8 Tips on How to Become a Morning Runner

Let's face it, some people are bright and chirpy at the break of dawn, raring to go, while others are night owls and bleary-eyed until they have their cup of morning coffee. There are advantages to getting an early run before the start of the workday. You might even surprise yourself with the renewed sense of energy you will have and how much better prepared you will be to tackle those early morning races in the future. If you are looking to switch it up and start the new habit of running in the mornings (instead of later in the day/evening), we have eight simple steps for you to take as you begin your journey to early morning running bliss:

It all begins in the mind. If you go to bed the night before dreading your morning run, you are bound to wake up dreading it too. Try to remain positive in your thinking and filter out any negative, discouraging thoughts. Remember that once you get in the groove of running early, it will become a more positive experience by nature. Attitude is everything!

This sounds like a no-brainer, but something some of us may struggle with. Staying up past midnight is not conducive to waking up well rested for your early morning run. Put down the phone, remote and other distractions that are vying for your attention, and implement a habit of going to bed a bit earlier. There is no magic number of hours that works universally for all, but the general consensus is that seven to eight hours is a good amount to aim for, and it will make a world of difference in your energy levels come daybreak.

Depending on the season and whether daylight saving time has begun or ended, making a small investment in running gear that will be appropriate in low-light (or no-light) conditions and colder weather is essential. This means having reflective or high-visibility gear and layering up with lightweight jackets, vests, half-zips, or tights to keep you safe and cozy on your run.

After several hours of sleep, your body is partially dehydrated when you wake up in the morning. Drinking cold water can be invigorating and will motivate you to get moving and raise your core body temperature. Of course, the amount of hydration you will need on your run also depends on how long and how far you are running, but staying well-hydrated will help keep your momentum and energy level up.

Before hitting the road, eat a light breakfast, such as oatmeal or yogurt. And on longer runs, consider energy gels or sports drinks to remain fueled during your workouts.

When you set out your running gear the night before, it’s just one less thing you’ll have to do when you stumble out of bed in the wee hours looking for a matching pair of socks. It will also provide you the motivation to get dressed and head out the door faster. Check the weather forecast before hitting the hay so that you’re well prepared for what conditions you may face in the morning, and can plan your outfit accordingly.

No, even one snooze is too many! An extra ten minutes seems SO tempting at 5:30 am, but it won’t help you in the long run (no pun intended). A late start will not only leave you with less time to run before heading to work, but it will make you feel groggy and sluggish during your workout. If you need a little help resisting the snooze button, try putting your alarm clock across the room, which will force you to get out of bed to turn off the blaring sound.

Make your early morning runs more enjoyable by finding nearby routes with beautiful sunrise views. It’s not only a peaceful, calming way to start the day but the "runner's high" will boost your mood and give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way.

For those who enjoy more social runs, joining a run group or running with a friend provides extra motivation and accountability to stay committed and get moving.

This may be the most important tip of all: press on and grind it out. Don't quit! Habits are formed over time, and according to a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, conducted by Dr. Phillippa Lally, a health psychology researcher at the University of College London, on average, it takes 66 days to establish a new routine. If you don’t fully commit to the new early run schedule, it will not stick. The good news? Do it consistently for a few months, and it will get easier and easier. You got this!

By choosing a positive mindset, being prepared with the right gear, and taking the necessary proactive steps, you can become a dedicated morning runner and reap the benefits of feel-good endorphins and renewed energy for the day. Before you know it, you might even be up before your alarm goes off!