Tag Archive for: running shoes

Make it to Your Morning Run with these 6 Tips

Get out the door for your morning run with this helpful advice

You hear that? That’s your alarm clock going off earlier than normal. Your schedule calls for an early morning run. Now the internal battle begins because your bed is so comfortable and you were really enjoying sleep. Every runner battles themselves in some way every morning. Use one or all six of these tips to make your morning run!

Runner gives two thumbs up during 2019 3M Half Marathon while listening to music. Runners can make their own playlist to help them get up in the morning for their morning run.

Make a playlist that you’ll give two thumbs up!

Create a playlist you love

If you listen to music, knowing you’ll jam during your morning run will help you get up. Set the playlist to coincide with the duration of your run or make a list and put it on shuffle. Singing along will help get you going and make the miles fly by. Need some song recommendations? Follow us on Twitter and check out our #WeLiketheSoundofThat campaign. We’re compiling the songs on this Spotify playlist!

Sleep in your running clothes

Simplify your morning routine and sleep in your running clothes. Take this a step further and put your running shoes and socks by the door. Pack everything you’ll need for the day if you don’t plan to come home after your run. Pro tip: before you get in bed make sure the clothes are clean and weren’t previously used on a run!

Go to bed early

Getting more sleep is a great way to wake up refreshed and ready for your morning run. It also helps get you in a daily rhythm. Wake up early, complete your run, have a great day, go to bed early, repeat. If you have trouble going to sleep try eating dinner earlier, watch your favorite show before you lay down, or read a book in bed. Try to avoid looking at any screens an hour before bed. 

Put your alarm out of reach

Place your alarm somewhere where you have to get out of bed to turn it off. This tactic gets your body moving and reduces the chances that you hit the snooze button. Put it next to your toothbrush, in the kitchen, or in your running shoes. Just make sure the alarm is set and the volume is loud enough to hear in the bedroom. Pro tip: if you use your phone, set your favorite song to go off when it’s time to get up.

Simplify your run

If you’ve just started running, start small and work your way up. Longer runs can seem daunting at first, increasing the chances you stay in bed. If you’ve just started running, alternate running and walking. Eventually, you’ll eliminate walking. You can also start out by running 15 minutes and increase your time on subsequent runs. Plan your route, know it, and make sure someone else knows the route. This increases your safety and provides benchmarks so you know how much running remains.

Reward yourself

Quite possibly our favorite tip for getting up early for a run! Your reward can be as simple as indulging on your favorite snack or as grand as a massage at the end of the month. Eventually, you’ll need to make the rewards more difficult to achieve. This will help you progress in your training and keep you from spending so much money.

Completing an early morning run gets your day started and knocks one more thing off your to-do list. Use one or all of our tips to jumpstart your morning. Is there a trick you use that we didn’t mention? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

5 Reasons Why You Should Run in the Rain

Don’t cancel your run because of the weather, run in the rain

There’s a rainstorm rolling into town just as you’re getting ready for your run. Don’t contemplate what you should do, run in the rain! Unless it’s a dangerous thunderstorm with lightning, you should continue with your plans. Make some adjustments to your route if needed, grab a rain jacket, and get ready to run in the rain! Need more of a nudge? Read the five reasons why you should run in the rain below!

Puddles on a trail. You could have the trail to yourself when you run in the rain.

Running in the rain could mean you have the trail to yourself!

Have fun

Remember when you were a kid and you always wanted to play in the rain? Well, this is the same! Running in the rain is fun. It’s different and something we don’t get to do every day. Your feet will get drenched so you might as well jump in the first few puddles you see. And then every puddle after that!

Build mental toughness

Running in the rain is fun, but it can be a challenge too. You might need to find a different route or adjust the type of run during your workout. Your clothes get soaked and are heavier. There might be chaffing. Once your socks and shoes are drenched they become heavier too. Your pace might be slower when running in the rain, but that’s to be expected with all the changes, puddle-jumping, and extra weight. It’ll make you tougher and more prepared for your next run.

Could have the trail or your route to yourself

Remember those busy days on the trail where it’s congested, you have to dodge people, and play chicken with cyclists because they’re trying to make a quick move? If you run in the rain you could have the trail all to yourself! Does your favorite route run against traffic? Just think, wide-open spaces on your favorite route. Less traffic, fewer people, more room for you to crush those miles!

Rain won’t hurt you

You might be sweet, but you’re not made of sugar and you won’t melt! You’ll be good to go as long as it’s a rainstorm with no lightning. Check the weather before you take off. Once it looks good, throw on your rain jacket and running hat and take off. 

Prepare for all conditions

You run hundreds of miles in preparation of race day. When you have the chance, you should prepare for all weather conditions on race day too. That’s why running in the rain is important, it will help you prepare for your race. You’ll be better off if you complete a long run or two in the rain. Learn what rain jacket you prefer, how wet clothes feel, what hat works best, what shoes give you the best traction, etc.

Don’t cancel your run just because it’s raining. There are too many benefits, from jumping in puddles to preparing for race day. Lace up your shoes, grab your rain jacket, and head out the door! Is there a reason why you run in the rain that we didn’t mention? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.