People struggle to wake up early in the morning to run. However, when we see people who get up early every morning to run, most of us envy them and wish to be as motivated as they are. Becoming an ardent early morning runner can be easy, especially during the holidays. These tips will help you develop a knack for running in the morning.
Running in the morning will not become a habit unless you work towards creating a routine. It is not about waking up and deciding to run that morning on a whim. You have to be intentional about it. Because when you wake up most days, you don’t even feel like getting out of bed in the morning, talk more about running. An effective morning routine will reduce the mental debates and time-wasters that will try to get in the way of your morning runs.
Before you head out, grab a glass of water to rehydrate your body. Aim between 8 and 16 ounces of water and take it at least 30 minutes before leaving for your run. Pay attention to your body. Adjust your water intake according to your water needs, the weather, and what you can handle.
You will need fuel before your early morning run. You can eat a small snack, like an apple or banana, for short, easy runs. Or a simple breakfast for longer, harder runs. Foods like toast, oatmeal, and bagels are easy to digest and won’t cause problems during the run. Try to eat at least 30 minutes before your run to give your body a chance to digest some of the food and avoid gastrointestinal issues while running.
Dynamic warm-ups are an important pre-morning run routine, especially if the first thing you do after you wake up is running. Immediately you get out of bed, and before you move around, your joints and muscles are extra stiffs. Running with stiff muscles can cause injuries. So take 5-15 minutes to do some dynamic warm-up exercises and stretches to loosen your joints and muscles.
Before heading out, make sure to hit the bathroom to empty your bowels and bladder. This is to ensure you have a smooth run without mishaps or discomfort.
Nothing keeps great company early in the morning like good music. It sets the right tone for your run and your day in general. Start your day off right by running with your favorite playlist or podcast.