The difference between running at 5:00 PM and 5:00 AM was like night and day!!! On Tuesday I could barely move. I felt heavy and my stomach was full.
Today I raced like the wind!
I set my alarm for 4:45 so I could be out the door at 5 (or just after 🙂 )
It was a great run. Great temps. My body felt well rested and my stomach was empty and light!
Splits:
- 8:34
- 8:17 ( <– money shot)
- 8:32
- 8:40
4.36 mi in 37:03 // 8:30 mi pace
Me saying "WHEW!"
Getting up at 4:45 wasn’t hard at all because I was in bed reading at 8:45 last night. Body clock people!
I don’t run alone in the dark often. I have 3 rules:
- Don’t tell anyone (especially a blog on the internet!) you’re going in advance
- Never run in isolated areas – only neighborhoods where sleeping people could hear you scream
- Don’t make a habit of it so that no one notices a pattern and expects you at a certain time/place
My last morning ever having a garden breakfast by myself!!! 😥
I prepared a 2 minute big hunk of Dakota bread (probably ~250 calories if you’re wondering) and topped it with half a mashed banana (for the sweet gleam!) and 3 small tsp of delicious: Lingonberry, Biscoff, Marathona Dark Choco Almond, Nat Nutty Cinna Vanilla Sunflower
Seeds on the bottom!
Plus a small peach. Was a great breakfast!!
I decided to go all out on coffee since I don’t have to clean the French press before work now that the house is off the market
Heated my soy milk first just like you guys told me to
Poured…
No curdles!!! This didn’t work with Costco’s soy milk, but this is Harris Teeter’s and it worked great!
Soon as I’m done sipping coffee, I’m off to work.
My parents are coming tonight!!!
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies says
That breakfast looks amazinggg. Maranatha DC is probably my favorite kind of nut butter… period. It’s addicting!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
I’d never have thought not to post an early morning run on the blog, but you’re right- better safe than sorry! Great run- you’re speedy 🙂
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
That bread looks so awesome! Glad you got to fit in a run…have fun with your parents!
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
4.45 – amazing! Was it still dark out?
I agree with anna – totally awesome looking breakfast!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I love morning workouts! I get up at 445 too. So much better than the evenings!
Marina says
I love working out in the morning too, but never too early. I’m too scared for that 🙂
yummy looking breakfast, specially that peach. My peach that I was saving for this morning was rotten 🙁
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I can’t believe this is your last garden breakfast 🙁 My how time flies!
Have a wonderful day 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Great tips on the run! Breakfast looks delicious! I hope you have a great day. Don’t let the lasts get you down. There will be a lot of them and if you are anything like me, it will be hard not to think about all of them! Keep your chin up!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
Thanks for the soy milk trick! I’ve wondered why soy milk curdles. Almond milk curdles too. does anyone know if the same pre-heating trick works for Almond milk?
Teacherwoman says
Nice job on the early morning run!
Simply Life says
That’s so impressive that you were running by 5am!
perry says
… I can see the not posting–given that the web can be a little… creepy. But, it doesn’t seem like something to be too worried about, either. I used to live in LA, at the edge of a “badder” area–and it’s just a matter of being aware of your surroundings, yeah? Esp. running–how many of the terminally unpleasant have ever run a sub-eight? 😉
Courtney @ Three Months says
I love that coffee mug – it’s so cute!
Have fun with your parents this weekend!!
Whitney says
I went out for a 5 am run this morning too!! Definitely agree with the tips!! Have a great weekend 🙂
Diana says
Perry,
I have to disagree. I live in a relatively nice suburb and a woman in her 40s was recently grabbed by a man walking down the street who attempted to rape her at 5:30am. Luckily she was able to fight him off, but the “it wont happen to me” attitude isn’t safe. I personally no longer run alone in the early morning, I always find a friend to join me. I don’t want anyone telling me “I told you so”
maria @ Chasing the Now says
All of those are REALLY smart tips! Even if you don’t run early or late, they are all applicable when exercising outside alone!
Sabina says
Thanks for providing your tips on early morning, solo runs. They are incredibly important to keep in mind and the more people that know them, the better. 🙂
Danielle (Runs on Green) says
Those are good tips for running in the dark! Heck, I get scared running in the day sometimes (creepy people slowing down in their cars…)
That’s exciting that the rents are coming!
