a proper breakfast when you return.

4. Start off easy.

Warm up your body, by taking those first 5 to 10 minutes very slowly. Start off with a slow walk and gradually increase the pace. Starting off slow does two things for you. First, it warms up your muscles and your body, decreasing your risk of injury. Second, it makes it mentally easier for you to begin your jog. As you walk, the brisk morning air will put you in the mood for your run. And soon you’ll actually feel like running, even if you weren’t feeling motivated earlier.

5. Give your body proper aftercare.

When you return home, take care of your body. Massage your legs for better blood flow, which has been shown to aid in muscle recovery. Take care of your feet and any blisters or other aches that may have formed. Drink lots of water to hydrate after your run. Replenish your electrolytes. Eat a healthy breakfast. Providing your body with soothing care after a run will help your mind and body feel better about embarking on another run the next day. Post-run care helps your body recover from your run. And it also serves as a reward for a job well done, so don’t skip it.

Pretty soon, you’ll have your morning runs mastered, and you’ll be giving your own tips to people who want to know how you established the habit.