1. You have to shower and shampoo anyway, why not do a workout first?
This way you also avoid the second shower later in the day and have more time for laying on the couch since you did your workout first thing.
2. Your clothes don't have to match because it is dark and no one will see you.
The chances of you running into anyone you know at 5am or even 6am on the street is highly unlikely. I actually feel more comfortable bundling up in my crazy winter running gear because I know no one will see me.
3. You start the day off with a caloric deficit.
It is a great feeling to know that you burned calories first thing and have the whole day to refuel.
4. You don't have to worry about eating the wrong thing before you run.
Even if you have to have a snack before your morning run, it most likely wont lead to you saying "I shouldn't have eaten that...." Running before breakfast just takes out one less variable from having problems on the run. Which also leads into #5...
5. It helps develop a tolerance for glycogen depletion.
A study was done to show the benefits of exercising before breakfast compared to other times of the day. It stated that running before breakfast increases the proportion of fat you burn which is a very good thing. This also can relate to that fact that running before breakfast will also increase your ability to run with low glycogen stores which will help you be a better runner. And who doesn't like to burn fat?
6. There is less traffic and you can run in the middle of the road (if you so choose).
On average in the mornings, I get passed by about 5 cars. When I run in the evening, on average I get passed by 500 cars. So I am exaggerating a bit, but its true - at 5am there is a lot less traffic which makes it a bit safer for runners.
7. Its dark at 5am and 5pm, so why not get your workout done early and out of the way?
In the winter, chances are no matter what time you run it is going to be dark. So why not run in the morning?
8. It is far less likely to storm in the pre-dawn.
Now I am not a weather expert, but in my experiences I have seen that winter storms usually come in during the late afternoon and evening. Usually by 5am, the plows have been out and cleared the roads.
9. You have an excuse for running a bit slower.
If the temperature is already below freezing and you didn't manage to hit your paces on that tempo run, just blame it on the early morning run.
10. There is just something about being alone in the dark morning when its snowing.
Enough said. Quiet snowy mornings are just something you have to experience.
What else is missing?? Feel free to add to the list!
24 comments:
all my friends think I am crazy but I am so excited to run outside in the winter, especially in the mornings. Double points if it is snowing!
I admittedly have a hard time with morning runs in the winter. I love it once I am out there, but getting out of bed is sooo hard! Have to remember all these great reasons!!
I have a hard time waking up for morning runs. How did you fit that in during college? But when I don't have school, I love morning runs.
Beautiful pictures! I have a hard time with early morning winter runs, but these are some great reasons to make me reconsider!
:)
As my streak has gone ubber long I have used it as an excuse to NOT run in the morning. (go figure my weirdo logic on that one) Every day I set the alarm and most every day I fail. I knew that a.m. running is so much more benefical for me in many ways. Thanks for the great post. I'm gonna do it tomorrow!!!
I love morning running! Last winter I did a lot of treadmill runs and started to feel sick of running. Then I forced myself to go back outside and I was so much happier. :)
You have several good arguments, so much so that I *might* be tempted to try it. Currently, my alarm goes off at 6am and I just about force myself out of bed by 6:20am so that I make it to work on time. I'm really rubbish with mornings!
I got cold just looking at you. I love running in the snow though thee is something really peaceful about it, that said I am not done enjoying fall yet! Great points!
Morning running is the best. In fact, I don't think I am capable of running later in the day. I get too tired after work! I do worry about slipping if there is snow or ice on the ground (and I can't see because it's dark). That's my only problem with it.
I love running in the morning in all seasons, but there definitely is something special about winter.
Great list!! My only issue with early morning running around here in Calgary is that sometimes it is SOOOO much colder before the sun comes up. And when the days are short I like getting out mid-day to get a little sunshine on my face!
If I could only get out of bed in the morning then I would be set... I love running early in the mornings, but that nice warm bed straps me down haha.
love this list. will give it a try at least once this winter!
I am impressed by your dedication to morning running! I do so so at it in the summer, but in the winter? Forget about it! I am kidn of a baby about the cold + dark. I do plan on doing morning runs with my running group on Saturdays, though!
I'll be out there most days!
I wish I could! I snoozed this morning again :( You are amazing for getting out there!!
The *crunch crunch crunch* when you run on fresh snow!
Great post!! I love running early in the morning...just isn't happening these days though.
Your last picture was awesome! I wouldnt mind running with some pretty scenery like that :)
Such a great post! Your argument was very compelling. I had never really thought about the fact that it's dark in the morning and evening. And the whole showering once instead of twice thing is good one too.
I'm CONVINCED! i want to start a challenge and run from winter to spring!!! :)
I love morning running. Adding to your list the feeling of having accomplished something so early... great feeling! Also, it helps set my mood for the day. I almost always feel great after a run and that is a great way to start the morning.
i became a morning runner in my last training cycle and am in love! before i was all over the place and totally inconsistent. since i switched to mornings i have noticed a better balance in my life! i can also still go out and do fun things after work or be home in plenty of time for fall tv shows:) ah the important things in life haha!
I still envy you for being such a good morning runner. I must admit, my biggest fear and the reason I don't do it is because I'm afraid I'm going to get kidnapped or something!! What do you do to quell that fear?
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