2/16/11 (Wednesday)
7 miles tempo
1:00
8:34 avg pace
1 mile warm-up
4 miles at 8:12 pace
2 miles at 8:41 pace
I did this run on the treadmill (sigh) a little after 5:00AM. I was sitting at my desk by 7:45 (with a slightly wet, sweaty ponytail). Now that’s a good start to the morning.
I love to run in the mornings. I’m definitely a morning person…my eyes start to close somewhere around 9:30 every night. I totally can’t hang. I especially love outside AM runs because I get to watch the sun rise. It’s so nice and peaceful.
Some reasons why I run in the morning (and why you should too!):
1. Get It Done: Nothing like crossing something off your list first thing in the morning! Run/bike/swim/yoga/cross-train before the day starts to get crazy and life interferes with your workout. Pushing it off until after work usually never works because excuses start to pop-up (I’m tired, hungry, have errands to run, etc.).
2. Speaking of tired/hungry: I loathe running after work. Somehow sitting all day (I have a desk job) leaves me feeling so drained. I have zero energy and I’m often hungry. If I run in the morning I’m well rested, refreshed, and not hungry. I have this theory that your body doesn’t know its hungry until at least an hour after waking up. I get my run in before my body recognizes hunger and my stomach begins to growl.
3. More free time at night: With your run out of the way, your nights are free for dinner, happy hour, a yoga class, or errands. Or just lounging and watching The Jersey Shore.
4. Peacefulness: I find the trails are often less crowded and it’s a lot more peaceful in the morning (no bikers whizzing by and yelling “on your left”).
Working out in the morning does take some planning. I lay out my running clothes the night before and have everything I need for work ready to go.
Just try switching your workout to the AM once or twice this week. I guarantee your day will be better because of it 🙂
I am going to try it!