On being an early bird.

I'm behind AGAIN (big surprise) on getting my post done for this week. It's "that" time of year. Things are getting crazy with the kids' schedules...swim team, school, scouts...it's so busy right now. I'm so thankful that I have running to help maintain my sanity. This morning I hopped up at 5am to run some miles on the treadmill before the day started. While I was tired from a late night of scouts, I was glad to get up early and get my run in. People are always incredulous when they hear how early I get up to run. Many think I'm a nut-job. They'll ask me, "How in the world can you stand to wake up so early?!" I always reply, "If I don't, my run won't happen!"

I've tried to run in the afternoons. Most days I have about an hour and a half window between when I get off work and when I need to pick my kids up, and it's just enough to squeeze a run in if I don't mess around. But. It's always a but. But, I need to run to the grocery. But, I need to pick up dog food. But, I need to go grab something the kids need for school. But, but, but.

Once the kids are home, the "I needs" start. I need a snack. I need help with my homework. I need you to print something for me. I need a bandaid. Don't get me wrong, I love the I needs. One day they won't need me so much anymore.

After all the buts and I needs, it's time for the "gotta goes." Gotta go to practice, gotta go to scouts, gotta go to some school event or meeting. Oh, and somewhere in there, dinner has to be squeezed in. By the time all that stuff is done, I am just tired! I've tried running at night, but my evening runs always seem to feel sluggish, like I am trying to coax too much out of my tired body.

So although it is sometimes hard to shake the groggy, early morning fog from between my ears, getting up early to run is a blessing. That quiet time in the morning is all mine. I am still full of energy and I get even more energized on the run. I can clear my head and breath deeply before I plunge into the chaos of the day. It's my calm before the storm. How in the world can I stand to wake up so early? How in the world could I not? 

What time of day do you prefer to run? And how do you make time for your runs?