Reddit users are debating the best methods for turning yourself into a morning runner—here’s what a running coach has to say

If you’ve ever wanted to become a morning runner and, like me, you’ve turned to the internet for help, then you might come across this popular thread on Reddit.

There are lots of practical tips in there from self-proclaimed morning runners, but I wasn't sure if their advice aligned with expert opinion.

To find out, I asked Katelyn Tocci, a qualified running coach and contributor to the Marathon Handbook, to share her professional thoughts on what really works.

Here are the three top takeaways from the morning running community on Reddit, along with some expert advice from Tocci.

How to become a morning runner

1. Prioritize sleep

“Go to bed earlier—it's really that simple,” wrote one Reddit user.

Another contributor shared how he heads to bed between 8 and 8:30pm every night, admitting it felt “so early” at first, but it’s the only way he can manage morning miles and still feel good for the rest of the day.

Tocci agrees. She suggests shifting your bedtime earlier by 15 to 30 minutes until you consistently get seven to nine hours of sleep.

“Sleep is your foundation for recovery, energy and motivation,” she says. “Without it, early runs will feel miserable and unsustainable.”

2. Prepare everything the night before

“Lay out your running clothes, charge your watch, prep your water bottle—anything you can do to make the morning easier,” says Tocci.

“The fewer decisions you have to make, the more likely you are to get out the door.”

Reddit runners echo this advice, with one user swearing by checking the weather forecast before bed and setting their coffee machine on a timer for extra motivation and ease.

3. Find a running partner

This is one tip that Reddit users didn’t mention—but according to Tocci, it can be a game-changer.

“Accountability makes a huge difference,” she explains. “If you can find a friend or training buddy to go with you, it adds an extra layer of motivation and commitment. It’s a lot harder to hit snooze if someone’s waiting for you.”

Not only does accountability help you show up, especially on tougher mornings, but the company makes the time fly by—just make sure to run with someone at a similar pace.

Why run in the morning anyway?

“Runners who switch to morning runs often find they’re not only more consistent, but they actually enjoy the structure it brings,” says Tocci.

“Running in the morning removes the risk of your day derailing your workout with any surprise meetings, last-minute errands or fading motivation.”

So if you’re trying to become a morning runner, protect your sleep, prepare your gear and train with someone, if possible.