TIPS FOR WORKING OUT IN THE MORNING

I haven't always been a morning exerciser. Before I had my son, London, I would go to the gym after work. While on a year of maternity leave, I had a lot of freedom with when I worked out. When I went back to work I realized if I wanted to run it was going to have to be in the morning.

TIPS FOR WORKING OUT IN THE MORNING:

1. Sleep In Your Workout Clothes. 
I change into my workout clothes before I crawl into bed. This may sound silly but London is still sleeping so I don't want to worry about trying to find my shorts, shirt and socks in the dark. 

2. Prepare Your Fuel And Technology. 
I don't eat before my early morning runs but I do like to eat something within a half hour of finishing. The night before I fill my water bottle and place some food (usually a banana) on the kitchen 
counter. If I'm running on the treadmill I also lay out my Ipad and headphones.

3. Make A Plan. 
I always plan my runs a week in advance. I keep a copy of my plan in my phone and have a glance at it before bed. This way, I know exactly what I'm doing the next day (the less thinking at 5am the better!) 

4. Don't Do It Alone. 
Sometimes workouts are easier when we have someone pushing us out the door. Try recruiting a friend to meetyou. Or, find a running group that meets early. You'll be less likely to skip your workout if you know people are waiting for you. 

5. Go to Bed Early. 
Put down your phone and close your eyes. It’ll still be there in the morning and you’ll feel better for getting that extra bit of sleep.

6. Create A Mantra. 
Getting up early is tough some days but, most of the time, if  I shut off the alarm I regret it later. Having an early morning power phrase is crucial for those first few transition weeks and those mornings you may want to stay in bed.

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Guest Post
Hi, I’m Kaella and I blog at “Kaella On The Run.” I am a single mom and I work full-time in the media. In 2012, I made a lifetime commitment to running. It’s something I love to do and need to make time for in my busy life.

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