Running at the crack of dawn
Actually, it's not the crack of dawn. It's more like pre-dawn when I find myself running up and down the seven hills in my neighborhood. Dawn implies a bit of sunlight is peering through the sky. When I run, it's dark. Completely dark. And I completely love it.Running in the dark of the early morning is the newest of my exercise approaches, designed to allow me a jump on the day ahead, to get my workout out of the way before the world around me wakes up. No interruptions. No distractions. No competing priorities. Just me, an hour's worth of time, and the hills. Or sometimes my treadmill. I also fit in a few other exercises -- mostly for my stubborn stomach -- and a shower too. By the time my husband and little boys are awake, I've accomplished what I set out to do and don't have to fret about fitting it in for the rest of day.
It took some practice to get rolling with this workout routine. Once a night owl, I now crash early. My favorite late TV shows get taped and I watch them early on subsequent nights. Hoisting myself out of bed in the morning has gotten easier too, although today I slept 15 minutes longer than intended and had to ramp up my running speed to make it home on time. Not a bad trade, though. I'm sure my body liked the jolt it got.
My road to fitness is ever changing. No schedule is ever permanent and while I sometimes wish to find the perfect plan for keeping fit, I realize that as life evolves, so does my approach. Right now, my darkened runs feel pretty darn ideal. Times will change, though, and so will my plans. Who knows what the future holds. I only know at the moment that I plan to hit the streets again tomorrow, for another run in the dark. I can't wait.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-28-2008 @ 9:59AM
FitClubScott said...
The great thing about running in the pre-dawn hours is that once you get into the habit, it is easy to be very consistent.
Rarely does something "come up" that gets in the way of your workout or run.
If I find myself slipping a bit too often, or finding excuses to not workout, I'll switch my schedule to do it first thing in the morning and that usually gets me back on track.
http://thefitclub.blogspot.com
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2-28-2008 @ 2:05PM
karsten Robbins said...
I like running in the morning too but i do have to say it is not without some dangers. I never used to think twice about it until i had to get up early and drive to a meeting. Almost hit a runner because i didn't see her. She no doubt saw me but i could not. It was misting ever so slightly. I wasnt speeding or checking email, its just that i wasnt really expecting someone to run at that time. I thought i was the only motivated one.
The point is, wear the reflective vest. Sure you may not look so darned cool, but at least people can see you. And the little reflective patterns on the shoes, jacket and pants....yeah, they dont really help. You need to be visible 50+ yrds out.
Stay well, keep running and be safe. thx - Karsten
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2-28-2008 @ 2:05PM
Scott Ensink said...
Good luck with your new routine! It definitely makes life easier getting some miles in first thing.
Now if we could get rid of the snow on the ground here in Michigan, things would be even better!
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2-29-2008 @ 11:04AM
MJ said...
I love the pre-dawn runs also. I agree, you have to be very careful with cars turning, etc. But, its worth the extra awareness, I feel so much better all day if I have that workout under my belt! Also, though I am not skiddish about getting out when it's pitch black, I did buy a pocket alarm/flash light just in case, and carry my cell.
Good running all! Stay safe
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2-29-2008 @ 2:41PM
Andrea said...
I envy all of you. I run in the mid-afternoon, after my classes but before I'm ready to begin my 4 or so hours of studying for the day. Often I'll work in a second brisk walking incline treadmill session later in the day. The result of this is that I live sweaty and in sweats. No point in showering if you're just going to get dirty again!
I would LOVE to get a good, hard workout out of the way in the early morning, but I just can't. I have a hard time getting up to begin with, and if I do get myself to my treadmill anything other than a brisk walk makes me dizzy and my ears start popping every 10 seconds. I think it might be improved if I were running outside, but it is COLD where I live right now. Maybe I'll give it another go in a few months, when the temperature is bearable.
BTW, anyone with any advice on how to cure my dizziness or curb the annoying stomach cramps (NOT diaphragm) I tend to get while running would be GREATLY appreciated. I'll name my first born after you (yeah, they're THAT annoying).
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