The Morning Run

Running first thing in the morning is painful. You can either get out there, break a sweat and make your legs burn, or stay cosy in your covers and dose. It is one of the most difficult situations for the prefrontal cortex to win. That said, every time I actually get out there and run (even for just 20min) I feel amazing while running and throughout the day. You feel sort of like you have a win in your pocket off the rip. The duality of the difficulty of a Monday morning run and the benefits available to reap is actually amusing.

1. Benefits of Morning Runs

• Physical Health:

You will feel your cardiovascular fitness improve and it will also help with managing weight.

• Mental Health:

The runner's high is a real thing. For me it happens around 7-10km into a run. Your brain releases endorphins which reduce stress and just make you feel happy. You might find yourself smiling and laughing during a run when you have nothing to laugh at. It’s just the endorphins and it’s amazing.

• Productivity:

You might also find that your focus and productivity is improved for the rest of the day. I certainly find that after a morning run, I tend to focus better and feel more energized for the whole day.

2. How to Build the Habit

• Start Small:

Start by just running for 10min, or do a run-walk routine. Both will make you feel great and neither are not worth waking up early for.

• Prepare Ahead:

Lay out your gear on a chair right by your bed so that there is no friction in the morning.

3. Tips for a Great Morning Run

• Nutrition:

Don’t drink too much water or eat a big breakfast before you run. You might find that after consuming water or food you get a stitch on your run. I find that breathing out sharply on the impact of my right foot helps stitches if I get them. I would also recommend starting by eating and drinking something tiny on your second run and then building up from there.

• Stretching:

Definitely stretch well before your run in the morning. Watch a YouTube video on a 5 min leg stretch for runners and just give that a go.

• Safety:

Run in public, well lit areas during daylight hours if possible. If you are going to run in the dark, always bring a headlamp!

4. Unique Experiences of Morning Runs

• Connection to Nature:

Morning runs also give you the opportunity to watch the sun rise, which for us teens, is a rare sighting. When you are in nature and the orange glow of the rising sun beams through the vegetation, it is truly a gratifying experience.

• Community:

You also get to spot other morning runners on the trails or roads and give them a wave. There is a sense of community around running unlike any sport and if there is anyone that will understand what it takes to get up early and shuffle your feet, it is the guy that will run past you on your next morning run.

So get out there! Try waking up 15 min earlier than you usually do and just have a quick walk-run. Then build it up and don’t go too big too soon. Make sure to hydrate well after your runs, enjoy every moment and feel the benefits throughout the day. You earned them!