Tips for running in the morning (as opposed to the night)
DaphneSW
Posts: 117 Member
Hey all!
I'm usually an evening runner because I find that after eating my days worth of food I'm full of energy to go out and smash out a decent run. However I'd like to start running in the morning to free up my evenings for university studies.
Does anybody have advice regarding running in the mornings? The reasons why I'm struggling is because in the morning I feel weak and no energy... and thus my pace drops significantly. Most importantly, I often just feel bad while running and don't achieve runners high.
Do you guys eat before morning runs? How long should you be waiting? And do you still eat breakfast after runs? Lets discuss!
I'm usually an evening runner because I find that after eating my days worth of food I'm full of energy to go out and smash out a decent run. However I'd like to start running in the morning to free up my evenings for university studies.
Does anybody have advice regarding running in the mornings? The reasons why I'm struggling is because in the morning I feel weak and no energy... and thus my pace drops significantly. Most importantly, I often just feel bad while running and don't achieve runners high.
Do you guys eat before morning runs? How long should you be waiting? And do you still eat breakfast after runs? Lets discuss!
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Replies
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I love running in the morning. I don't like to work out fasted either, so I normally have a cup of coffee and a protein bar before my 25 min-ish walk to the gym and I feel good all the way to the end of my hour run. For my Saturday long runs I usually have something small with some quick carbs too.0
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I love running in the morning. I don't like to work out fasted either, so I normally have a cup of coffee and a protein bar before my 25 min-ish walk to the gym and I feel good all the way to the end of my hour run. For my Saturday long runs I usually have something small with some quick carbs too.
Good idea. Do you find protein bars give you any cramps?
What are examples of "something small" you would have before your saturday runs? thank you!!0 -
I have a bowl of cereal and run about 60-90 minutes later on a morning0
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Tips for running in the morning.
- Set all your stuff out the night before. Sleep in your shoes if you like. Take a pillow to the track or the trail you run on and sleep there. No excuses when that alarm goes off.
- Get up when the alarm goes off.
- Have a little bit something to drink. Water. Cold coffee. Miller Light Whiskey
- Eat a small snack if you like. I seldom do.
- Get out there and run. You'll be asleep the first mile. Just tell yourself the first mile pace is slower and forget about it. No one will notice your slower split time. They'll all say "Damn! They already did their run this morning." and they'll be totes jealous of your 14 min/mile splits.
- Enjoy the sunrise. This is one of the best parts of running in the morning.
- Fell better knowing all the rapists and thugs are still asleep in bed and tired from chasing people that run in the evening.
- Laugh at all the people stuck in traffic as you run past them.
- Shower, enjoy some food and the rest of your day. Your workout is done all the rest of the day is yours!
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I love running in the morning. I don't like to work out fasted either, so I normally have a cup of coffee and a protein bar before my 25 min-ish walk to the gym and I feel good all the way to the end of my hour run. For my Saturday long runs I usually have something small with some quick carbs too.
Good idea. Do you find protein bars give you any cramps?
What are examples of "something small" you would have before your saturday runs? thank you!!
Protein bars are always my breakfast whether or not I run and I've never had problems with them. I like the high fibre ones like Quest and they've yet to cause me gastrointestinal difficulty, but of course everyone is different.
If I'm running more than ten miles or so on a Saturday I usually have a piece of toast or half a bagel or something along with my usual protein bar, but sometimes I have a handful of dried fruit or something instead. I just aim for approximately 100 carb-y calories for some quick energy (If I'm doing 2 hrs or more I also have half a gel or a couple Clif Blox or whatever around the hour mark and around an hour and a half.)0 -
I'd love running in the early morning... if I could just schedule it for later in the day.
