Joe Corcione mentioned on his podcast that having a set time to run that is consistent can really help when trying to get big training blocks in. For the longest time I have been an early morning runner because that was the time I had the most control over. Since becoming a parent with a more flexible work schedule I have tried running at other times of day but when I need to be really consistent early mornings always work best. So here are some things that help me get on the run when it’s super early:

• Set your alarm and don’t hit the snooze button – Just get up and get out of your room as quick as possible. Lot’s of research shows that hitting the snooze button really messes with your sleep cycles so it’s best to just get up and get going. It never feels good to get out of a nice warm, cozy bed so best just to rip the band-aid off.

• COFFEE – Coffee is one of my love languages, I love it, the caffeine is great and it’s my favorite way to start the day. It helps to have a coffee maker that you can program and set up the night before so it’s hot and ready for you when you get up.

• Lay your clothes out the night before. If I have to search around in the dark for my clothes there is an 80% less chance that I will get up and go.
• Decide the night before what workout you are going to do and route you are going to run. I try to limit as many decisions as possible in the morning. As soon as I start trying to decide what I want to do, sleep starts to rise to the top of the list.

• If you are going to run for more than sixty minutes then it’s best to eat something simple, otherwise you can head out fasted if you like.
• Warm up inside! This mainly applies to winter but summertime mornings can also be chilly so a dynamic warmup inside can help get the muscles ready to go.
• Go to bed earlier. This one might seem obvious, but it is often hard. In the evening I am running around doing all of the things I can’t get done while the kids are awake. I also can waste a lot of time on the internet or watching Netflix, that time is much better spent getting some sleep.

• The best motivator is to find a running buddy or group who you meet for your morning run. It’s much easier to get out the door if you know a friend is waiting for you. If you don’t have anyone crazy enough to get out for an early run find a virtual buddy can help too. A text and some digital motivation helps just as much.

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What time is your favorite to run?

What time do you get up in the morning? Anyone want to join a virtual run club where we text and send memes and hold each other accountable for getting up early?