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I'm not a morning person, and I've finally given into my natural instincts by switching to working out at night. However...! When I did force myself to work out in the morning, a trick that would work for me was to sleep in my workout clothes. That way I could just get up and go (plus, I felt really, really stupid if I didn't work out!).
I also worked up to it slowly: first I would just do weights or something for 15 minutes, then slowly work my way up to running two miles, then three, etc. It was way too daunting to just pop up an hour or two early every morning, y’know? Good luck!
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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A trick that helped me was being held accountable by friends. They won't last long if you ask them to get up at 4:15 to meet you for a run at 4:45 in the dark and probably cold to just have you blow them off. Now their workout routine is jeapordized and they're blaming you. Don't join the NFL (no friends left) club, show up on time!
Try setting your workout clothes out the night before, including a filled water bottle, GU or whatever fuel you use, watch or other data tool you use, shoes by door, instant oatmeal in the bowl ready to nuke, coffee pot on auto, vitamins/supplements pre-measured and waiting, etcetera. Create a routine to get you out the door.
It's never easy you just get used to it. I'm a night owl so this schedule didn't just happen without some adjusting. I get up at 4:03 a.m. Tu/Th morn's and 5:10 a.m. on M/W/Sa/Sun morn's. I never get to sleep 8 hours prior so I'm always a bit sleep deprived the rest of the day. BUT, when I show up for the am ride and there are at least 25 other fools doing this then I know it was worth it. When, in the dark, someone from the back of the group spots me, calls out my name to then just ride up next to me and share a neat story. . .then I know it was worth it. Your workout is done by 7:00 ish and you can then hit the shower to show up at work feeling energized and like you've stolen a piece of time. Good-luck, you can do it!!!
answered over 3 years ago |edited over 3 years ago |Report
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I'm far from a morning person and never workout in the morning, but I do commute by bike whenever possible. My commute is generally 25-30 minutes and just over 7 miles and I need to wake up a half hour earlier than normal to make it happen. No matter how tired I am, by the 2nd mile I'm awake and find myself with more energy when I get to work then when it rains and I drive in. Rather then getting up to workout before work, I work out on my way to work.
Likewise, I can't just come home and relax, I have to ride my bike in order to get home, forcing another 7ish mile ride. Together that's equal to just under an hour per day of exercise and I'm OK with that.
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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Like Christine P., when I have to get up early in order to get my workout in I sleep with my workout clothes on and put my shoes by the bed. That way when the alarm goes off I don't even have to think; I just lace up my shoes and go. I think the trick is not allowing yourself to think enough to make up excuses for not getting out of bed. Good luck!
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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This one is easy for me, as I'm a "morning person". I'd much, much prefer to workout early morning, for most activities, than at the end of the day. It might be helpful to you to ready your equipment, etc., the evening before, so that you're ready in the morning. I like to get out my workout clothes, get the coffee pot ready, and get out my clothes for work. My early morning just goes so much more smoothly that way.
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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I've been making the transition to morning workouts simply because (most) races are in the morning, so I think it's great experience to get up and go.
That said, it's always hard to get up. The trick for me is that I have a coffee maker that grinds and brews coffee on a schedule, and it's LOUD. So basically, at 5am, the coffee pot scares me out of bed! Then, I have everything set out from the night before, and I basically get out of the house in 20 minutes.
I also agree that if I'm left to my own devices, I probably won't work out that early in the morning. But all my morning workouts are group workouts, and if I don't show, I get taunted the next time I show up :-) public humiliation is a great motivator!
--e
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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First off I didn't read the other posts so if I repeat, I'm sorry.
My opinion if you want to become an AM person it is a lifestyle change. Basically your life outside of work, swim, bike, run.... is over. Gotta love it. I sure do.
