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Stress and Exercise

I know for a lot of people Exercise (especially running) has been an awesome stress reducer and I am in total agreement on this.  However; I can't seem to tell my body that when I am trying to get out of bed.  My body thinks that sleep is the best stress reducer.  I work out at 5am so it is dark and cozy in my bedroom and my body likes it that way...:)  I've even had conversations with myself about getting out of bed...mentally running through how easy it would be to get dressed, grab some water and go downstairs...if I go, I can watch XYZ on DVR :)  I think I might be going a little crazy?  Anyone else deal with this...please say yes and tell me I am normal.

I did 2.3 miles this morning and feel great.  I am relaxed and ready to face the day.  I would like to take a snapshot in my mind now that my body can register on those days I am trying to talk myself out of it. 

How do you get yourselves motivated?  Anyone else do workouts super early (it is the only consistent way I can find time and desire to actually get in the workout)?

Also, check out the 500 Mile Challenge comment board.  We are thinking about doing a Virtual 5k where we would pick a date and then all post our times.  The "winner" would get bragging rights.  I am not that fast, but it would be interesting for me to see how everyone's times play out.  We are all in different stages of running, but for the most part I think most of us are just short of a year into running (or just getting ready to pass the 1 year mark). 

Happy Running!

Comments

C. Beth said…
I run early, but not THAT early. :) I'm kind of compulsive about getting in my runs. Lately it's been more of a struggle to allow myself to cut down on miles when my body is telling me to stop.

I think I'd have a harder time with motivation if I had to get up at 5. But when I can't get up, I try to do my run at night instead.
10/9/10, 1:11 PM
Unknown said…
Ashli...I can't get out of bed. I've never been a morning person and can't imagine it's going to change. I actually like working out in the am if I can, but I also do not mind a good old 8:30 pm workout after my kids are in bed. Most people don't get it how I can do it so late, but it doesn't bother me...kinda clears my head of the day and then gets me relaxed for bed. I wish I could tell you how to motivate yourself to get up at 5 am, but I have NO clue! Good luck! Keep on going!
10/10/10, 7:56 PM
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