Monday, December 12, 2011

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

Or, in my case, can a 41-year-old mom who has never, ever been a morning person begin to embrace the morning run?




It's too early to tell but this weekend I made continued progress toward becoming a morning runner and I'm pretty sure that is going to be a new goal. I'm also pretty sure it is a bit of a forced goal. You see, my one-year-old has taken to waking up at 6:30. All attempts to get him to sleep later have failed. Miserably.

So, he's up. Which means that someone (me? Owen?) needs to be up with him. Rather than fight the early morning riser, my new plan is to see it as an opportunity to finally, after all these year, become a morning runner.

On Saturday, I got up with my bright-eyed toddler at 6:20. Yawn. We had breakfast, hung out, and then, at 7:15 Owen got up, took over, and I met friends for a 9-mile run. On Sunday, it was a similar pattern, only I went for a solo 4-miler at 8, letting Owen sleep-in a little longer.

Today is a rest day but my plan is to get up with the early riser at 6:30 or so and hit the road for a run by 7:15, when Owen gets up.

Think I can do it? I hope so. If I'm going to get my mileage in during the marathon training cycle I'll have to either run early in the morning or in the cold, dark evening. Something tells me I'll enjoy cold and light to cold and dark . . .


Do you run in the morning? Have you had to work to become a morning runner? Any tips to share?
I could sure use them!

Have a great week, everyone. And, remember, today is the last day to enter my half marathon giveaway!


~ Felice

16 comments:

Marlene said...

I do run in the morning pretty regularly. But "early" for me is 5am!

Felice Devine said...

Yeah, it is pretty silly that I consider getting up at 6:30 early. But I do! I'm just much more of a night person. I need to start going to bed earlier, too.

I can't imagine running at 5!!

great idea months ago said...

I actually taught myself that and wrote a post about it...

I struggled - but I actually signed up for coaching lessons on Monday mornings @ 6 and that jumpstarted me for the week.

and NOW I LOVE IT!

Darlene said...

Have the same problem - wind up running in the dark because I can't get out of bed early. When I do, I'm glad I did but it's a struggle.

Bridget said...

I like early morning runs because then it's done. Then I can shower and I am ready for the day. That being said, it is harder to do morning runs in the winter. It's dark. It's cold. But - it's a lot more fun with friends!

TX Runner Mom said...

I just found your blog and can't wait to read more. Yes, I am a morning runner. I have to have the kids ready and out the door by 6:30, so I run at 4:15/4:30-ish. It sucks and I go to bed really early, but I love knowing my workout for the day is all done!

Kenley said...

I assumed a new position in March of this year with regular hours in the day, so I started getting up at 4am every morning to go and run. I would rather get up and get that taken care of, and it makes my day a lot energetic too. Of course, I don't have any kids now though. Depending on your motivation, you will be fine. I took to it rather quickly. Take care.

Lora Abernathy said...

You know, I have been forcing myself to get up at 6 a.m. and be in bed by at least 10 p.m., so I can slowly get used to it. Once I begin training (I'm injured currently), I'll move it back to 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.

To my surprise, this has been easier than I thought. The key, I believe, is getting to bed early the night before. If I can do this, ANYBODY can! I hate when people say that, but I mean it. Best of luck to you!

Nicole said...

I do usually run in the morning, if I don't I'll never make the time. I get up at 5 most days. I am a morning person, but getting up that early sucks most days, although once I'm out of bed I'm ok. You can get used to it.

justme said...

the only way i became an early am runner is by meeting a group

Sam said...

I'm not great at being a morning runner, but since I don't go into work until 9 it's really my best option. I kind of tricked myself into getting up at 6:30 by using the Daylight Savings time change to my advantage. I just didn't let myself enjoy that extra hour of sleep and changed my morning alarm from 7:30 am to 6:30 am. So my body didn't really feel like it was waking up any earlier.

Becca said...

I used to run in the morning, but now I work nights and have trouble falling asleep most nights. Getting up early just plain sucks anymore :(

Mel said...

I became a morning runner having to train through 100 plus degree summers. I hate the heat

Melissa said...

I need to become a morning runner asap! During the winter my running time during the week is on my lunch hour. Great for getting it done but not for anything more than 3-4 miles since I have to account for changing and showering time. Hoping Santa brings me some cool knuckle lights or a headlamp so I can get out there in the mornings in the dark!

J said...

You can do it! The first week of getting up early is always the hardest but then you get used to it and it becomes easier! I love running in the mornings. The best way to start my day is with a good workout!

Neon Blonde Runner said...

So my trick for getting up for a morning run is to go to bed super early. It works!!

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