5am sounds a little extreme. I just arrive at work a half hour before I "should" be there. That's when I do a little code kata or read HN. Then I grab a coffee

5am sounds a little extreme. I just arrive at work a half hour before I "should" be there. That's when I do a little code kata or read HN. Then I grab a coffee and it's work time. After work I go to the gym and coming home from that I find I have enough energy to put in another hour or two on my side projects. However, having kids might change that and make 5am more sensible... you might at least get an hour before they're up and you have to get them ready for school.