Eileen says
Beautiful looking breakfast!
I agree with your safety advice. I can’t always run at the most convenient times, but wouldn’t give it up for the world. So, I try to use my common sense and hope for the best.
Jocelyn@JocelynEatsFresh says
Sounds like a great run! (great saftey tips as well!) And yummy bfast..I love peaches 🙂
Jen says
Totally agree that am runs > pm runs in the summer! Love the safety tips, too.
Enjoy your last day at home!
Anna says
Wow, I am just the opposite. I have zero energy in the AM for runs but come 5 PM I am SO fired up!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Great run! And I follow those same rules (especially the not following a pattern one…someone who taught self defense once told me this as well.)
Your breakfast looks delicious and I’m glad you didn’t experience any soy curdles this morning. 😉
Jenny (Moonwalk the Miles) says
That is GREAT advice about not pre-posting early-morning runs on a blog…and not something I’d think to do, as a new blogger. Thanks!
I’m sure you’ve discussed this on your blog before, but do you eat anything before these short runs? I typically do, but I’m curious about others’ routines. Anyway, thanks for your great blog!
Kath says
When I get-up-and-go at 5AM I dont’ eat anything. It’s almost too early for hunger? But when I run at 7-8am I do often have a half banana or swig of juice. I usually let you know though!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i agree with the advice on running in the dark, but i’ve always just been too scared the times i do it anyway to make it a regular-ish practice! i find myself looking around worriedly the whole time rather than enjoying the run!
i’m so glad it went well for you though! hurray for the parents coming in tonight!
The Rabbit Runner says
those are really smart tips for being safe!! Especially the not telling the blog world.
delicious breakfast 🙂
Angie says
Hi Kath! I’ve been reading your blog for over a month now, and I decided to finally comment, even though your posts have been awesome from the get-go! I absolutely love your daily dose of healthy inspiration and cheeriness. And by the way, your breakfast sounds delicious– I might have to try something similar for an afternoon snack. 🙂
Kath says
Thanks for your comment!
Brittany @ A Healthy Slice of Life says
An oat free breakfast?? I’m a relatively new reader, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this from you! 🙂
Kath says
Oats are the best!
Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) says
great tips for running! i usually run alone so i’ll definitely remember those 🙂
Samantha says
You’re so dang cute:)
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Good tips! I use to run in the mornings before the sun came up on the road. Looking back, it was pretty unsafe cause it was lined the woods most of the way, there were no sidewalks, people didnt always move over for you, and there were only a few street lights…yeah…don’t do THAT anymore!
Alison says
omigoshh how do you wake up so early to run? i feel like if i don’t eat something before i workout, i get all lightheaded. you’re a champ!
Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
Great tips for early morning running.
Ashley@thehungryscholar says
Cute coffee mug!
I try not to run alone in the dark on college campuses (where I’ll be for the rest of my life) …boo bad people.
Angela (ohsheglows) says
I think this is my favourite breakfast you have EVER made!!! Im drooling here.
Great run! I admit I am too scared to run in the dark…even with my pepper spray!
Hannah says
I’m sure you’ll have a garden of your own to breakfast again in soon!! And who knows, maybe one with lots of fruits and veggies growing in it to make breakfast from too! 😀
Michelle says
Good points about running in the dark! I’ve been considering getting up early and running in the morning, since it’s so hot here by the afternoon that my energy is zapped, but that would mean I’d be running in the dark. Thankfully the neighborhood directly around where I live is relatively safe!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
I love to run the the morning but my bowels DO NOT 🙁
Amanda @ Cakes and Ale says
I do love soy milk in coffee. We should ask Starbucks what they do to add soy to their beverages! I always get a soy misto there and it never curdles… maybe because they steam it first?
The Wife of a Dairyman says
Isn’t it funny how our bodies are ‘on’ one day and ‘slightly off’ the next when it comes to running? Love the looks of that Dakota bread!
Kerri says
Yeah, it is weird how sometimes a run can feel so good and other times it is like your legs are stone. Yay for soy milk in all beverages!
