Now that I am back into full blown marathon training, getting up and running right away in the morning is crucial. I honestly don't want to run some of my speed workouts on the treadmill at nap time or have to run with the double stroller, so early mornings is my only option. 

Thankfully, I do love running early, but it is hard to get into that routine when you've been out of routine for a while.  There is something magical about running those early morning miles before the rest of the world wakes up and hearing the stillness of the morning.

And although it is magical, it is often hard. Especially when it is darker now and (if you are in the Midwest like me) cold in the mornings.

A couple things I've found helpful are

1. Start with 1-2 runs a week - if you've never run early in the mornings or are just getting back into it, don't pressure yourself into trying to run all of your weekly runs early right away. Ease into it by starting with a couple days a week and allowing your body to get used to it. Then, once you are comfortable, add more.

2. Lay everything out the night before - There is nothing more unmotivating than having to scrounge through your drawers in the dark for your gear and search through the house for your shoes. Having everything laid out (bonus points if you have your coffee/snacks/water etc. all ready too!) helps so much, especially because when you wake up you then visually see what you have planned and prepared for the night before. ALSO highly recommend @brooksrunning run visible gear for running during low light times of the day! Amazing stuff!

3. Charge the electronics - if you run with a watch and phone, make sure everything is charged and ready to go. It is so frustrating heading out the door and realizing that your watch is dead.

4. Go to bed early - this is obvious, but something I've struggled with the past 6 months or so (haha!). If you want to get up, make sure you get enough sleep so you can wake up!

5. Warm up before you run - before you head out the door, make sure to do some light dynamic stretches (think leg swings, lunges, etc.) and some foam rolling. Our bodies can naturally be more stiff and creaky in the am and warming up can help the run feel better and also help avoid injury! It doesn't take long and is super effective!

These five things really have helped me get out the door a  lot earlier than I have in a long time and I know they will help you too.