Morning rituals for the non-morning runner

Not everyone is a morning runner. If you’re one of those people who sets the alarm clock early but just can’t seem to get out for a run first thing, there are still things you can do to benefit your running even though you’re pounding the pavement later on. These things won’t take as long as a run but you’ll still feel productive first thing.

1. Yoga

Runners who also take the time to do a good yoga session a couple times a week praise its benefits. A simple 10 or 15-minute routine will feel like a great way to start the day and you’ll be paying more attention to your muscles than if you just stuck it in quickly at the end of a run. Don’t know where to start? Check out our video for some poses.

2. Walk to work (or part way)

Why? A recent study says that exposure to morning light lowers you BMI.  And for obvious reasons, a brisk walk is better than sitting still. So if you can manage to walk to work or partway there before hopping on city transit, go for it.

3. Use your wobble board

Spend a few minutes doing wobble board exercises to improve balance and strengthen ankles. You won’t work up a sweat doing it and it’s one of those things that’s so easy to neglect if you’ve done a run and feel like you’ve put in all of your work for the day.

4. Core routine

You can get a fairly well-rounded ab workout finished in eight minutes of intensity. Simply set a timer and do a different core exercise for each minute taking no breaks in between. As you get more fit, increase the time. A strong core goes a long way when you feel lazy mid-run.

5. Evaluate goals

During a workout, assessing goals and where you’re at with your training plan isn’t always exactly front in your mind. In the morning it’s quiet and your thinking is clear. That’s the perfect time to adjust goals or make new ones. You’ll be more in touch when you get to your run in the afternoon or evening.