As a runner, during the summer the refreshingly cool morning air that lingers before the sun reaches its daily scorch is one of the few reliefs we have the opportunity to enjoy when it comes to putting in summer miles. But that respite from the heat comes with a price ... you gotta wake up early. Much earlier than a not-exactly-a-morning-person such as myself cares to do every day. But when it’s that or run in 80 degrees and direct sunlight or wait for the bugs to come out in the evening, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.

I’m sure a fair number of people would say there’s an obvious choice here: just don’t run. But for us, there is no choice. Despite the blisters, the aches and pains, the long, thirsty miles, we do it. Something inexplicable, something that’s different for each of us drives us along. Sometimes it’s all we hang on to. But hang on we do, because in the end, when we reach that goal, that PR, or experience that beautiful, mystical boom run, there is no sweeter feeling. So we run.

It still hurts nonetheless, but it helps to make fun of what we put ourselves through for the love of our sport. The following is the process and consequences of morning runs, as told by fuzzy animals.

1. Waking up at the crack of dawn:

Resisting the intense urge to fall right back asleep is only the first hurdle.

2. During the run:

Like a cat getting a bath, sometimes it feels as though the world hates you.

3. Immediately after the run:

Oddly energized and insanely hungry. Whatever is closest and can be justified as breakfast food is going down.

4. At work before noon like:

The struggle to stay awake becomes real.

5. At the end of the day:

Bedtime doesn't come soon enough.

6. But at the end of the summer:

We feel like we can chase down mailmen forever. But we don't. Because that's not nice ... or socially acceptable. But we feel invincible, unstoppable, and that's what gets us out of bed. That and the alarm strategically placed on the other side of the room.