Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Morning Running: The Accountability Factor

I try not to make a habit of talking to inanimate objects, but this morning when my alarm went off I couldn’t control the Noooooooo…shhhhhhhhhh…I’m still sleepy!!! that came out of my mouth. Impervious to my pathetic pleas, the relentless chirp-chirping continued until I finally gave in. Oooooook, okokokok…here we go. 



I could have called across the hall  SpeedyKate, I don’t wanna run, go without me. But I was awake, with no good reason not to run (tiredness does not qualify as a good reason), plus I knew that SpeedyKate pushed back her ideal start-time to accommodate my preferred sleep-time, so damn roommate accountability (which I am actually super-happy about) got me going.

I think that a lot of people imagine that as a runner/blogger I hop out of bed every morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, joyously lace up my shoes and embark on a run surrounded by rainbows and sunshine and pop music. Ha.


It's more like: I ungraciously roll out of bed, bleary-eyed and half awake, put on the closest non-smelly running ensemble, and throw myself out the door with a hope and a prayer that it’s not that bad.

And to be fair, usually it’s not. This morning's run wasn’t bad at all! If I’d been alone it could have been a very different story, but in contrast with my curmudgeonly introverted office-work style, I always prefer working out with company. SpeedyKate and I chatted, and at the end of 40 minutes we’d run about 5 miles. 

The secret to this morning’s success was the accountability factor. I strongly recommend:

  • Living with someone who runs your pace as often as you do. (It’s taken 25 years, but I am finally living this dream!)
  • OR
  • Making running plans with friends. 

Seriously guys, it makes all the difference in the world. You will be waaaaaay more likely to actually roll out of bed if you have to meet someone. Plus the run itself will be better because even if you’re tired, at least you won’t be tired and lonely!

(View route on MapMyRun.)
We finished our run, spent some living room time doing abs and stretching, and then proceeded to start our respective days. Wash, rinse, and repeat until...forever?