It starts with an alarm that blares at 6:00 a.m., pulling you out of your deep sleep.

Your room is dark, the air that awaits you outside of your covers is cold, and your bed is exceedingly comfortable. It is in this moment that you are faced with the choice: to turn over and return to your dreams, or to force yourself out of bed and take pursue your goals.

To run or not to run? Your answer to this question defines the rest of your day.

It is this defining moment that every runner faces the daily question: will you choose to move forward or will you remain motionless both literally and figuratively? I don't know if you have realized it yet, but believe it or not, you are in complete control of the course of your day. In the moments following your alarm clock sound off, you only see two options: sleeping or running. You are blinded by comfort and grogginess from pursuing something that is above yourself.

You have two choices each day: to seize the day or to turn away from it. As a runner, as a person, what will you choose?

When you choose to sleep:

You don't have to part ways with your warm blanket burrito you have enclosed yourself in. You don't have to get out of bed. In fact, you don't have to do anything at all, because you're excusing yourself from all activities except sleeping. You get to turn over and get a couple more hours of sleep in. That's a glorious moment. However, when you wake up for your second attempt at taking on your day, you'll find that you're still tired. The little bit of extra sleep didn't really help, and you're just as tired as you were at six am. You are disappointed that you didn't get your run in like you had promised yourself you would. Without realizing it, you have lowered your self esteem. You are feeling behind for the day and you haven't even left the house yet. You awarded yourself with more sleep, and it felt great at the time. Consequentially, you will be faced with regret when you wake up and get ready to start your day.

When you choose to run:

The alarm sounds before the sun is up. You are so warm, so comfortable under your blankets. You lay there for a minute and contemplate going back to sleep, but you jolt yourself up. In an instant, the cold air rushes around your body and your feet are moving forward on the cold floor. You get dressed, grab some headphones and a water bottle, and you're out the door. Whether you choose to run outside or at the gym, or even at home on a treadmill, you are already ahead of the game today. You pick your favorite song, and start moving your feet at a steady pace. The cold air slaps your face, not in a harsh way, but rather, the most refreshing way. Your heart thumps against your chest and it makes you feel rejuvenated.

You set a goal for yourself and you accomplished it. It sets the tone for your entire day. I promise, you will face your day with more confidence and a better attitude. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to dread the day. You don't have to wish the day or week away. When you choose to run, you embrace the day and the challenges ahead of you. You face it head on, and choose to run towards your ambitions instead of running away from the pressing obstacles each day holds.

What kind of day will you choose to have?