Here’s how you can pry yourself away from the comfort of your bed
Waking up at 5 am for an 8km run sounds insane, but we did just that with Westin Hotels and Resorts for their Global Running Day 2017 celebration, which took place on June 7. To make it that much easier, the hotel also launched its program, where guests can loan New Balance shoes and apparel for a fee. So, no more excuses!
Westin might be doing its part to get you fit, but what can you do to make sure you wake up at 5 am? Alex Au-Yong, the founder of XtraMile Day, faced the same challenge when he started his running journey. Over the years, the 39-year-old runner has found five perfect ways of ensuring he remains committed to rising before the sun. If you are facing the same problem, here’s what you can do.
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
“Watch motivational videos the night before to hype yourself up for a run the next day,” advises Yong. Also, set your mind to it before you sleep by telling yourself that the training is important for your upcoming race.
2. Lay Out Your Running Gear The Night Before
…Or wear them to sleep, according to Yong. “Make that energy around you where you are ready and prepared to prepare. Give yourself no excuse to not get up and run,” he says. Also, don’t dawdle; get yourself on the track as soon as you can.
3. Fuel Up Properly
“The primary thing that I do when I awaken is to get an espresso as that siphons me up,” Yong says. Or have a banana and Milo, as they’re easy to digest. He recommends a potato bun if you don’t have bananas. Also, don’t eat too much the night before, as it will make your stomach bloat, making it harder for you to get up and run the following morning.
4. Adjust Your Body Clock Progressively
Don’t go out drinking the night before an early morning run. Reset your body clock by going to bed and waking up early a few nights before, advises Yong. Running with a group works too. “That way, you can motivate each other and adopt a proper sleeping and waking pattern,” he adds.
5. Embrace It
Psych yourself up.
“The possibility of running with my companions and eating with them subsequently truly energizes me. You should look forward to it as something fun so it’s easier to get up in the morning,” he says.
