Author Ryan Holiday shared an insightful story in a recent newsletter: 

“In April 1960, the writer Richard Whalen was trying to meet with Diane Nash and the sit-in students for a Time Magazine cover story. These young college students had suddenly become the focus of an immense amount of attention, not just from the press but from the police and politicians and the rest of the civil rights leaders.

How were these kids going to upend years of stymied racial progress? How could they possibly challenge a system in which the police and the courts and elected leaders and public opinion were all against them? Could they win? It seemed very unlikely.

Richard Whalen was stunned to find that he had trouble asking the students these questions…because they were not particularly interested in meeting with him. They were too busy. They did not have the time to meet with him, even though he represented what was, at the time, one of the most important publications in the world. Finally, Diane and her team agreed–they would see him at 6 a.m., before the morning strategy meeting that started their day. Whalen could only marvel. “Six a.m.?,” he said. “The only time they can meet with me is 6 a.m.?. They’re going to win aren’t they?”

Running first thing in the day is a common theme I hear from the Peregrune runners I have interviewed]. I have not always been the greatest at running in the morning. Yet, it is true that my best running has been when I woke early and attack the day. Running in the morning creates a virtuous cycle of better daily decisions: early bedtime, adequate sleep, nutritious meals, reduced caffeine, and extra time for strength sessions. Not everyone needs to run early to make their schedule work. But if you are struggling, maybe an early run is the solution.