The take-away from that... getting out of the house is the hardest part! That bed is like a magnet to me!!!! 0 -
When I run in the morning, I more or less roll out of bed, drink a bit of water, put on my clothes, and head out. The key is to get out of bed and head out the door before your sleepy brain has time to say, "Oh wait... go back to bed!"0
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For me personally, when I switch from evening to morning runs I just have to gut it out. Usually after a week I'm used to it and ready to go in the mornings. The switch on the other hand is a *kitten*. I've tried to switch a couple of times just recently to avoid the rain and failed miserably. Eventually it'll get so hot during the day that I'll get it done.
Don't do the fat burner. They're basically caffeine/other stimulants. Have a cup of coffee or tea instead if you want. Have a small snack before you head out if you like, or go before eating. I find a run kills my appetite for an hour or so.0 -
Tips for running in the morning.
- Set all your stuff out the night before. Sleep in your shoes if you like. Take a pillow to the track or the trail you run on and sleep there. No excuses when that alarm goes off.
- Get up when the alarm goes off.
- Have a little bit something to drink. Water. Cold coffee. Miller Light Whiskey
- Eat a small snack if you like. I seldom do.
- Get out there and run. You'll be asleep the first mile. Just tell yourself the first mile pace is slower and forget about it. No one will notice your slower split time. They'll all say "Damn! They already did their run this morning." and they'll be totes jealous of your 14 min/mile splits.
- Enjoy the sunrise. This is one of the best parts of running in the morning.
- Fell better knowing all the rapists and thugs are still asleep in bed and tired from chasing people that run in the evening.
- Laugh at all the people stuck in traffic as you run past them.
- Shower, enjoy some food and the rest of your day. Your workout is done all the rest of the day is yours!
I could not stop laughing, great list!
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I get out of bed an hour before my anticipated run time and have a cup of coffee while watching my favorite youtube channel with the really bright living room lights on. When I was getting into the habit, it helped to have my clothes set out the night before.0
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This...with a side order of "Get up and go"!Tips for running in the morning.
- Set all your stuff out the night before. Sleep in your shoes if you like. Take a pillow to the track or the trail you run on and sleep there. No excuses when that alarm goes off.
- Get up when the alarm goes off.
- Have a little bit something to drink. Water. Cold coffee. Miller Light Whiskey
- Eat a small snack if you like. I seldom do.
- Get out there and run. You'll be asleep the first mile. Just tell yourself the first mile pace is slower and forget about it. No one will notice your slower split time. They'll all say "Damn! They already did their run this morning." and they'll be totes jealous of your 14 min/mile splits.
- Enjoy the sunrise. This is one of the best parts of running in the morning.
- Fell better knowing all the rapists and thugs are still asleep in bed and tired from chasing people that run in the evening.
- Laugh at all the people stuck in traffic as you run past them.
- Shower, enjoy some food and the rest of your day. Your workout is done all the rest of the day is yours!
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Hey all!
I'm usually an evening runner because I find that after eating my days worth of food I'm full of energy to go out and smash out a decent run. However I'd like to start running in the morning to free up my evenings for university studies.
Does anybody have advice regarding running in the mornings? The reasons why I'm struggling is because in the morning I feel weak and no energy... and thus my pace drops significantly. Most importantly, I often just feel bad while running and don't achieve runners high.
Do you guys eat before morning runs? How long should you be waiting? And do you still eat breakfast after runs? Lets discuss!
Yup same here- can barely finish a mile whereas in the evenings I can do 3-7. I have no answer for you as I gave up
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I run every morning, 7-10 miles, around 5-6am. Pre run I just have some water and a mug or two of coffee and then I'm off. Ive always been a morning runner though, it sets my day up wonderfully. If I miss my morning run I am not a fun person to deal with lol0
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kristinegift wrote: »When I run in the morning, I more or less roll out of bed, drink a bit of water, put on my clothes, and head out. The key is to get out of bed and head out the door before your sleepy brain has time to say, "Oh wait... go back to bed!"
