The early morning run (or ride)

The early morning run (or bicycle ride) provides multiple benefits, in addition to that obvious gained by exercise.

As I've written before, the early morning is the special time of day, presenting new opportunities and a fresh start.  As the sun rises, tinting the world in a nice warm glow of soft light, there is an expectation of things to come.  In my neighborhood, the birds are chirping and singing to one another, introducing us to nature's awakening.  Beside the few of us stalwarts out running or cycling, there are also neighbors beginning their day with a walk.  Single, in pairs, and groups, these walkers inevitably have smiles on their faces.  The morning has that effect on us.  If one chooses to exercise with the sun as it rises, the day begins, full of anticipation of what lays before us.

When I was working, these early morning runs also provided time to mentally map out the day, concurrent with the flow of endorphins.  That which seemed complex and elusive the night before, now come into clarity.  The complexity of the previous day yields to simplicity  in the morning sun.  The infuriating tempers to the aggravating.  After an hour of rigorous, strenuous running, the major issues devolve to the mundane.  Perhaps mental acuity and processing improve as the blood courses through the body and brain.  Or maybe all the negatives fuel the workout, enabling the burning off of the emotion, leaving the components easier to tackle.  But whatever the case, after these workout sessions I arrived at work energized and prepared to tackle the issues of the day, clear headed and focused.  I noted over the years that co-workers who simply got up, dressed, ate, and rushed out the door to work were often those least capable of beginning the day productively, if they ever reached a point of productivity at all.

Now, in retirement, the early morning workouts still provide an excellent springboard for the day.  (By the way, a key factor to enjoying retirement is to have purpose every day.)  Just as done while working, clarity for the day's plans is realized.  

Above all else, the early morning workouts provide the best benefit of all.  Starting the day with a smile.