After a winter of burrowing under the warm blankets in the morning, it’s time to get up and get moving! We all envision jumping out of bed and going for a run now that the temperatures are rising, but actually DOING it is another story. Resist the urge to hit the snooze again and check out these tips to help you wake up and get out the door for a morning workout.

Be prepared

Don’t wait until you crawl out of bed to decide what you are wearing. Remove that stressor by checking the weather and laying out the clothes and accessories you need – the night before. If you like to eat before you run, consider laying out a snack, too.

Move your alarm

Charge your phone in another room – not your bedroom. As you leave your bedroom in the morning, turn on the light and shut the door – never look back. The urge to return to your bed will be out of mind, especially if the bright light is shining in your face.

Chew some gum

The minty freshness of a piece of gum will increase alertness and wake you up.

Keep a calendar

Organize a monthly workout calendar by writing down the number of miles you plan to run each day. As each day ends, highlight the mileage – green if you completed your goal, red if you didn’t. Seeing your results can be inspiring, so take time to actively consider how motivated you feel after you complete a run or how cranky you can be if you’ve skipped your morning workout.

Turn up the music

Play some of your favorite tunes as you crawl out of bed, or go online to find upbeat music to add to your running play list. If music isn’t your thing, download your favorite podcasts.

Practice accountability

Find a running partner or join a running group. You’ll think twice about skipping a workout if someone is counting on you.

Get up and get moving! No more excuses!