Rise and run
Photos Chartoff-Winkler Productions
Words Matthieu Rohm
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Everything you need to know to become an early morning runner.
It’s 5:55am and the alarm clock wakes you up like a punch in the face. Brutal but necessary. You get up in a hurry, still half asleep. Don’t panic: it’s just time for your first weekly morning run. It won’t be your last though, as you’ll soon discover how addictive these early morning sessions really are.
You’re back home 45 minutes later. Take some time to stretch before indulging in the morning’s pleasures: a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast.
Why run at dawn?
There are multiple benefits to running early and on an empty stomach.
First off, from a physiological point of view, running on an empty stomach is the best way to lose weight. With your brain absorbing carbs during your sleep, your body is left with no choice but to burn lipids as soon as you start exercising.
And so, regular runners increase their physical fitness and improve their stamina. Early morning running is very popular among amateur and professional athletes, and rightly so. It is often part of the preparation for long and difficult races such as marathons or trails. Mathieu Le Maux, GQ France’s sport editor is one of the many runners who have switched to a morning routine to prepare for an upcoming marathon.
What’s more, the endorphin you produce as soon as you start exercising - and sometimes up until one hour after you’ve finished - will ensure you are in top shape and great mood to take on all the challenges of the workday. Morning runs will also reward you with plenty of free time in the evenings to engage in other (social) activities which you will no longer have to turn down because you have to go and train.
Last but not least, as anyone living in an urban environment can confirm, dawn is the best time to explore the city, when everything is still calm, before the daily bustle and its heavy flow of traffic begin. Your lungs will appreciate your effort, as urban pollution is at its lowest between 6am and 8am.
Go slow
If you feel ready, here’s some advice to help you get started.
Don’t start jogging at dawn if you’ve never run before. We recommend training a few times at more reasonable hours before switching to an earlier timeslot. To get a feel for the early morning sessions, start with running approximately 20 minutes, and never go over 50 minutes, even if you’re a seasoned runner. Choose the most suitable day for you to get up early, whether during the week or on the weekend. Be careful not to go over the top though, 2 sessions a week should be more than enough. One session is fine, too, and you’ll avoid getting injured.
As always remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session. Don’t forget to bring some water and a cereal bar with you to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low.
Your session should simply consist in running at your regular endurance pace. Stay away from interval training and intensive efforts which would require too much energy and would lead to acute fatigue, among other things. The aim of these morning sessions isn’t to beat your 10km speed record. In all cases, pay attention to the signals your body is sending you and know your limits. Don’t be embarrassed to stop and walk back home if you’re feeling out of sorts.
Rest and relaxation
Training at dawn is a great habit, but definitely doesn’t mean you should make it to the office still sweaty from your effort. After early morning sessions, give your hair and skin a good clean. Use our Exfoliating Soap Bar before you shower to remove all dry skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. Then jump into the shower - which the bravest among you will take cold - and let our Italian Bergamot & Peppermint refresh and revive you after your session. Wash your hair with your usual shampoo. Apply some moisturizer to your skin to keep it hydrated before you set off. You’re now ready to start your workday.
No more excuses, you’re ready to start tomorrow!