Mornings are tough for me, and it’s much easier to hit the snooze button than get moving right away. While I know how important fitness is for health, finding the motivation to run can be challenging. Regular running, even at a slow pace, significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and it’s a simple, free activity that most of us can do. But the real challenge lies in getting started.
Reading about the benefits of running made me think, “I can totally do this!” It seemed as simple as taking a quick shower but with workout clothes on. However, my body didn’t cooperate as well as I’d hoped. I needed some creative tactics to fuel my runs and find my morning motivation.
After multiple snooze hits, I finally unwrapped myself from my cozy bed and hopped into the shower. This helped me wake up on Monday mornings, so I figured it would work for my morning runs too. Mornings are my only time to be active, so this had to work.
Once my hair was dry, I started waking up more. It was time to put on my new workout clothes and get serious about my fitness habit. The thing about forming a new habit is that you have to actually keep up with it.
The first week was tough. Waking up was half the battle, and getting out the door was the other half. There were always unexpected challenges, like kids waking up too early, breakfast mishaps, and misplaced keys. Life threw surprises my way constantly.
To make it easier to wake up, I moved my alarm clock across the room near the bathroom. When I turned it off, the shower was closer than my bed. I also used my phone to find some yoga stretches, which boosted my motivation more than the awkward high school gym ones.
However, bad workout clothes became an unexpected obstacle. Although workout clothes should be comfortable, some moisture-wicking ones felt more like wetsuits. My old workout clothes felt better suited for quick convenience store runs rather than serious fitness. So, I had to dress appropriately, fuel my body right, and tackle running head-on.
The first two weeks were the hardest, and I made some mistakes along the way. I developed a decent wake-up routine and got outside. The fresh air and solitude motivated me to run longer distances, but I still had to figure out my fueling strategy.
Eating a big meal after a run wasn’t ideal, and I learned not to eat a substantial meal right before heading out. Running on an empty stomach didn’t work for me either. Eating the right amount of carbs before a run became crucial. I found that 0.5 grams of carbs per pound of body weight times the duration of the run worked well. For example, at 180 pounds, I needed 90 grams of carbs for an hour-long run.
An easily digestible option for me was half a bagel with jam, but something still felt missing. Adding real fruit helped, but nuts became my go-to snack. They’re packed with complex carbs, break down slowly, and keep me fueled without feeling too full. Salted and roasted almonds became my favorite because they are nutritious, supporting both heart and bone health.
Whether eaten alone or in a salad, nuts kept me energized. Hydrating throughout the day was also essential. Developing and maintaining the running habit was challenging, but the energy boost and beautiful morning scenery made it worthwhile.
Finding the right snack and fueling strategy for your runs depends on individual needs. The carb equation helped me, but I didn’t always enjoy doing the math. I wanted to enjoy the sunrise and move my body, so experimenting with different strategies was key.
For me, nuts became the ultimate game-changer. They might not work for everyone—some might be allergic or simply not like them—but finding what works for you is important. Achieving your health goals, whether running-related or not, is an adventure. Experimentation is the best way to develop lifelong healthy habits.
