All other things being equal, is there any reason why running in the morning should be different from running any other time of day? I think running in the morning has many advantages over running later in the day. Here are my top 3 reasons you should get up in the morning to go for a run:

1. You’re going to burn calories. When you run before you breakfast, you force your body to release glycogen from body tissues, which will then be burned in the cells of your body. It is that glycogen which is your primary fuel source, consumed ahead of most fuel sources. After you run, you can enjoy a good breakfast which will refuel your body’s cells with glycogen, helping you get ready for your next run. Research tells us that calories consumed within 30-60 minutes of working out go first to rebuild muscle glycogen and not to feed fat cells. Research also tells us that our metabolism stays elevated for hours after exercise, which means you’ll burn more calories even while you’re sitting at your desk planning your day.

1. You’re going to build discipline. Look I love running, but even I find it tough to roll out of bed, pull on some running clothes, lace up my Asics runners and go for a pre-sunrise workout. Once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll find it easier to talk yourself into doing those other tough things you know you should do. Early morning runners achieve more than their non-running counterparts. That’s a club you should join.

1. You’ve got the whole world to yourself. Look around. If you’re running first thing in the morning, maybe even before breakfast, who do you have to share the road with? Perhaps you’re heading to the gym to do some time on the treadmill. You’ll have your pick of machines first thing in the morning. Better yet, imagine rolling out of bed, slipping on your runners before sunrise and doing your favorite beach or trail run. Then, while you’re running, watching the sunrise. If that isn’t inspirational, you must be a tough nut to crack!

I hope you’ll find at least one reason above that gives you enough reason to get up early, lace up your favorite trusty runners and give yourself the gift of a morning run.