By: David Dack

Running first thing in the morning can be one of the best training approaches if you’re looking to shed the extra weight, boost fitness level and achieve consistency for the long haul. Therefore, if you’re looking to start running in the morning, but find it hard to do so, here are some of the best guidelines that can help you wake up at the right time, get ready and get the best out of the early morning run.

Prepare the Night Before

When it comes to achieving success in all areas of life, planning ahead is key. Before you go to sleep at night, make sure to lay out everything for your morning workout. Prepare your clothes, iPod, running shoes, or any other gear you use for your training sessions. Doing so helps ease your mind into the training and gives you more time and mental energy to focus on the workout, thus boosting performance and enjoyment levels.

Enjoy Enough Sleep

If you’re sleep deprived, expect decreased performance, premature fatigue and lack of enthusiasm not only for the workout, but in all areas of life. Poor sleep leads to mediocre results and low productivity levels whether on the running track or at your job. Enjoying at least 7 hours of high quality, uninterrupted sleep during the night will enable you to reach your highest levels in the morning. In addition, 25-minute naps during the day will further assist proper recovery and rest.

Set the Alarm Right

It is all too often that people hit the snooze button repeatedly upon arising; getting out of bed as soon as the alarm goes off is critical. If you find yourself always hitting the repeat button, try placing the alarm clock far away from the bed. After walking to your alarm clock, never rationalize going back to bed; you’ll only regret it later on.

Drink Water

Usually after 7-8 of sleep, your body is brutally dehydrated. In that case, running on empty tanks will leave you feeling dizzy and prematurely fatigued. As soon you get out of bed, make sure to drink at least 2 glasses of water. In addition, make sure to keep your body well hydrated throughout the running session. You could also take a water bottle with you — especially during long distance running.

Eat “Small” Breakfast

The pre-run meal is a subject of great debate, but let me spare you the trouble. The rule of thumb is to eat something light (less than 300 calories) 15-20 minute prior to the run. Good pre-run meals options include: a banana, a slice of bread with peanut butter, an energy bar, or any other food that will kick start your metabolism and provide you with energy for the run without causing you much trouble.

Implementation is where the rubber meets the road, so, be sure to incorporate these simple strategies into your training program. Otherwise, the morning workout may just turn out to be another failed endeavor.

About the author

David Dack is a runner and an established author on weight loss, motivation and fitness.

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