Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Mornings... amiright?

Sihing Jon Robinson

   I've been trying to make some changes to my life to help me finally step that last step towards my black belt. I'm eating differently, I'm going to all of the weekday classes (except mornings) and I even moved to the west end of Edmonton from downtown so I'd be closer. Sadly, this isn't gonna cut it. I've tried to avoid taking the final and most drastic step, but it might have to happen. 

   I'm going to have to start getting up..... EARLY. 

   I am not a morning person. My resolve is at the lowest and the only thing I am capable of is opening my eyes a bit and stumbling to the shower. I've lately been trying to get my first 100 right as I roll out but instead have been breaking my reps into smaller sets. I can do 60 or so pushups in a row, but morning-me doesn't want to. Starting tomorrow, I must get up and drag my sorry behind down to the stationary bike or treadmill and bang out some km followed by stretching and more pushups and situps. What I need from my teammates (meaning you guys) is some advice on how to make this happen more consistently. Any tips and tricks to get up early are appreciated. 

11 comments:

  1. Pumping music helps me--I have learned that getting up too early doesnt work for me. Having a rather large dog to run with helps too:)

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  2. Asleep by 10 pm. You get the deepest and most healing sleep between the hours of 10 pm and midnight. This is when the growth hormone is most active for repair.

    I have water very quickly after I get up. I find that it gives me a boost.

    I'm up at 5:30 am, want me to call you? :)

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  3. That's actually a very good idea! Why don't we set up morning wake-up calls for each other? Ms. Donohue can call you, you call me, I'll call the next person... That way not only is someone helping you out, but then you have to wake up in order to make your call, and it just keeps going every morning! I actually want to try this!

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  4. 5 alarm clocks...one is in the kitchen, after a year you just wake up annoyed:)
    Sifu Masterson

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  5. I am the same way. Not a morning workout person at all. I am trying to work my way up by getting my reps first done by 10 am and then set the goal earlier and earlier.

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  6. Make sure your setting your alarm clock at the exact same time every morning. I tend to find myself saying "well tomorrow I don't have to leave as early... I can wake up 15 minutes later..." You have to get into a routine so that your body starts becoming accustomed to waking up at the same time every single morning.

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  7. I am in the exact same boat. I think the simplest answer is to go to bed earlier which is harder than it sounds (for me at least). The last weekday class ends at 9:30 so lets say you make it back into the city by 10 then have something to eat and BAM its 10:30 or 11:00 and you are still wide awake.

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  8. If you are going to eat before bed, have a light snack (emphasis on easy digesting light) because your body will be busy doing it's digestive thing and keeping you awake. Having a herbal tea that induces relaxation (mint, camomile, etc) also help. Even breathing in mint and focusing on relaxing puts you in the relaxation state.

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  9. I totally have to throw my two cents in; if you get up 15 minutes earlier, you will be surprised how much you can get done, if you move the alarm across the room, you have to get up to make it stop. I also agree with the getting up at the same time every day. I used to fight being a shift worker until I joined the UBBT and the only way to fit everything into my day was to start earlier. I learned that my body thrived on getting up at the same time everyday. Just sayin'....

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  10. I definitely think it has to do with habit. After having 4 kids, and then starting work 5 days a week at anywhere between 4 and 6am, getting up early has never been a problem for me. Unfortunately my internal alarm even has me awake by 5 on the weekends. It may. . . no, it WILL be hard at first, but after 1 or 2 weeks of doing it every day, I will bet it isn't as hard for you anymore to get up early. The key as mentioned by others is to be in bed early enough to get a good nights rest.

    PS. I kind of like Sifu Rybak's idea of calling or texting each other. :) :) 4:00 anyone?

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  11. What worked for me was getting up 20 minutes earlier, I now get up at 5 am each day. I easily get my 120 in and feel great as I drive into work at 5:50 in the morning. If you get in the first 2 weeks it just becomes automatic. I don't even hit the snooze anymore. I am game for calling or texting anyone that needs the boost. Let me know.

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