How to Get Motivation to Go Running Before Work in the Morning

Getting up and getting out

When it's cold and dark outside and warm in bed, it can be the extremely hard to get up, put on your running shoes and go out for a run before work. If you have a packed schedule and many responsibilities, sometimes this is the only time you have for yourself. It takes time to make running a habit, but with a good system in place, you'll develop the discipline to make running as habitual as brushing your teeth.

Things You'll Need

• Alarm clock
• Running buddy
• Low-calorie reward

Instructions

1. 

   Stay away from alcohol the night before a run.

   Do not consume alcoholic or caffeinated beverages the night before your run, as studies show that both interfere with deep sleep. Try warm milk or chamomile tea and make sure you get a full eight hours of sleep before that alarm clock rings, or it will feel impossible to get out of bed.

2. 

   Set an alarm clock...or two.

   Set a really loud, obnoxious, battery-operated alarm clock for 15 minutes before the run to allow for time to dress and drink some water. Put the alarm clock far away from your bed. Once you've gotten up to turn the alarm off, do not get back into bed. If you lack discipline, set another clock somewhere else for five minutes after the first.

3. 

   You don't have to do it alone.

   Find a super-motivated friend or neighbor who will run with you. In the first two weeks of this new routine, it's very important that this person be completely reliable. Arrange it so that they come to your house and knock until you get up and go.

4. 

   The best running buddy could be man's best friend.

   Enlist your dog. The best kind of running buddy is a hyper, at least 1-year-old puppy. Check with your vet first to see if your dog's breed can handle running distances. If there's a wet nose in your armpit, chances are you will get up.

5. 

   This is your reward for a job well done.

   Before the run, deny yourself a cup of coffee or tea. This will be hard the first few days and the run will be more difficult, but soon your body will adapt. You will crave the endorphins your body releases on the run to wake up instead of the caffeine. Reward yourself with a great cup of coffee or tea afterward, or, if you don't drink caffeine, a smoothie or fresh squeezed juice. Keep the reward healthy, though.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get discouraged by the difficulty of the first week. If you can make it through, the next week will be easy.

• Layer your clothing so you can shed layers when your body heats up from exercise.

• Always wear proper running shoes to avoid injury.

• Wear reflective clothing if it's still dark when you begin.

References

• WebMD: 12 Tips for Better Sleep in Bad Times
• PetPlace.com: Running and Jogging With Your Dog