Sunrise Run Therapy

I went to bed last nice and set my internal alarm clock to get me up at 3:00 AM. I don't know why, but this always works for me. The last thing I'm thinking of when I doze off, besides trail running fantasies, is the time I need to get up. It has only failed me a couple of times, but never when it mattered. I have not used an alarm clock in over 12 years.

So anyway, I went to bed with the intention of getting up early and getting out the door by 4:00 for a slow early morning run. I didn't quite make that time, because of internet distractions; it was 4:20 by the time I got out the door. It was already warm, and I could tell from the dew on the cars, it was a little humid. This was the morning I transition to my summer running routine of sunrise running. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed running at this time of the day. I stayed at a comfortable pace and felt like I keep go for many more miles, but had to quit after an hour, it was a workday. Words fail me when I try describing how much better I feel in the mornings I have a run. I must do this more often, like at least two or three days a week.

Lately, I have been more focused on races, trying to schedule interval and tempo days, and meeting running buddies for group runs. While I like the diversity and social interaction of that type of training, it is these solo early mornings which made me a running addict. Taking my time, easy pace, letting my mind wander and enjoy the beauty of the beginning of the day which puts me in a great mood. The fabled runner's high is achieved. It would have only been better if I could have had another 30 minutes of running therapy this morning. Maybe next time I'll take the day off of work. I'll just call in and say I feel too good to come to work.