Morning runs: they’re not always easy, but they are usually worth it! I know some people struggle more than others to get up early to fit in a morning run. Many runners are also juggling jobs, kids, and other responsibilities. I’ve found that running in the morning is the best (or only) way that it get’s done. If you find that you often miss your run because you don’t have time to fit it in throughout the day, it may be time to switch to morning runs.
A few years ago I shared a post about how I plan my morning to fit in an early run. However, my schedule has changed quite a bit since then! I have a much longer commute and a 4 year old to get out the door. So I thought it was time to update what my morning routine looks like. Then I will share some other tips for effectively planning out your morning.
My morning workout routine
I need to be out the door around 7:00-7:15 am to drive my 4 year old to school and then get myself to work. Luckily, most mornings my husband is around to help get my son ready when he wakes up at 6. So my goal is to be showered and downstairs to take over by 6:45 am.
Morning Schedule
4:10 am: Wake up and get right out of bed (I find that snoozing makes it harder to get up!)
4:15-4:30: Drink some coffee, eat something small like a banana or bar, and do a few things on my computer.
4:30-4:40: Get ready for my workout! I set out all my clothes the night before and actually take them downstairs with me so I don’t wake up my husband. I get ready in the basement where I start my workout.
4:40-4:50: Warm up- Usually this includes a combination of foam rolling, mobility work, and dynamic stretches.
4:50-6:00: Start workout- If I’m just running I am usually out the door or on my treadmill by 5. If I am strength training and running then I will lift from 4:50-5:20/5:30 and then get in a short run.
6:00-6:15: Finish workout, cool down, take some pictures if I’m planning to post on Instagram.
6:15-6:45: Get ready for work. I will usually make a quick smoothie or chocolate milk to drink while I am getting ready.
6:45-7:10: Eat breakfast while packing up everything for the work and school day, and also trying to get my son to brush his teeth, put on his shoes, etc.
Why this works for me
I am naturally a morning person and would rather wake up early to work out than do it late in the evening. By the time my son goes to bed it’s after 8:00 and I don’t have energy to work out then. (I usually go to bed between 8:30 and 9:00).
I also like to take my time in the morning. I could probably wake up at 4:45 and still get in a run, but I prefer to make time for coffee, food, and doing all the little things to make my run better.
It also gets much trickier to mange this when my husband is also running in the mornings. Lately he has been running later in the day which helps a lot, but when we both run in the morning then one of us is on the treadmill with the baby monitor and needs to be back upstairs by 6.
Tips for planning your morning to fit in an early run
Here are some simple tips to help you plan out your morning:
- Figure out what time you need to be done working out. Decide how long you want to work out for and what else you need to do in the morning. From there, determine what time you need to wake up. Set your alarm for 5-10 minutes earlier than that time.
- Set out everything you need the night before. This means you should probably check the weather forecast if you are running outside!
- If you like coffee in the morning, see if you can get a coffee pot that auto starts or has a delayed brew setting. (I have this one!) This means one less thing to worry about as you are waking up, plus you may be motivated by the smell of coffee!
- Make it a habit. The more you do it the easier it gets. If possible, set your alarm for the same time every day that you plan to work out.
- Plan a day to sleep in. This will give you something to look forward to.
- Try to get everything for school/work/etc ready the night before, such as packing lunches or planning outfits.
Final thoughts on planning your morning for an early run
If you have wanted to run in the mornings but struggle with fitting in, I hope you can give it a try. It definitely takes some getting used to, but is so worth it to be able to see the sunrise and to start your day with a run!
You may also like:
10 Tips to Help You Become a Morning Runner
5 Reasons to Become a Morning Runner
Pre-Run Snack Ideas For Morning Runners
Do you run in the mornings?
What tips do you have for fitting in an early morning run?
If you struggle with morning runs, what is your biggest challenge?
I find this very impressive, Lisa! Although I like to get my workouts done in the morning, I could never get up at 4am! Well done!
Before I became self-employed, I did my workouts over lunch time to avoid getting up so early. I don’t like working out in the evening either!
Yes, I definitely prefer running in the morning. It’s much harder later in the day. I’m impressed by your early bedtime/early wakeup! But, running is important to you so you do what it takes to get it done. Great post- I bet it will really help people who are struggling to fit in a morning run.
This is a great routine. I have two: if I get up in time, I feed and walk the pugs before busting out. If not, I sprint out the door so they don’t get mad. It’s all very frazzled LOL
My biggest challenge is that it’s cold and dark most of the year.
When it gets warm, no problem… it’s too hot to run after work.
I do have more energy in the morning. But I have to have coffee, eat oatmeal and relax first… can’t just get up and go.
I always run in the morning. Before I go to bed at night, I lay out my running shoes and running clothes, so they’re right there to put on.
The trick is not to let myself notice what I’m doing!
When I start to think, I don’t wanna run.
So I quickly sneak out of the house for my run, when I’m not looking!