Why I'm in love with 4:44am

Most of the people I know think I'm a little bit unhinged when they hear the time my alarm goes off on running mornings. I used to feel a little nauseous when I saw those numbers lit up in red too. However, after forcing myself out of bed and into the dark world for a few mornings in a row, I've learned to actually enjoy being one of the first people to experience the new day. 

Yes, sometimes I get a little skittish leaving my cosy warm apartment for the still dark world but once I'm out there and hear the first notes on my running playlist and feel my legs start to get reacquainted with the pavement, everything feels right. 

I like how fresh the air is first thing in the morning. I like how quiet the world is. I like being outside as the sky gets lighter, the stars disappear and the sun starts to show itself. Did you know that every sunrise is a little different? I like the silent comradery between me and other early morning insane people - Little nods of respect indicating an awareness that yes, you beat the sheets too.. 

Practically, I feel lighter in the morning. My eating sins from the night before are but a distant memory and there is something psychologically freeing knowing that this is a new day, a fresh day and a day that I have chosen to start off in the most healthy way possible.

I like how when I get back from my run and stretch and shower, I'm in control of my mood and how I choose to feel about things. I like how I'm inclined to eat a healthy breakfast to get the day off to a good start. I like how my clothes feel.. I always feel better in clothes the mornings I run. I like how I can feel my muscles twitch a bit throughout the day as they remember what I did to them before the day officially started. It's a good good feeling.

I went running last night after work and while strangely I found that I did have a few extra pockets of energy to pull from, I also felt heavier, sluggish and more like I was plodding along than sprinting around the park. I was tired and slow. Yes, I did get the chance to run away some stress and angst that had been building over the day but I also was very aware of all the food I'd eaten that day and too tired to muster up the energy to go just a little bit faster. Seeing as I'm sort of in "training" for the next 6 weeks.. I realise that at times I may have to run in the evenings and I will work hard to try to make the most of those runs and maybe I do need to give evening runs more of a chance but honestly.. the mornings are my magic time.

So yes, while it is difficult sometimes to pry myself from my warm bed, once I'm out in the world, just me, my music and my running shoes, it's almost always a guarantee for a good good morning.