With school back in session (or soon enough) and sunshine-y hours getting shorter by the day, it becomes especially critical to get up and get your run done. Even when it means setting an alarm earlier than when the sun shows its face. 

For crowd-source suggestions, we asked on Facebook how to morph into a morning runner. It’s no surprise we got great advice—it was our top-performing post of the month! For inspo, here’s a sampling of responses. 

A dog is an instant alarm clock telling you it’s go time

“My alarm is set for 4 a.m. every morning…. And I’m out the door by 4:30-ish. It’s so hard in the beginning, but once you get used to the routine, you will fall in love with that time of the day: the star-covered still night sky, that turns into an amazing sunrise, while pounding pavement on cooler, quiet streets. There’s nothing like it.” —Heather

“Sleep in running clothes with shoes and running belt laid out the night before. Strong coffee and early bedtimes help! Start listening to upbeat music while you make the coffee to set the mood. 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️ ☕️. No snooze button, and keep the routine even on the weekends!” —Kate

“Start slowly. Wake up 10 minutes earlier than you usually do. Do a quick workout. Then build your way up to waking up as early as needed to get your full workout in.” —Kelsie

“I set my alarm AND my intentions the night before. Everything is laid out to wear, water bottle filled and chilling. I approach it like any other commitment—reminding myself I am going to get up, get ready, and be on the road (or treadmill) by ____ a.m.” —Mary

“Gamify it. See how many days in a row you can go without pressing snooze. I did this on December 1, 2016, and I’ve never looked back.” —Mary

“Make sure you start the night before! I try to make up my hydration and put it in the fridge so I don’t wake up kids with an ice maker or open cabinets. I also plan my workout—and make sure the coffee is set. I need to be awake for at least 30 minutes pre-workout for coffee and brain wake-up time.” —Paige

“Start slowly with one or two mornings per week. As you become accustomed to those days, add more until you have a solid routine.” —April

“Think with your feet! Your head will lie to you (you are too tired; you ran yesterday; you can run later, etc.). Don’t make a decision about not running until you have taken enough steps to really discern if staying in bed is truly a good idea (because sometimes it is!).” —Natalie

“For me, no screentime about an hour before bed is critical—I fall asleep and wake up way more easily. Journal, read, stretch, meditate, bath. Anything without a screen is the best!” –Carolyn

“HAVE A RUNNING PARTNER!! The thought of stranding up my bestie at our 5:15 a.m. meeting spot gets me out of bed every time!” —Joan

“Run with a dog: They’re a very insistent alarm clock after the first couple morning outings.” —Beth

“If you live in a major city, chances are there’s a running club that meets at o’dark thirty.” —Catherine [e.g. She Runs This Town or November Project]

“Drink more water. Dehydration makes me feel sleepy in the morning, and I don’t want to wake up. Plus I’ll have to get up to use the loo.” —Rachel

The sunrise is always worth it

“I tell myself I can take a nap later, which often helps me overpower the tired part of getting up. I only end up taking a nap 25% of the time or less, but it helps knowing I’m giving myself permission to do it!” —Emma

“Remind yourself why your alarm is going off so early. On days I don’t feel motivated, I just remind myself I’m gonna be mad later when I can’t get in the run I want.” —Emily 

“Prep the night before and just do it. After a week or two you are addicted to the early AM endorphins, and it gets easier.” —Melissa

Want more tips for fitting in your workouts? Be sure to tune in to today’s AMR podcast episode!