Ashley says
Aww, I hope you enjoyed your last garden breakfast!!! How crazy! I need to buy some of that Dakota bread and hopefully this time our dog Dakota won’t eat it all!!
Cassie @ Tasteful Tales says
Morning workouts are the way to go!
Andrea @ Sweet N Green says
I follow those same rules when I’m running alone. Never gone on a run at 4:45 AM though, that is just brutal! ha ha Hope you have a fun evening with your parents! 🙂
Jess says
Enjoy your parents company (and moving help! 😉 Hope the next couple of days go smoothly for ya!
Callie says
Is it just me, or do I always see you eating oats for breakfast?
But that bread does look pretty good. 🙂
Have fun with your parents!
Joanne says
Good run, Kath. I love early morning running. Everything is fresh and you don’t have to suck in a lot of car exhaust. As for the tips – right on. Running with a big dog helps too. 🙂
Wonder why the heated soy milk worked with one brand and not the other?
Elaine @ Om Sweet Om says
You DO run like a wind girl! I can’t even reach a 9 min/mile pace…yet!
That looks like a FANTABULOUS breakfast 😀 The bread sure looks hearty and wholesome!
Wei-Wei says
I love how you included so many different spreads on the bread! It’s a great way to get variety without too much prep. I wish we had that many spreads in our house 🙁 Sadly, it’s back to Skippy PB for me again. Yuck!
Wei-Wei
Alyssa says
I love morning runs outside! Unfortunately, seeing as I am always pressed for time, I feel constrained to the treadmill 🙁
My hubby and I loooove dakota bread! However, we eat GF dakota bread from Great Harvest Bread Company. They have GF days Tues and Thurs. Not sure if you have one near you, but they are fabulous!
~Alyssa
Nicole, RD says
Smart running tips! And awesome splits! Have fun with the ‘rents!
Dawn Hutchins says
I’m the same way about running in the dark and where I live it’s DARK. Lots of old oak trees. Your breakfast looks like it was amazing. I have been taking my breakfasts out to the back porch, no TV, no paper, no magazine, and really pay attention and savor every bite!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
That’s really good that you posted your safety tips! I also have pepper spray that is attached to my key chain, which makes me feel safer when I walk alone. There’s this one guy in a residential neighborhood where I walk who creeps me out to no end! He’s always dragging a cooler behind him and looks a bit crazed and won’t stop staring at me . . . even when my boyfriend is walking a few paces behind! I’ve figured out that I only see him if I walk at 7 PM, so I walk at different times now.
Evelyn @ cheers2healthy says
I know what you mean about the huge difference between night and morning running! But I think I start transitioning. I used to love night running but I think I prefer morning running now. Strange life?
Amber K says
What a yummy looking breakfast! I couldn’t work out without eating and using the restroom first, but coming back to that for lunch would be awesome.
maxinthegym says
I love running in the morning! I wish my school’s track workouts were at 6 AM instead of 3 PM! I think the heat (in the Philippines) makes such a difference! And I know what you mean about feeling empty and light 🙂 I feel the exact same way when I run in the morning and I love it!
Misty says
What is Dakota bread? it looks sooo yummy! great blog btw!
Kath says
Made by Great Harvest with millet, sunflower and pumpkin seeds 🙂
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
happy last garden breakfast!
i would love it if you’d post more “internet safety” things – like when you mentioned not talking about announcing going running beforehand. these are things i don’t think about sometimes.
Marissa says
We’re opposites! I always give my best runs late in the afternoon. In the mornings I feel so sleepy and unfocused. In the afternoons I’m really motivated (because I’ve been looking forward to it all day) and can really bang it out! Just goes to show you how different two different bodies can be, I guess.
Jen says
Great tips about running alone in the dark, however, I noticed a HUGE no-no that you did. Running with an iPod (especially when you’re along in the dark) is a major personal safety hazard. You wouldn’t hear someone approaching you from behind. Something to think about. I run pre-5am most days of the week and I never run with music. Congrats on your splits!
s says
great tips for early morning running. for me when i go running tho i like to have someone know i’m out on a run in case something happens. i also take my cell phone.
Lisa says
That breakfast looks delicious. I love how you loaded so many kinds of toppings onto one hunk of bread. I often find it hard to choose just one nut butter or jam, so that’s a good solution.