Q and A: Tips for Starting An Early Morning Running Habit

SeaWheaze Lululemon Half Marathon

Just a little "Question and Answer" post...  Tet of Tet's Little Finds and Cute and Dainty blogs had a question in my previous post. Here's +theresa montino 's comment:

"May I ask, how much do you spend to run every morning if you have free time? I want to run as early as 5am too but I was so lazy pulling myself in bed at this time.. Give tips please!"

To answer her first question, here's a breakdown of my weekend running cost.

• Transportation fare to and from Quirino Grandstand - PhP 28
• Water - PhP 20
• Taho - PhP 20
• Meal - PhP 125

I can actually save up on water if I bring my own water container.  I could also skip taho and breakfast meal if I go home immediately after my run, but a big breakfast is my reward for the workout hehehe.  So, if I would go skimping on the meal, that brings down the cost to just the fare going to the running venue.  If you would just jog along your own neighborhood, you wouldn't be spending a single centavo.  I wish I could do that but in my neighborhood, it's a bit crowded, with PUV's belching out those ominous carbon dioxide and monoxide.  I couldn't run while holding my breath.  Also, there are dogs and I just don't want to make a repeat of my stint with dogs a year ago.

I don't run on weekdays, unless it's a holiday like last Tuesday.  My work starts at 6am so there's no way I could run before that, unless I am crazy enough to run at 3am.  After work, I am usually already too tired to have a run.  So it's just weekends for me.  On weekdays, I just exercise and make sure I walk my minimum of 6,000 steps.  

The 2nd part of Tet's query, I'll try to tackle it step by step, according to my own experiences.  It is evident in many of my posts that I love running.  With that said, I have also mentioned that waking up early is not something I am eager about.  You see, Sunday is the only day I could opt to NOT wake up early to go to work.  But it is also the only day I could have my morning run.  I choose morning because for me it's the best time, the temperature being cooler than the rest of the day and I am at my most energetic state for the run.  I'm also not inclined to night running, but if you have that option open, then it solves your problem of having to wake up early, like before 5 am.

Here are my personal (not expert) tips for you if you are really into morning runs:

• First, make sure you are really fit to run.  If you have health conditions, better consult your physician.  With that out of the way, also try to come up with a goal that you could always go back to for inspiration and motivation whenever you feel too lazy to run.  
• Next, scout for possible running areas.  Choose a convenient running venue, the nearer it is to your home, the better.  Consider also the safety aspects, particularly if you plan to run before daylight.
• Prepare all your running essentials the night before so you don't have to fumble with those in the morning.  Picture a less stressful morning scene where you just wake up, do the morning routine, including having a light breakfast, dress up, grab your running essentials and go.  I usually don't eat before my run, as my stomach is not accustomed to eating so early.  But if I do feel hunger pangs before my run, that's where the taho at Luneta Park comes in handy.  Oh and don't forget to do your warm-up routine before the actual run, according to Ms. Sarah. (Thanks for the reminder sis...got carried away lol!)
• Have a good night's sleep.  I don't have prescribed hours because some people are good with just 5 hours or so, but some need a full 8 hours of sleep.  So hit the sack according to your sleeping needs.
• Don't tire yourself by doing a lot of activities the day before the run.  That would make it harder for you to wake up so early.
• Have running buddies so you'll be more accountable to run instead of coming up with a good excuse for yourself.  It's so easy to just postpone running if you are just by yourself, unless you happen to have the strong urge to run or you have that kind of discipline that you don't need people egging you on to run or do a certain fitness activity.  As for me, I need my running buddies to keep me on my toes.
• Have an alarm clock.  Don't laugh but for someone who loves to sleep, I use two alarm systems, one on my cellphone, one on my tablet.  Sometimes, when I am even doubting those two gadgets, I use a third one, a real alarm clock lol!  You see, sometimes, I already get used to the beeping sound that I sleep through that.  And it would be worthwhile that you place these beyond arm's reach.  That way, you really have to get up to turn them off.  Once you get up and you are fully awake, you're done with half the battle.

Lastly, having a regular running habit is a personal decision you have to make and put into action.  There is no specific formula to follow here.  In the end, it always boils down to you.  I can give tips, but I cannot teach determination and discipline, or the love of running...well maybe rub it on a bit, but that's just about it.  It's an inner battle you have to win, not just once, but every time you find yourself giving excuses for skipping on your fitness routines.  

We also have a saying: 

"Pag gusto may paraan...pag ayaw, maraming dahilan."  

Loosely translated, for those who do not understand, "If we want something that bad, we do everything we can to do that. But if we don't like to do it, we can make up a lot of excuses." (Weird but English seems longer than Tagalog in this case lol!)

Happy running!