Zero Six Hundred*
Posted By Kristabella on June 27, 2012
Tuesday morning was the very first time in my entire 34 1/2 years on this planet that I got up early to go work out. I’d like to say I’m surprised it took this long, but really, I never thought it would happen ever in my life. I love sleep. So, so much.
Recently I wrote about how I haven’t been working out or running at all and that I needed to get back in the habit. My biggest excuse these days is that it is hot and I’m tired. And honestly, walking home from the bus after an hour-long sweaty commute does not make me want to, by choice, go sweat more. It makes me want to drink cold beverages and eat ice cream.
I decided last week that I would give working out in the AM a try. And by that, I mean that last Thursday I told myself I would attempt it come this Monday. I gave myself plenty of buffer days to get used to this horrible idea of forgoing sleep.
I asked her about her routine, since she a) lives in a way hotter climate and b) runs way farther than I do. My main concern was thinking I needed to eat and drink a lot before going out, which would mean getting up even EARLIER. And let’s face facts here people, that is even less likely. Also, I’m not hungry in the mornings.
She said she was fine as long as it wasn’t a long run. Since I don’t do long runs, I figured I could skip eating unless I was starving. I told myself I’d get up and have some water before leaving, just to help hydrate. And I would plan to bring my water bottle with me so I didn’t pass out.
My second issue is actually physically getting up out of bed. My brain, hoo boy, it’s a smart one. If the alarm goes off at an odd time, it knows. It knows that technically, we could sleep another hour or so. So brain controls the hand to hit the snooze button and there you go. This is what happened Monday morning.
I decided I needed some sort of alarm that would force me to get out of bed to shut it off. Once I’m out of bed, I mean, come on, even I can’t make an excuse to go back to bed. I mean, I can, but it is a lot harder.
The problem is that I like to have my phone next to me at night. It’s a safety blanket of sorts. I know someone could reach me in an emergency and also I would have my phone close in a burglar type of emergency. So the idea of setting the alarm on my phone in another room didn’t sound so good.
I compromised with my brain. I plugged it in on the other side of the bedroom, far enough away from the reach of my giant monkey arms so that I would have to get up to turn it off. And I turned it on the most obnoxious ring tone.
On Monday night I also set out my water bottle, my keys, my clothes and my shoes. NO EXCUSES. It was going to happen. Even if it killed me or I ended up sleeping at my desk later in the afternoon.
Tuesday morning rolled around and alarm one went off. I hit snooze. But then 10 minutes later (I did that in an attempt to wake brain up and fool him) the phone alarm went off. It was faint at first, trying to be heard over the AC and my nightstand fan. But finally it was loud and annoying and enough to get me out of bed.
SUCCESS! It worked! I was up! I brushed my teeth, put in my contacts and got dressed to run! I even left the house and actually went for a run in the park! WHO KNEW?
I get it now, all you morning exercisers. I totally get it. It was so awesome to come home at 7 AM and be done with my workout for the whole day! And be awake and ready to face the day! It was empowering! It made me feel really good. One morning and I’m a convert!
Well, sort of. Because then Wednesday morning rolled around and I did all the same things. Except I had a horrible night’s sleep and was up for two hours at 3 AM and was exhausted. I actually got out of bed, turned off the phone alarm, stood for a few minutes and decided it was better for my sanity to go back to bed. My body needed the rest. And that was OK.
Because I KNOW I can do it. This is something I never thought I could do. Granted it is easier in the summer when it is light in the mornings, but what a good time to start the habit, right? So Thursday morning, I’m going to get up and go outside and exercise. I’ll either go for another jog, go for a brisk walk or hell! I can even go to the gym.
It’s like this whole new world has been opened to me! I love it!
*That’s what time I’m getting up. It’s not even EARLY.
About the author
Isn’t it a great feeling? And yes, you are a bit tired but that mental boost of feeling great about yourself, plus the endorphins really do help get through the day. And I’ve found that it’s easier for me to go to bed early on the nights before I run. It’s just a matter of making it a habit.
Proud of you!
donna´s last blog post ..Tapped Out
Isn’t working out in the morning the best?! I mainly do yoga so I unfortunately have to wait for a class-which means early evening. But if they had morning classes I would totally do them. You’re right, it is the best feeling going to work and knowing that when you go home you don’t have to even think about working out.
sensibly sassy´s last blog post ..A List of Things I Like
Okay, no offense, but if you can get up and work out before work I certainly can! Ugh. Mornings are the worst, though.
Erin´s last blog post ..Hidden Temple in the City
If I would quit going to bed a 2am, I would probably be able to get up early to work out.
Awesome job!
I was just thinking the other day that I should start getting up at six and going for my walk (I’m not quite up to jogging yet. And may never be…) because it’s too damn hot once the sun gets up. See? Not only are you getting up to exercise, but you’re being an inspiration! To some stranger in Canada! WOOT!
Skwishee´s last blog post ..Summertime, and the Livin’ is Easy.
Welcome to THE DARK SIDE. Its awesome. The most awesomest part is the smug factor. No matter what, you have done more than the guy who sites next to you. Even if you have a less than productive day, it’s still more.
Julia´s last blog post ..This is SO True at Our House
Yay, you! My boot camp moves to mornings for the summer and I LOVE it. My workout is over with before the day even begins.
The only downside is that then I’m STARVING all day. 🙂
Angella´s last blog post ..Endings and Beginnings
Living in suburbia where everything is a 15-minute drive forced me to sleep in my workout clothes. My husband found it a little less than sexy, so I stopped. For him. Because I care. And because it’s still dark at 5:30am.
Terry Griffith´s last blog post ..and that’s how hard it was
Wait a minute. You brushed your TEETH?! Pre-run?! WHHHHHHHHHY?
But good for you!! I wish I had the get up and go to run before work. My excuse at the moment is that it’s cold, and wintery. I do prefer to exercise in the morning though – gets it all out of the way and you feel amazing for the day!
Keep it up! Once it’s habit, you’re away!
Bronnie´s last blog post ..Spoilt
Morning workouts are the best! You feel so good and so much smarter than the rest of the world. 😉 Yay for you. And the longer you do it the easier it gets. Your body really does get used to going to bed earlier and waking up earlier – it just takes a few weeks of consistency to get there.
Good for you!!! I work out every morning – usually, I am up between 5:15 and 5:45 to do it and it SUCKS every day. But after it is over, I am home-free for the rest of the day! And that part I love. I also needed to trick myself with moving my alarm because I was “accidentally” shutting it off….in my “sleep.” lol!!!