Making the Impossible Possible

I am NOT a morning person. My parents registered me for afternoon kindergarten when I was a kid because they knew there was no way I'd be up for the morning session. That has not changed. I can force myself to get up for work, travel, an appointment but it's exactly that -- forcing myself. This wasn't a problem for me when I was funemployed because I'd get my workout in whenever I felt like it -- usually around 11. Now, however, I am seeing the need to make some serious lifestyle adjustments if this training is going to happen.

Starting last week I was able to get up for strength workouts. Somehow that doesn't seem as challenging to do early in the morning because it's a slower pace. My strength workouts are intense and I like to lift heavy but it's not as relentless as running.

This past weekend I surprised myself and moved my runs up earlier than normal. It's good that it's summer and the sun comes up earlier. It's also good that I'm on a normal sleep schedule and not staying up as late. But even those "early" runs on the weekend weren't as early as they need to be to get them in before work on a weekday.

Today was the big test -- getting up at 6:30 to get my run in before work. I can't count on getting it in at lunch like I was hoping, not with my schedule so unpredictable. I hate doing it after work because I'm tired and, again, my schedule isn't predictable. So moving my runs to before work has become critical.

I had set my alarm for 6:45 but my sweet husband gently woke me at 6:30. He knows how important this training is to me and he's been really helpful about trying to get me up. Of course, he goes back to sleep but I am very grateful that he's so supportive and Lord knows he is painfully aware of my aversion to mornings. So I got up, got dressed, and drank some water. I know that's going to be an issue that I'm not as hydrated first thing in the morning but I'll adapt.

I was on the treadmill by 6:38 and I made a deal that today didn't have to be a great run, just a run. I was able to get in 5.31 miles in 60 minutes so I was definitely slower but for my first early morning workout I'm pretty satisfied with that. Miles are miles!

Getting my run in by 7:30ish really gave me a sense of accomplishment! By the time I got to work I already felt like I had a good day. I hope I can make this a repeat thing!