Get up..... NOW!

I think if asked you would find that for every morning runner there is one (at least) that not only is not a morning runner, but just doesn't understand it. There has been many times I have talked to runners that are not morning runners. When these runners find out that I wake at somewhere between 4:00 and 5:00 to hit the roads they just don't understand it.

I understand that there are morning people, and then there are non-morning people, but are we truly morning and non-morning people internally or just based on our habits and lifestyle?

I have found over the years that I can be both, it just depends on how disciplined I am and what my life currently is comprised of.

Some of the things that I have found need to be in place to be or become an early riser (regardless of what you are doing when you get up) are:

  • Get to bed at a decent time - your body needs rest
  • Eat healthy so you can get a good nights rest
  • Turn off the TV

I am sure there are many more that I am not thinking of right now.... it is still early you know :)

One of the easiest ways I have found to sabatoge being an early riser is becoming slave to the snooze on your alarm clock.  There are many reasons for this, but to put it simply, when you wake and go back to sleep only to wake again your body is getting confussed and you are robbing your body of the rest it needs.  I have found that if I get up with the first alarm, reguardless of what time it is, I feel better than if I go back to sleep for 5 or 10 minutes.

What do you think of early risers?  Are you an early riser?  What are some of the key things you do to make it possible to get up early?

Tim Wilson - blog.262quest.com

19 comments:

  1. Hey, Tim! As I type this, I'm sleepy and about to get dressed and go running (whilst shoving breakfast in me when I'm not hungry). Sometimes a morning run feels great; other times I'm really tired (like now). But, once I get going, I am almost always happy I did. That's why I believe the key to being an early morning runner is to make the decision the night BEFORE. --Alex (aka run350)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm definitely not an early riser. Trying to make myself, but its easier said than done!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey Tim, I have never been one to be an early riser. I have had to do it in the past, but given the choice, I would rather run at night. Because of crazy hours at work right now, I went for a run last night at midnight.

    Have a great day, Burt

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think based on the three posts here so far (and three others at sweat365) we truly have a mix of those that are early risers and those that are not.

    Thanks for stopping by and chiming in.

    I think it is true, if you make the decision before going to bed and get ready the night before it helps with the morning running.

    Tim

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tim - I'm up between 4:50 and 5:10 and I go for a run. Traffic is light, in the summer its cool and when I'm finished putting in 3 to 8 miles I feel great. It jump starts my metabolism and also has me ready to hit the hay at a reasonable hour.

    I jump when the alarm sounds and turn on the light - get in my gear and hit the streets. I can't imagine doing it any other way.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm an early-riser as well. My biggest challenge is trying to stay hydrated, so I feel fairly strong during 5 a.m. runs. I've gotten into the habit of drinking water all day long -- and especially during the evenings.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Another early riser - unless the non early risers chime in I would have to say we have more early risers than not..... at least that read my blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm an early(ish) riser (5:30am), but find I get more out of my runs if they take place in the afternoon/early evening.

    If I'm just running easy, then it's great to get the run out of the way early, but usually I run later in the day.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I imagine myself all up and running at 5 am in the morning. And that is about as far as I get. I have the hardest time getting up... I wish I had the will power, but as you pointed out - some of us are snoozaholics...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks Tim (I think). Just got back from a 5:30am eight miler:

    http://connect.garmin.com/activity/1504903

    Up, dressed, fed the dogs and out the door. Nice feeling to get the run out of the way, and to be honest, I actually enjoyed it!

    --Steve

    ReplyDelete
  11. Steve - I do understand that. I usually don't run as hard when I run in the morning, probably just because I am still trying to wake up. Glad I could be your motivation to get out there :)

    Kimberly - Imagination :) It is at least part of it. Some people don't even imagine it :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am an early riser and morning runner. I wasn't always that way. One day I just convinced myself to drag my ass out of bed and splash water on my face. That's all it takes. T(hat and brushing my teeth. I just can't go back to bed with a fresh mouth!) My runs are easier in the afternoon when I seem to have more energy. But -- it is still more satisfying to get it over with in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bananza - thanks for your comments. I kinda am like that..... other than the teeth brushing :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think I'm naturally a late riser but my lifestyle choices have led me to becoming an early riser.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tim, its all about discipline. I believe anybody can do it if they resolve to do it. The rewards of early morning running are huge as you well know. When there is no one else out there, and the sun is just coming up, I have felt privileged just to be there. Being one of the first to witness a new day is pretty special.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tim, its all about discipline. I believe anybody can do it if they resolve to do it. The rewards of early morning running are huge as you well know. When there is no one else out there, and the sun is just coming up, I have felt privileged just to be there. Being one of the first to witness a new day is pretty special.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am an early riser and morning runner. I wasn't always that way. One day I just convinced myself to drag my ass out of bed and splash water on my face. That's all it takes. T(hat and brushing my teeth. I just can't go back to bed with a fresh mouth!) My runs are easier in the afternoon when I seem to have more energy. But -- it is still more satisfying to get it over with in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey, Tim! As I type this, I'm sleepy and about to get dressed and go running (whilst shoving breakfast in me when I'm not hungry). Sometimes a morning run feels great; other times I'm really tired (like now). But, once I get going, I am almost always happy I did. That's why I believe the key to being an early morning runner is to make the decision the night BEFORE. --Alex (aka run350)

    ReplyDelete