As I have mentioned before, my husband leaves at 5am to head off to work. My parents were with us for 2 weeks, so I got a little reprieve from running too early. But my Marathon Training Plan (MTP from here on out) called for 6 miles today. How am I going to get 6 miles in?
I thought maybe I could split the run up, but it was only 6 miles. I could run it in the evening when the sun goes down, but running energizes me so I wouldn't fall asleep until well after 11pm as in the past. I could get a sitter to come - earliest would be 9am and try to run 6 miles in the DC/MD July heat and humidity, but that is just insane.
So, I set my alarm for 3:30 and got dressed (had to set everything out the night before or I would have totally not been able to match - does it matter if you match if you run in the dark) and headed out.
You would be surprised how many people are awake or at least have lights on in their house at 3:45 am - 34 houses - I counted. I passed two people walking their dog, but it may have been 4:30 by then. I passed 26 deer... yes, I counted them too. No, they were not together. I did not see more than 3 together... but I did pass (or they passed me) 26 deer. I've made friends with the newspaper delivery chic (mainly so she doesn't run me over in her little car)... she is up that early - doesn't start until about 4:15 though. I get to count how many street lights are out - 7 this morning, 6 yesterday. There is virtually no noise, so I really concentrate on my breathing and step. I am learning how to be a stealth runner. So, there are benefits to running early.
I arrive home just before Lyle was ready to leave. We chatted a little bit. He asked how I did... probably just to make conversation... as I towelled off. I finished 6 miles in 56:54. My splits were: 9:38, 9:23, 9:28, 9:31 (big hill), 9:13 (flat), 9:33.
He left, I took the dog out, fed her and decided to strip and get back into bed. Yes, I was still sweaty... but I did change the sheets. Dolce, the dog, joined me and we slept until 7:30 am when my children begged, "Are you ever going to get up?" Little did they know that I had gotten up. It is harder to get up the second time. Too bad my son's camp and my work called - so I had to get up. Hopped in the shower - stretched as I shaved my legs and got ready to start my day for the second time.
I have gotten advice from my Facebook family (BTW: friend me on FB if you want: Jennifer Farren Green - just let me know my blog sent you) to get a sitter or switch days with another running friend. But all of my running friends are not morning people or their husbands do not leave until 7 or 8 am. I have to figure it out though because my miles are going to get longer and longer as I get further into my MTP... And even I think getting up before 3:30 would be INSANE!!!!!
14 comments:
Hello! I recently had a similar dilemma due to my work schedule. I don't think it's crazy as long as the rest of your schedule can accomodate it (like making sure you do get enough rest). I couldn't do quite that early so I adjusted my work schedule slightly to make it 4:30-5:00ish as the start time which is more reasonable (for me).
I give you huge props for getting up that early and fitting in the run....did have a laugh at the 26 deer... : )
Totally awesome that you got up that early to run! Great job!
I had the same situation in my last marathon training session. Had to work Saturday mornings at 8, so getting a 20 miler in meant getting up at 3:30.
Keep up the good work!
Crazy? No. Dedicated? Yes! As long as you are getting to bed early enough to avoid getting sick or burning out from lack of sleep. How many days per week are you getting up at this time?
For the last two weeks I have made it a habit to start running by 5AM... it's not as early as you, but I have been tempted to crawl back in bed when I get home!
Running a marathon is crazy anyways! You gotta do what ya gotta do :) Good for you for getting in your run!
I agree with the last commenter. GOod for you for working it out.
I hope you find a solution though that allows you to sleep till at least 5:00 or so.
i guess its not crazy..as long as its safe! you gotta get those runs in! Thats why most ppl will never run a marathon. because they can't **make** the time like we can! way to go!! Thats what its all about!
this is awesome. the earliest i can go is 530, but that is mostly because i am a chicken to go out that early. i am training for a marathon as well and when you have to get the miles in, you have to get the miles in.
Okay, so I'm curious... you said you couldn't run in the evenings because it wakes you up too much and you can't go to sleep until after 11:00. But after you ran you came back home and slept until 7:30. Wouldn't you feel better to run in the evenings and go to bed at 11 or 12 and sleep uninterupted until 7:30?
Yes, as long as it is safe, no worries, not insane.
Running energizes me as well, and I would have a hard time running 6 miles in the evening and get to bed a t a decent time. But, running at 3:30am? not so much! LOL. Just be careful, girl!
If it works for you - then it is not crazy. But as you said - as your distances get longer you will probably need to figure something else out. I agree that you need to make sure that you are still able to get adequate rest with this unique schedule. Would you have believed it - a couple of years ago, if someone had told you that you would be getting up at 3:30 to run. Way to go!
Not crazy at all - just dedicated. Totally agree about running in the evening. It energizes me at well and then I lie in bed for hours trying to sleep. So frustrating. Especially when I know my daughter is going to be up bright and early.
Good for you for making it work.
I am awake at 3:30 most mornings. So I would say no, it's not crazy. It's so dang hot here in AZ that going before the sun comes up is just smart. 95 yesterday at 4:30 am
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