Walked out the door this morning to 1000% humidity and warmish temps. Yep, this had all the markings of a fun one. It wasn't too bad. I kept on pace. If I had attempted this later today (expected high: 93 degrees, 95% humidity), I'd have been a walking puddle. This is one of the reasons I prefer morning runs.One of the toughest things for me when I started running was building it into my routine. After school didn't work. Too many variables (i.e.-picking up the kids, staying after to help a student, staying after for staff meetings, etc.). I can't run during my lunch break. Again, too many variables and, quite honestly, I don't know how you can go out for an hour, sweat like a maniac, shower, and go back to work. If someone manages that, please let me know how you do it and if you work in a cubicle or a hermetically-sealed office. Therefore, running in the morning was the only viable option.
When I tell people that I run early in the morning, inevitably there are 2 questions that follow:
- How early?
- Why?
The answer to question #2 is a bit more complicated. Usually, I just say, "It's easier for me." and I'll leave it at that. That got me to thinking, though. What are the pros and cons of being a pre-dawn runner. Well, here they are:
PROS:
- You can check it off of your list and you won't have an excuse later.
- You beat the heat. Especially right now.
- No traffic. If I see 2+ cars during a 3-4 mile run, I consider that heavy traffic. Usually, I run in the street versus the sidewalks.
- The sunrise. It's not the main reason I get up to run in the morning, but it's a nice benefit.
- A morning run energizes me for the rest of the day.
- I have time to do things after work.
- It's quiet. I have time to clear my head. Not that there's much in there to clear.
- I get to sleep in when it's race day.
- It's 4 freakin' 30 in the morning.
- It's 4 freakin' 30 in the morning.
- It's 4 freakin' 30 in the morning.
- It's 4 freakin 30 in the morning.
11 comments:
I am also a morning runner, pretty much for all the same reasons. But I may soon be joining the pre-dawn club since my excavation begins this Sunday and I need to be ready to go by 8 am. Not sure I'm going to enjoy waking up at 4:30 or 5 am to get my run in.
Pray for me.
a morning run is the only way I get it in...It is too early to talk myself out of it.
Although since I have quit my job I haven't found my new routine.
CWS-have access to 3rd base box seats and love to go and enjoy the scene...really do we need a new stadium? I guess the Zoo benefits from it.
I'm for it, but I'll miss the "neighborhood feel" of the CWS. Sadly, since ESPN....errr...the NCAA....err....ESPN has made it too commercial.
you're just the sort of lunatic I gave a maniacal "g'morning!" to during the Summer Solstice Challenge. Loonie.
Yup, that would be my list as well ;-)
I go back and forth on the issue of morning runs. I love getting it done and having the evening to do whatever I want, but I really, really suck at getting up early.
Nothing beats the sun rising. That, in itself is the best. I look on the Farmer's Almanac every night, and try to get out there 15 minutes before sunrise.
Beautiful.
Go Fresno State!
For all the reasons you stated and more, I am a committed morning runner -- and my wife and others think I should be committed. :) So, it's off to bed for me now as I have a 4:30 wake up call to do hill repeats.
(BTW, I don't have to wait until it's 95° to be a walking or running puddle. It was 64° and 78% humidity this morning and I had to wring my shirt out 3 times before coming in the house.)
Found your blog via 100Pushups. I'd so love to have your discipline and be able to get up at that time.
If I'm up at 4:30, there better be a race with a fabulous medal and buffet at the finish. Screw the sun rise.
I sometimes tell people that I run early so that I have three or four miles in before I wake up enough to realize that this is insane.
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