While fall can (eventually) bring cooler weather, it also means even darker mornings. This can be a challenging time of year for getting out for an early morning run. The colder, darker mornings make it really tempting to stay in bed a little longer. I tend to struggle with getting out there this time of year, even though I’m naturally an early riser and wake up before the sun anyway.
Early Morning Running Tips
There are so many benefits to running in the morning. For those of us who have to head to work by a certain time, this means getting out early in order to be back and ready in time for work. Or it may mean getting back before your kids get up. Here are some ways to get ourself out of bed and out the door quickly and efficiently.
Be Prepared for Your Early Morning Run
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it really helps to have all your running clothes and gear ready to go the night before. Check the weather and plan accordingly. If you know where everything is, it will save a lot of time as you get ready to head out for an early morning run.
Have a Plan for Your Run
Even if you’re not following a training plan, it helps to know how far and how long you will be running for. Also, have a route planned out so you don’t have to think too much in the morning. Or if you have the option to run on the treadmill, decide if that’s a better choice based on the weather, the time you will be running, and any other factors you need to consider.
Keep Yourself Accountable
Do you have someone you run or train with who will hold you accountable? If so, great! If not, how will you hold yourself accountable? Maybe you are training for a race and you know you need to get in the miles. Or maybe you have another goal you are working towards. If it’s a struggle to get up for a workout every day, start by setting a goal to work out 3 days a week. Use a journal to track your progress.
Have your snacks/meals ready to go
If you plan to eat something before you run, try to find a snack that is easy and that you can eat right before a run. For me, bananas are a good option. I also like Honey Stinger Waffles and Pop Tarts. If you know you will be rushed to get to work after your run, have a breakfast prepped or at least planned out the night before.
Have the Right Gear for Your Early Morning Run
Running in the dark is much easier when you know you have the right gear, like a reflective and a headlamp. (I’ve been loving the Noxgear vest and chest lamp lately!) Some people also like to carry pepper spray for safety. You may also want to use the LiveTrack feature on your watch if that is an option for you. You can also read more tips for running in the dark!
Remind Yourself of Why you Do this
Maybe you have learned that you really dislike running in the evenings. Or maybe you have skipped too many runs and fell off track with your training. As soon as you wake up, try to remind yourself of how much better you will feel after going for a run.
Make it a Habit
The key to forming a habit is consistency! So while it may take some getting used to, if you keep getting out for early morning runs it will begin feel more natural. Your body will get used to waking up early. Eventually you won’t have to think as much about getting yourself out of bed when it’s dark and cold. (That being said, some days are still harder than others!)
If you get out of bed early for a run or workout most days of the week, then those rest days will feel like even more of a reward. If you are someone who struggles to get out of bed early this time of year, know that you’re not alone! Just remember how good it feels to finish your run before the rest of the world is even awake.
Are you a morning runner?
Do you struggle to get out of bed when it’s dark and cold out?
What are some ways you motivate yourself to get out for an early morning run?
You may also like:
How to Plan Your Morning to Fit in an Early Run
Where Did My Motivation Go?
5 Friday Things
Dark Mornings and Fall Running
A Peek into Cleveland Marathon Training Weeks 1-4
A Week of Some Running and Lots of PT
Fall Should Mean Marathon Training?
Closing In On The Finish Line
Morning running is nice but it’s definitely harder on early mornings. Having a race helps motivate me so much to get out the door.
Also I’m so glad I’m not the only one who lets bananas get really brown before eating them!
I like my bananas a little soft so once they start turning brown thats usually perfect for me! It drives me crazy when they still have some green on them and are impossible to peel.
I think keeping yourself accountable is so important! Although i don’t do a lot of early morning workouts, I always try to have my workout planned in my head so that i can tackle it after work.
Thats a great strategy! I also really like knowing what Im doing ahead of time. It makes the process so much easier.
I am a morning runner but by default. It is easier to get out the door for a run than out the door to the gym so I run in the morning and go to the gym some other time. I utilize all of your tricks but sometimes, they just aren’t enough. I have set a goal to run 3 days during the week so if I cannot quite make it, I do usually have a day to make it up. Like this morning when the wind was blowing so hard that the windows were rattling. Nope. Not happening. Bonus for me, I did make it out in the rain yesterday so I’m not a total wimp. It is supposed to be windy tomorrow too so I need to figure out if it will be my first treadmill run of the year or if I will suck it up again. The “real feel” is supposed to be 20 so I’m not so enthused…
It’s nice to have some flexibility with a running schedule! I also try to avoid running outside when its super windy. Also when it’s cold and raining heavily I tend to opt for the treadmill. Wow 20 degrees already?! I would be on the treadmill if I were you!
oh Lisa I have tried all these things. And it just doesn’t work. I don’t work!!! BUT. I’m not giving up. At some point I will be an early morning runner. I always loved having done the run in the morning before work, knowing my evening was free! but sadly it just doesn’t stick. YET.
Glad to hear that you aren’t giving up if you really want to start running in the morning! I hope that if you can keep doing it that eventually it will become a habit. My husband really struggled with morning workouts for a long time and then a few weeks ago he just decided he was going to get out and do something every day before work. Somehow he has made it 2 weeks in a row already!
I head to the gym before work (usually twice per week), so it’s relatively easy to get myself out the door (except for the actual getting up super-early part ;))…. I am impressed with everyone that runs outside in the dark. Do you feel safe where you run?
I stay really close to home and I see a lot of neighbors out walking dogs or running, so in general, yes. But I feel like you really can’t feel too safe anywhere theses days unfortunately. So I’m still always on high alert. But it helps to know that I see so many familiar people while I’m out there.
You know I’m all about the early morning runs 😉 I think it started a couple years ago, when I was training for Route 66 and I had XX number of runs/miles I had to get done (I was working with a coach at the time). Anyways, that early morning ritual worked well for me, so I have kept with it.
It seems like it usually just takes doing something consistently like that to form a habit that eventually sticks!
You’re so right: Preparation and planning are key to getting out first thing. I am a morning runner but I typically don’t need to head out in the dark. Kudos to you for getting out there in the dark and cold!
It makes the summer months that much more enjoyable, when its warmer and light out:)
Grea tips! Since I have to be at work at 7, running before work is tough, but I really wish I could figure out how to do it because it’s a great way to start the day! I’ve gotten out there as early as 5 but I could probably only do 2-3 miles and have enough time to catch my train! I’ll have to test it out this month 🙂
On days when I have to leave earlier than usual its really hard! Sometimes I like to use the treadmill because it feels like it saves some time, plus I can get on there at like 4:30 and not feel too weird.
I’ve always run after work because I’m awake, and sometimes very much in need of a workout. Trying to do it during the week is tough. I can take my time on Saturday mornings and get out when I feel good and ready.
I am always impressed by people who can run in the evenings. I’m always too tired and have no motivation!
For the most part I’ve been able to wake up early to run in the morning. I like to be out before 5am so I can be home by 6. The hardest part is when it is cold since I just want to stay in my warm bed.
Yes a warm bed is so nice and cozy on those cold mornings!
I am so not an early morning runner! I have so much respect for those of you who get up and get out there before dawn
While sometimes its hard to get out the door early, I know theres no way I would have the energy to get out there after work!
Guess what I’m doing instead of getting out early? I’m replying to blog comments and reading other blogs! Things like that are usually what distract me and keep me from getting out as early as I want. Time to go get ready!!
I have never been an early morning runner and since my kids are gown up, I sleep later and go later. Lots of respect for early morning runners!
I am a morning runner, but I was a tired potato today! I definitely stayed in bed well past my alarm. I should have read this first!