Getting up in the morning isn’t easy for me. Hitting the snooze button? That I can do, at least twice. We all know that staying fit is crucial for our health. Even jogging slowly for five to ten minutes can lower the risk of death from heart disease. Regular runners, even the slow ones, are in better shape than nonrunners. Running is one of those exercises everyone knows how to do, and it’s free. The challenge is actually getting up and going.
Reading about the benefits of even short runs made me think, “Hey, I can totally do that!” I imagined it would be like taking a three-minute shower, but just in clothes and lasting two minutes longer. “I could totally run a 5k!” I thought. Well, I was wrong. I overestimated my ability to wake up early. And I bet a lot of people face the same issue. But with a few quirky strategies, I managed to kick-start my morning runs and finally found my motivation.
After my typical four rounds of snoozing, I dragged myself out of my warm bed and jumped into the shower. This tactic helps me tackle Monday mornings, and I figured it might work for my runs too. Mornings were the only free time I had to be active, so I needed this to work.
After my shower and with one eye slowly opening, it was time to put on my new workout clothes. Developing a new habit, like running, means actually starting and sticking to a routine. The first week was tough. Waking up was hard, and getting out the door was almost as difficult. Unexpected things happened, like kids waking up too early or breakfast getting burnt. Life is full of surprises.
To combat this, I aimed for small successes to actually get out of bed and meet my morning run goal. I set my alarm clock across the room, near the bathroom. That way, the shower was closer than the bed when I went to turn it off. I also ditched traditional, awkward gym stretches for some yoga poses I found on my phone, which helped boost my motivation.
One thing to remember: the wrong workout clothes can be a surprising hurdle. In theory, they’re just a bit more advanced than pajamas. But in reality, some moisture-wicking outfits can feel like you’re putting on a wetsuit. My old comfy workout clothes felt more suitable for a quick run to the convenience store rather than for a serious fitness routine. But now, I needed to rethink my gear to fuel my running ambitions properly.
The first two weeks were particularly tough, and it took time to understand my mistakes. I eventually got into a decent routine and managed to get outside. The fresh air and the solitude of early morning nature pushed me to run longer distances. But I’d burn out quickly.
Initially, I thought I’d eat a big, healthy breakfast after my run. This was a mistake. Running on an empty stomach doesn’t help with fat burning or endurance, especially with low-intensity runs. Aiming for high-intensity runs right from the start isn’t a great idea either; it’s a fast track to burnout. Carbs are essential, but not in the usual large meal format.
Eating a heavy meal right before or after running negated all my efforts. I learned that grab-and-go snacks from the fridge were a no-go too. The right pre-run snack involves some math: 0.5 grams of carbs per pound of body weight times the amount you’ll run. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, that’s 90 grams of carbs for an hour-long run. Half a bagel with some jam worked for me. It was filling but left something to be desired.
I found success adding fruit, but nuts became my ultimate go-to. Nuts and seeds pack complex carbs in a small, easy-to-digest package. They kept me full but not too full and sustained my energy for the run. From dried peas to salted almonds, I tried various options. Salted and roasted almonds turned out to be my favorite. They’re rich in minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and magnesium, which is great for bone health and is heart-healthy too.
I usually munch a few or add them to a light salad with fruit. My morning run snacks may vary, but I stick to nuts. They keep me going. Plus, staying hydrated throughout the day is important too.
Establishing a running routine was tough, but the results have been worth it. I have more energy throughout the day, and the morning scenery is a beautiful bonus. Whether you’re new to running or getting back into it, finding the right snack to fuel your runs depends on your body’s needs. What works for one person may not work for another.
For me, while the math equation for carbs helped, I eventually just focused on enjoying my runs without overthinking it. Trying different tactics, I discovered that nuts were my game-changer. They turned out to be the best running fuel for me.
Remember, what works for one person might not work for someone else. Maybe you’re allergic to nuts or they don’t sit well with you. That’s fine, just find what does work for you!
Finding your unique formula for health goals, running or otherwise, is a journey. Experimentation is key to achieving long-term health and good habits.
