Running in southern California often means running in pollution. The car noises, the landscaping equipment noises, the fumes, etc. Add to these, the competition for a decent surface to run on — I often find myself dodging cars just to squeeze in some asphalt time for my joints. By the time I’m done, it isn’t only the exercise that got me tired, it is also these other factors.

So for obvious reasons, I love running early in the morning. I like how turn by turn, I can run in the middle of the quiet streets without fearing for oncoming cars. No noises. Not even music. Just me, my running shoes and the sound of my breathing. It is my own time of meditation and stress release. I walk back in the house somehow feeling lighter and clearer. Being an early riser has many benefits.