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I am a runner and have been running since I was in college. Running is a strong passion of mine. Running is important to me, as is staying healthy, strong and fit, so I make time for it. What I have found over my years as a runner is that starting my day with a run is a must for me. My husband always tells me that I am at my best when I get up at the crack of dawn and go for a run. Also, with my husband’s work schedule and being a stay at home mom to my sweet baby girl, the early morning is really the ideal time for me to log those miles. I log my miles at the local parks with a group of runners, through my neighborhood with a friend, or on the treadmill at the gym. Since we are in the deep freeze of winter, I do most of my runs on the treadmill at the gym because I do not like running in the face numbing cold temperatures. Regardless of where I log my miles, starting my day with a run is a positive practice for me. When I start my day with a run, I am happier, feel healthier and experience increased productivity for the rest of the day.
Better Mood
Running first thing in the morning gives me an opportunity to focus, clear my head, think about the things I need to accomplish and plan out my day. Pounding the pavement or the treadmill relieves my stress, too! Running gives me that much needed “me time”. Running, or any exercise for that matter, releases endorphins, which make you happy. In the words of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” When I am finished with my run, I feel energized, excited, and ready to tackle the never-ending to-do-list. I am a better wife and mom after I log some miles first thing in the morning. I am in a happier mood while playing with my daughter. I feel more creative and engaged while I am playing with her.
Improved Health
Everyone knows that exercise improves your health. Running first thing in the morning gets my heart pumping and wakes up my muscles. A daily goal of mine is to move or exercise for at least 30 minutes. Our bodies are meant to move and I try to move as much as I can throughout the day. Running strengthens my heart and boosts my immune system. Starting my day with a run jumpstarts my metabolism and improves my appetite. I drink more water throughout the day and fuel my body with nutritious meals and snacks. I don’t want to undo the benefits of running! Although, I don’t feel as guilty eating that occasional bowl of ice cream for dessert if I ran that day. I also sleep better at night.
Increased Productivity
My energy level is much higher after I start my day with a run. This increased energy leads to me getting more accomplished throughout the day. Honestly, I feel like the energizer bunny after I get home from my run. As soon as I walk in the door, I start the coffee pot, feed my cat, take a shower, get dressed, make the bed, and, most days, throw in a load of laundry all before 8:00! That run first thing in the morning sets me in motion. My husband is always amazed at how much I can accomplish in a day after I start my day with a run.
Running is definitely a positive part of my day. I am grateful for the opportunity to run and love the “high” I get after logging my miles for the day. Some days it’s hard to get out of bed. Some days I want to hit snooze. But then I think about how much better of a mom and wife I will be after starting my day with a run. This motivates me to get out of bed, put on my running clothes and go log those miles. Knowing that I will be a happier, healthier and more productive mom after starting my day with a run gets me going on those days when I want to keep sleeping.
How do you like to start your day? What sets you in motion for the rest of your day? What makes you feel happy, healthy and more productive each day?
Absolutely! Agree with each point.. getting up early coupled with a few minutes of physical exercise is indeed essential! We are exploring option of joining yoga or meditation classes as well .. have heard great benefits about those too!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Physical exercise is such a great way to start your day. Yoga and meditation are wonderful ways to do something for your health during the day. Enjoy!
That all makes a lot of sense. I’ll be honest I *hate* running but I work really hard to eat well, so I want to experience all the health benefits and I’ve been trying to workout everyday. I do he elliptical, though.
Thanks for reading Sophie! Spending time on the elliptical is a great way to reap the benefits of exercise. It doesn’t have to be with just running. Even walking on the treadmill or doing the stair climber are wonderful for our body and mind. Getting up and getting our heart rates up doing some form of exercise is a perfect way to jump start our day and push us in the direction of a healthy lifestyle!
I totally agree with all of these! Running or getting some sort of exercise in first thing in the morning makes me SO much more productive throughout the day. I’m currently 32 weeks pregnant so the running has pretty much come to an end, but I do try to get a walk or spin class in in the morning to help get me moving!
I’m so glad that running and exercise helps you to be more productive as well 🙂 Congratulations on your pregnancy! I agree that walking is a great way to start your day during pregnancy. I hope the rest of your weeks are smooth for you! I’m sure you are anxious to meet your little one.
I love running!!! I don’t get to do my running until the evening but I can totally see how running in the morning would make you a more productive person! Nice blog!
That’s great Heather! I’m sure running in the evening would help you release all the stress from the day and help you sleep better! Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog!
Running is so great!!! I’m sure running in the evening helps you release the stress from the day and helps you sleep better. Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog!
I really need to start doing this. We live so close to downtown that it isn’t really safe, cars just don’t look out. I will start once we move.
Yes running downtown can be dangerous. Cars can make running unsafe for anyone. Good luck with your move!
I wish I could do morning workouts! I’ve tried and for whatever reason, they don’t make me feel great throughout the day. I do try to carve out some me time each day though.
Thank you for the comment Tara! Making it a point to schedule “Me Time” each day is important. “Me Time” helps us recharge our batteries and give us a break, even if it is only for 20 minutes!