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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I think it's similar to college - it's all a matter of discipline, scheduling and time management. I was always a night person until about 6 or 7 years ago when I got a job at a hospital working 7:30am - 4pm. The gyms were always too crowded after work which was frustrating and a couple nights a week I was taking night classes which meant going after work was becoming obslete. So, I opted to switch up my routine and workout before work so I wouldn't worry about when or how I could fit it in. This meant getting up between 4:30 - 5pm which at the time was completely foreign to me. What I learned fast was that pre-planning was essential. I would set my workout gear (and bags if I was going to the gym - even put it in my car a day prior) the night before and also assemble my work clothes and work related items (lunch, laptop, etc) the night per as well so that afterward I could make the most of my morning work out and then shower and be out the door quickly. There definitely was an adjustment period but years later I wouldn't have it any other way. Getting my workouts out of the way early leaves me fully awake and with energy out the wazoo. By the time I arrive at work I am completely charged up while all my co-workers are dragging by their butts! The best feeling is always felt after work when I get to go home and RELAX.
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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Ha, I tend to ride best in the weeee mornings just as the sign rises. 6am is my typical start time on Tuesday & Thursdays and as far as the weekends I try to shoot for 7am.
How do I do it... Well, a bowl of Oatmeal, Carnation Instant Breakfast w/ Soy Milk and a banana and water here and there. I try to eat at least an hour before so I can do my "duties" prior to riding. I tend to have my body tuned into a good schedule as far as food, restroom breaks, and rest. So... That's all you really have to do. Keep a schedule/routine like Kristen said regarding college tactics!
Also, I think starting your morning workout at 5/6 should give you adequate time to do what you need to and get ready for work @ 9. I have lots of time to spare w/ a 2 hour ride and I typically start work @ 10.
Good luck.
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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I, too, sleep in my workout clothes. I am a teacher and work long hours. Sometimes I am falling asleep at night grading papers. Sometimes getting up is hard, but it doesn't compare with the boost of energy I get after working out. That time in the morning is MY time to work out, spend time with God, and get ready for my day. I've made it a habit to get that time in so that I don't make excuses later for lack of time to work out. After you develop the habit, you can get up no matter how tired you feel!
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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I just figured it would be good training to workout in the morning since that is when all the races are. Somehow, it just happened.
answered over 3 years ago |Report
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I ride an hour before work almost every day when there is daylight.
The key is to be fueled up properly or you'll bonk really bad. It's tea, an egg, toast and oatmeal for me. Good luck and try to keep it fun.answered about 3 years ago |Report
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Like Kristen F mentioned above, I think it is a matter of discipline. IMHO, it is much harder to put the running shoes on in the afternoon after working all day. One thing you can do is change your sleeping schedule to getting up the same time every day. I know that sounds impossible, if you like to sleep in on the weekend. You will find that your body likes keeping the same schedule every day instead of just 5 days a week.
answered about 3 years ago |Report
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I remember the first time I worked out early morning before work, I felt like I wanted to take a nap all day at work, and it was months before I tried it again. Eventually, I tried morning workouts again out of necessity, and it finally stuck. For me, it just took some time for my body to adjust to the new schedule. It's still a little tiring, but I feel so much better now if I go ahead and get my workout done first thing. I load up my iPod with current podcasts and a bunch of good songs, and that helps too.
answered about 3 years ago |Report
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My job forces me to workout from 7-9 am every weekday morning, so I don't have the option of not working out in the morning. But when I get up and work out in the morning, I usually end up more awake and ready for work to begin then when I just roll out of bed. I feel the same way now after lunch, now that I've started working out during my break instead of eating fast food.
answered about 3 years ago |Report
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It's just about the commitment. Sometimes I sleep in my running clothes and keep my shoes next to my bed... that way when I roll out of bed when the alarm goes off, everything is right there! No excuses... but there's still the commitment to get out the door. Make it!!
answered about 3 years ago |Report
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0. set an alarm that is loud and far away, so that you don't have any easy time hitting 'snooze'.
