The joy of early morning running

[Sadie-runs]

Hello running fiends,

I started C25K in August last year, and because it was hot, I did all my runs first thing in the morning, before work, at 6:15am. I also loved the fact that there were less people around, as when I started the programme I was a little self-conscious of how slow I ran, and how I huffed and puffed! But I grew to love that time of day. The air is still fresh from the night, the birds are singing their little hearts out, and there is (I believe) always an air of optimism at the start of a new day.

Graduated in November elated with the fact I could now run for 30 mins straight, and determined to keep up the routine and improve, I kept on running - through rain, through snow, through minus temperatures! Three times a week without fail. Very slowly increased my time and distance. Sometimes it was a struggle, sometimes I had to postpone because of ice or illness, but still, the early morning routine stuck.

And this week I feel rewarded for persisting through the cold, dark winter months. I got out at my usual time today, and the sky was a perfect blue. It was warm enough for (new!) shorts and vest, yet the air still had a cool freshness to it. I ran a joyful 5k in 29 minutes at a pace that felt right. I ran across fields, through a wood and then pounded pavements home.

I am so glad I took up this running lark. It has become an integral part of my life and the rewards (both physical and mental) have been monumental. So, if you are starting out - good for you! It gets better and better the longer you keep it up, and who doesn’t love running with the sun on their face and the wind in their hair, eh?

Happy running weekend, everyone.

Sadie-runs x

[JennyH10 Graduate]

Sounds blissful Sadie and after a bad week you have motivated me to get back out there today so thank you!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to JennyH10]

Oh good! Hope it brings you joy, Jenny. x

[WildflowerJo]

Thanks for that wonderful expression of your love for running - I look forward to feeling this way too 🏃‍♀️❤️

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to WildflowerJo]

😀 It will come. Patience really does pay off. x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

This just makes me want to run RIGHT NOW!!! I’m currently sat here waiting for E-on to come & install a smart meter with my running kit on coz as soon as he’s gone there will be zoom stripes behind me as I head off out!! I’ve only run at 6ish a couple of times & I must say I did enjoy it..the world wakes up gradually as you & the birds look on...your journey has been lovely to watch, you’ve truly blossomed into a motivating, inspirational & respected runner & are such an asset to this forum....

That’s a great 5k time too Sadie,...perfect start to the day 🏃🏼‍♀️💪🏻

Have a lovely weekend

MC xxx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Aw, I am blushing now, MC, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Hope E-on arrive soon (or have arrived and you are currently on a lovely, joyful run!) It has been lovely sharing this journey with you. xxx

[IgaT Graduate]

Sounds as such an amazing and happy run

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to IgaT]

Oh it was my dear. Hard work at times, I had to dig deep! But ultimately life-affirming! xxx

[TedG Graduate]

Morning Sadie, I’ll echo every word Mummycav said, you truly are inspirational 🤗

And wow, nice 5k pace to boot 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Take care x

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to TedG]

Double-blush! Thank you, dear Ted. My first ever 5k took around 39 mins, and without even trying, my pace has naturally speeded up a little, and after around 4 months running it has got to 29 mins! Nice, gentle progress. xxx

[Jell6 Graduate]

It's all been said!!

[Hidden]

Such a positive motivational post. Thank you!!!

[Melo_smiles Graduate]

Love this Sadie and you’ve made my mind up...Sunday morning will be an early morning run 😊

My son plays football on a Sunday morning so it’s always a juggle when to fit my run in. I tend to run late afternoon/early evening on a Sunday but have been contemplating running early morning. I ran this morning after the school drop off and it was hot, really struggled and I was running with a friend who has just worked up to 20mins of running...those 20 minutes felt harder than my previous 30 minutes 😳

So after reading your motivational post, my mind is made up and I’ll head out bright and early...thanks Sadie xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Melo_smiles]

Lovely Melo! That sounds like a fab plan. There is something g very special about early morning runs in the summertime. Enjoy. 😀🏃‍♀️👏

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

A wonderful post, a beautiful run and an amazing time. Yay, Sadie!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks Sask! Hope that all is well with you and spring is making an appearance in your part of the world! x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Yes, spring finally arrived yesterday and looks like it may actually stay for a bit. Yay 💐☀️

[DebJogsOn Graduate]

Sounds great- and you got to wear the new shorts too!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to DebJogsOn]

You remembered! It felt great, having my bare white legs out! x

[DebJogsOn Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Can't decide if the world will ever be ready for my legs 😂. Though sorts would have been very welcome on yesterday's run.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Ah wonderful! A lovely heart lifting and inspiring post. 😄

I’m still on the IC, but you have inspired me to jump up and go straight out into the morning birdsong for what I am calling one of my “pre-running walks” -thank you for the encouragement. 😃 xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Sorry to hear you are still in the IC my lovely. A pre-running early morning walk will surely lift the ole spirits! xxx

[Kp5k]

Very honest insight; will motivate plenty of people on here

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Kp5k]

I hope so! Enthusiasm is catching, right? 😀

[Kp5k in reply to Sadie-runs]

Yes it can be although I can’t enjoy running as much as I try; however I run 3 miles a day now every other day to improve my engine for other sports I do.

I just thought your post showed a inspiring summary of your journey

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Kp5k]

Thank you, that’s kind. 😊

[Schnitzerl]

Big thanks from me too! Started just recently (1,5 weeks) in W3. I´ve been running for a few years, but never really with a plan except 30 mins on the treadmill this past year, in the cemetary gras close by - getting boring! Sport has always played a major part in my life (Tennis, Skiing, Horseriding, Swimming, here and in Australia) I too enjoy the early morning, not just for the lower temperatures here (Vienna). The reason I´m not taking a wiener-dog is for fear of early runs with him/her every! morning, particularly in winter and rain and ice and ... Having started in summer may make it easier to adjust to the various seasonal conditions. There goes hoping!!!! Another few months and I can sing "Mit 66 Jahren, da fängt das Leben an" by Curd Jürgens. ("Life starts at 66" - hopefully) True in a way, after my colon operation last year. All good - sofar!

Can you give me some comforting information and/or tips how to adapt more smoothly? Very much appreciated! Thanks!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Schnitzerl]

Firstly, well done on committing to C25K! It’s a great programme, and it works! When you mention tips on adapting, do you mean to the changing seasons? If this is the case, we in Europe are coming up to the best season for running - autumn! I love it! Cooler temperatures, beautiful autumn colours of the trees, and a clean smell in the air! In terms of clothing, layering is your friend. A sweat wicking longer sleeved t-shirt is great for cool mornings. I always get so hot though, and wear shorts and t-shirts right through to November!

Running in the dark is challenging, but I love the stillness of dark mornings. You just need to find a well lit area to run, and not wear headphones, and be aware of your surroundings. You should wear something reflective, or some lights, so you can be seen. NEVER run on icy pavements. I love winter running though, it is a real challenge!

Happy running!

Sadie-runs x