For my friend Meg: How to get up early in the morning to exercise

I read somewhere once that if you can get up early to exercise during the week and you stick with it for either two or three weeks, I forget, that it gets easier. Personally, I like to make sure I do something at least five days a week, whether it's running, yoga or strength training. I get up 3-4 times early during the week and exercise a bit later on Saturdays. Shoot for two early days a week and a weekend workout -- very respectable.

It gets easier because you've formed a habit. However, this doesn't mean it's easy. But hells bells. We badasses don't like easy. Easy is for creampuffs. You are not a creampuff. Mmmm creampuffs.

Here's how I do it:

The night before:

1. Lay out running clothes: shorts, top, running bra, socks, shoes. I put mine in the bathroom so I can dress there and try to not wake the hub or the kids.

2. Lay out keys, driver's license, whatever I need to get out the door. Make sure I have a water bottle or Gatorade chilled.

3. Try to get to bed by or before 10 p.m. If I'm having trouble falling asleep I read to quiet my mind. Or I ask my husband about what biotech stocks he's following lately. (heehee)

4. Set alarm -- I set my clock15 minutes fast, too, which drives my husband bananas. I swear, it works.

Morning of:

1. Hear alarm clock. Turn it off. Swear quietly,

2. Make self stand up. This is important! No hitting snooze. No laying there for a second. Tell yourself the next five minutes are going to suck. It's OK, you'll feel better shortly.

3. Get clothes on, brush teeth, put contacts in, pet kitty if you have one, hair in ponytail. So what if you feel groggy. You're up! Pat yourself on the back.

4. Optional: have a small glass of water and a piece of toast. Not everyone can eat that early. I like toast before I do anything.

5. Go! And make sure to post on Facebook or tell your creampuff co-workers -- casually, of course -- how early you got up and how many miles you ran or how many pushups you did in boot camp. If you have a friend to meet you or a class to go to, it sooooo helps keep you motivated.

I swear, I always, always, always feel great after a morning workout, like a bit later in the morning when I'm feeding the kids and getting them out the door. I have more energy. This is what I remind myself when I stand up out of bed and I want to fall over.

Good luck!