Guest Blog: 3 Top Tips To Become A Morning Runner
I am thrilled to introduce today's guest blogger, Katie McDonald, a dedicated runner who is here to give you some great tips to help you become a morning runner.
Whether you're a seasoned runner looking to change up your routine or someone considering starting a fitness journey, Katie offers practical tips and motivation to help you transform your mornings - and maybe your life - through running.
Enjoy the read! 🌟
Picture this. Your alarm goes off for your early morning run. It’s 5.50am, say, and you’ve now got to hunt around the pitch black to find your running gear. You’ve got to open drawers or cupboards and sneak around trying to be as quiet as a mouse if you live with other people. Because they probably won’t want disturbing at this unearthly time of day.
But it’s 5.50am. You’re likely doing this with one eye open, because let’s face it. You’re still half asleep. Sound like fun? No of course it doesn’t. So, make life easy. Lay out your full outfit, shoes and headphones included. So the next morning, you can silently and mindlessly get ready and get outdoors.
2. Go to bed at a reasonable time
Have you ever planned your morning run, gotten excited that you’ll feel the runner’s high at 8am, only to hear your alarm and feel, well, gross? Me too. If you’re going to do an early morning run, you need to get your shut-eye. Figure out how many hours of quality sleep you need and work it back. You might be surprised.
And when I say quality sleep, I mean it. Get your body and mind ready for a great night’s sleep. Journal to get your thoughts out. Listen to some meditation. This is the Youtube link I often use, and swear by! And have a chamomile tea; I’ve not tried this yet, but qualified nutritionist Eli Brecher says that can help calm your gut for a peaceful, deep sleep.
3. Allow enough time after your run
You’re back from your run. You’re elated. The adrenaline is pumping and you’ve beaten the day before it’s even started. And then you realise you’ve got 20 minutes to get out the day. And the dishes need doing. So the day has now beaten you. Your early morning run didn’t quite work for you, did it?
It sounds obvious, but if you don’t plan ahead properly, your peaceful early morning run becomes a morning of madness. How? Here’s some prompt questions to help you figure out the right time you need to set your alarm to get up.
❓️Do you snooze? Or get up straight away?
❓️How long does it take you to shower and get ready?
❓️Do you have breakfast before you go out to work, if you don’t commute?
❓️Do you need to walk your dog, and feed them?
❓️Do you journal?
❓️What about yoga or meditation?
❓️Do you need to wash your hair?
❓️Have you forgotten about properly stretching?
These questions might sound like I’m telling to suck eggs. You’re probably thinking, “Kate, don’t be so patronising, I know I need an extra half hour”. But don’t roll your eyes just yet. Honestly, I’ve been there. I’ve had no time for breakfast. I’ve not stretched properly. I’ve over-snoozed. I’ve had our pug staring at me at 9am because I poorly timed my morning; the guilt! Never again.
Morning runs can be wonderful, and hopefully you feel inspired and more equipped now to properly enjoy your mornings.
Written by Katie McDonald.
Thanks for reading! I am also a morning runner and I hope our journey inspires you to take that first step towards becoming a morning runner. Trust me, it's worth it!
Remember, every great run begins with just one stride! 🌟
Happy running! 😊
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