How do People Workout in the Morning????

I honestly can't fathom making a regular habit of getting up extra early to do a workout. I am going out this evening (Great Big Sea concert with my bestie! So excited!) and I didn't want to break my daily exercise streak, so I did the unthinkable. I got up at 5:15 am, the day after we switched the clocks ahead an hour. In other words, my body thought it was 4:15 am. On top of waking at such an ungodly hour, I kept checking the time throughout the night, thinking my alarm was about to go off. I always do that to myself when I need to be up earlier than usual for whatever reason...it's very irritating! I finally got out of bed for real at 5:15 (15 minutes before my alarm) and staggered to the bathroom to put my contacts in, get into my workout clothes and pull my hair back into a ponytail. I tried not to look too closely at my puffy, makeup-free face. With a big sigh (unheard by the rest of the household, who were still wisely sleeping), I trudged downstairs, prepared to be "motivated" by Jillian. To my credit, I managed to get through the workout with a pretty good energy level. Round two is getting easier- it will be time to switch it up soon.

I stood in the shower post-workout and reflected. I concluded that no matter what others may claim, working out first thing does NOT give me a boost or improve my mood. I was decidedly grumpy (as per usual). BUT....I am happy that I got it done and don't need to feel guilty about skipping it when I'm at the concert tonight. And another thing to be pleased about this morning: I am at day 15 of the 30 Day Shred! Halfway done. I am already looking ahead to my next workout DVD, which I have decided will be "Ripped in 30" (another Jillian Michaels one.) It's apparently more challenging than the 30 Day Shred, so should be a logical progression for me. Bring it on Jillian! Bring. It. On.

I love this picture...that's exactly how I felt this morning!