Your mind, body, and soul may go into shock when your alarm starts blaring a relentless cacophony of not-so-gentle “encouragement” to get your a$$ out of bed at o’dark-thirty, but no matter how hard it feels, you will never regret starting your day with an early morning run.

Seeing the sun rise, feeling your heart pumping and endorphins flowing, and knowing you’ve already logged a completely life-affirming run before most people have made toast, makes it impossible not to feel optimistic about the day ahead.

Believe me, I understand the struggle can be real, and I relate to all of you who share your foot-long list of reasons why it may not be something you want to do, especially during the winter, but once you get into the routine, you will find joy in the quiet beauty and badass-ness of it all, and thank yourself for rising to the challenge.

Also, keep in mind this is why coffee was invented. 🙂

Here’s what else will help you get out the door for a sunrise run…

• Laying your clothes and gear out the night before so you don’t waste precious time trying to find a sock, ponytail holder or your keys, which never seem to be in the right place.

• Make a pact with a friend so you hold each other accountable, and also so you can laugh and complain to each other until you both realize you are loving your early morning runs.

• Dress warmly in layers, so you aren’t totally miserable when you start, and so you can peel off a layer when you begin to warm up.

• If coffee is as important to you as it is to me, have your java prepped the night before, so you can at least down a swig or two before you head out the door.

• Choose a route that inspires you. Make your sunrise run memorable, especially if you only make it happen once a week.

• Photograph your journey. Documenting the beauty of your run, and keeping your images on your camera roll will allow you to scroll back through and remind yourself why your effort was, and will always be, worth it.

• Reward yourself each time you make your early morning run happen. We’re all still kids at heart, so give yourself those proverbial gold stars, and make sure your rewards are motivating.

• Last, but not least, embrace this mantra: “Don’t think, just go.” I can’t tell you how many times I say this out loud to myself when my motivation is waning. It works!

Happy dawn patrol running to you, my friends! I hope it brings you as much joy as it does me. I’d love to hear what tips you have for getting out the door at cuckoo hour, and also where your favorite early morning run location is this time of year.

xo Becky