1. post motivational quotes on the bathroom mirror, so that inevitable first bathroom break becomes a motivational seminar for you.
2. have your clothes on or close by when you get up from the bed.
3. ask your close friends who happen to be up at that time to give you a wake up call.
4. try getting a pre-workout supplement to help with energy boost before you go (not too much liquid, though, or it ruins the run).answered about 3 years ago |Report
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I was so inspired after reading these posts that I started getting up at 4:45 to run before work. It's been AWESOME. Seriously--it's so early that you just get up and, well, run! I feel better all day (was very tired, h.e. the first day) and I love that when my work day is over I have the option of either doing a different activity or spending time with my family. So, it's hard for about 2 minutes when the alarm goes off.... then it's totally worth it. Thanks for the motivation!
answered almost 3 years ago |Report
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I'm starting to transition more into morning workouts now as well since that's when my running group works out every day. I'm not gonna joke around, its REALLY tough when you first start out b/c you absolutely have to sacrifice later nights (I go to bed at 9-9:30 now instead of 11pm). It feels like a lifestyle change to me right now, but in a good way. I find that I have so much more energy during the day and the satisfaction of knowing that I can't duck out on a workout after work because I'm too tired.
I would start off slowly and try waking up earlier 1-2 days a week and see how you feel. You must resist the temptation to sleep through the alarm on those days. Honestly, the most difficult part about morning workouts is physically getting out of bed. Once you're out of bed, the workout wakes you up and gives you a boost for the day.
Hope this helps a bit. Oh and don't be alarmed when your friends/co-workers call you crazy for waking up so early. They just don't understand :).
answered almost 3 years ago |Report
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Coffee, LOTS and LOTS of coffee. lol. No really and I know this probably won't help but I get up and out of bed as fast as I can. As soon as the alarm goes off my feet are on the floor. I don't give my brain time to talk me out of it.
answered almost 3 years ago |Report
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I agree with everyone. First you may have to make yourself a little, but you will eventually get used to it. I'm getting ready to start a new job from 2:30 ---- 11:00 pm. So I will have to run in the mornings again. The last time I did that I had a training partner which made it easy, because I didn't want to let him down. But I will eventually adjust to it again.
God Bless.... +answered almost 3 years ago |Report
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I do it because I know it's the only time I can go alone without having to push the kids along. I go at 5-530am for a 4-5 mile run and I do longer runs on the weekend when my husband is home. It is hard I know. After I do my morning run I eat and take a B6 vitamin and I be sure to eat enough iron throughout the day as well so I don't feel drained. As for the evening, I make time for my husband before I know my eyes are going to stay shut. I usually get to bed no later than 10pm to get enough rest. I sleep very well after running in the mornings. Best sleep I've had in a long time. I just got back in the groove too. I also have motivation from a "cyber" running buddy. A girl I graduated with. You would be amazed how motivating it is to hear what they do for their run. It motivates you to get out and go. If you get your body used to it, it won't be so hard but it does take discipline for anyone. The key is getting your rest at night. If am doesn't work for you, would lunchtime? It would give you that extra kick in the middle of the day too.
Good luck to you. I'm a mother of a 4 and 2 year old and soon to be college student again. I feel your pain!
answered almost 3 years ago |Report
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Oh yeah, I just read a post that someone sleeps in their workout clothes. Hehe, that's good too. I just don't shave my legs at night after my shower! I hate pricklyness so it makes me get up in the morning so I get my run in and shower before the kids wake! Hey, if it works...it works.
answered almost 3 years ago |Report
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Good Luck! I used to get sick if I tried to do morning runs. Still do a bit and bascially I refuse to do them, but when I had to for college training I found that if I ate before I went to bed I wouldn't get sick on my run. I know...not recommended as a weight loss stretegy but for me that was not a concern. For me it was the urge to eat in the morning, for others its seems like the resistance to geting dressed. Whatever you do in the morning get it done before you go to bed.
answered almost 3 years ago |Report
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