Shift your Mindset
Morning runs—or any runs for that matter—shouldn't be a burden. So instead of lamenting about your pre-dawn date with the pavement, meet it with a positive perspective.
"Don't think about how you have to run first thing in the morning," says Beal. "It's more that you get to run. Get rid of the negative thoughts. As silly as it seems, tell yourself, 'Wow, this is going to be great. I love getting up while most people are sleeping!' Your mind will believe it."
Get Your Zzz's
It may seem like a given, but getting up early is exponentially easier if you get a solid night's sleep. Shift your schedule so that you're still getting plenty of sleep despite your morning plans.
More: Why You Should Schedule Sleep
"Whatever time you want to get up, count 7 to 8 hours back and attempt to go to sleep at that time every night," suggests Beal. "I'm in bed most nights by 9 p.m. It makes getting up at 4:15 that much easier because I am still getting a full night's sleep."
Embrace the Morning
There's something pretty magical about the stillness and quiet that an early-morning run offers. So once you're out there, soak it up.
"I love seeing the stars and listening to the sounds of the birds chirping," says Beal. "There's a huge sense of satisfaction when I return home and have finished more miles than most people run before most of the rest of the world is even up."
Buddy Up
Don't go it alone: By planning to meet up with one of your running buddies or even a group, you'll be much less likely to bail.
"I didn't believe I could become a pre-dawn runner. It all seemed too dark, too cold, too early, too scary," says Beal. "Then I had a friend who drove to my house a couple of times a week for a month who helped me establish my early morning running habit. Plus, the miles pass faster if you have someone to talk to."
Track Your Runs
Stay motivated to run early by logging your efforts.
"Buy yourself a cheap wall calendar and mark off the days that you wake up to run. The more you see the on the calendar the more you'll want to do it," says Beal.
Above all? Stick with it so that morning runs become routine, like brushing your teeth. Says Beal, "Make it something you do right when you get up and there is no option not to do it."
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