This. So much this.0 -
I'm the type of person that takes a while to get moving in the morning which means early starts - I get up around 5am and drink a large glass of water with medication I have to take on an empty stomach. That normally takes 30-60minutes of sitting quietly and waking up properly. I've just finished redoing the C25k and started on the 10k trainer so I head about about 6am or earlier. When I get back I've been drinking another glass of water then a cup of coffee followed by breakfast and then showering, getting dressed and heading to work. This started last winter when I was waking up insanely early no matter what so I started the C25K in the cold. It's also currently too hot to run after work since its the middle of summer here.0
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Take a preworkout or fat burner as soon as you get up. Drink some water and hit it. Fasted cardio in the morning works well for me.
My pre-workout......coffee. Fat burner? Is there such a thing?
OP it may just be a matter of adjusting to a new schedule. Personally going for a run first thing in the morning is the second best way I can think of to start my day off, you don't say how far or for how long you've been running. It may just be that you need to dial back the distances at first and expect it to not be brilliant at first (not all of us are morning people)
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Depends on the time/distance. If my planned run 45 minutes or less, I basically roll out of bed and into my shoes. No food, no water, no coffee, but also no down time between waking up and leaving the house. (I set out my clothes and plan my route the night before, so no dawdling on the computer!)
If I want to run for an hour, or more, I wake up about an hour before I want to run. If I'm not too hungry, I just have coffee and wait for it to, uh, do its thing. Then I leave as soon as that's taken care of, before I can get hungry. I'll pack a Gu for the road, but only if I'm running more than an hour.
If I'm already hungry when I wake up, I'll have coffee plus peanut butter on a banana then wait 45 minutes before running to digest. (The PB & banana is my personal preference because it sits very well with me, but that's after many years of trial and error. I like it because it's "solid" and doesn't take up a lot of volume. Other people I know prefer oatmeal because it's heartier, or something with bread, or eggs, or a protein bar... but regardless, no more than 200 calories.)
Short version: trial and error is your friend!0 -
I am the opposite of you. I turn in to a slug at night, and I am my most energized first thing in the morning. Good luck changing your energy patterns; I haven't figured out how to run in the evening yet.
Have a big glass of water before you head out.0 -
don't take a "fat burner." these are overpriced pills that usually just contain some kind of stimulant or they do nothing. you do not want to do a lot of cardio on popular fatburning stimulants such as ephedrine or yohimbine - it can put unneeded strain on your heart.0
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kristinegift wrote: »When I run in the morning, I more or less roll out of bed, drink a bit of water, put on my clothes, and head out. The key is to get out of bed and head out the door before your sleepy brain has time to say, "Oh wait... go back to bed!"
I must try this tactic. I spend far too time hitting the snooze button, making coffee, nibbling on granola, drinking coffee, waiting to use the bathroom...by the time I get out the door well over an hour as passed, sometimes more.
Get up.
Get my *kitten* out the door.
Run.
Oh, and dress...probably should do that too.
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Depends on the time/distance. If my planned run 45 minutes or less, I basically roll out of bed and into my shoes. No food, no water, no coffee, but also no down time between waking up and leaving the house. (I set out my clothes and plan my route the night before, so no dawdling on the computer!)
If I want to run for an hour, or more, I wake up about an hour before I want to run. If I'm not too hungry, I just have coffee and wait for it to, uh, do its thing. Then I leave as soon as that's taken care of, before I can get hungry. I'll pack a Gu for the road, but only if I'm running more than an hour.
If I'm already hungry when I wake up, I'll have coffee plus peanut butter on a banana then wait 45 minutes before running to digest. (The PB & banana is my personal preference because it sits very well with me, but that's after many years of trial and error. I like it because it's "solid" and doesn't take up a lot of volume. Other people I know prefer oatmeal because it's heartier, or something with bread, or eggs, or a protein bar... but regardless, no more than 200 calories.)
Short version: trial and error is your friend!
Wow, very informative. I've noticed many people have talked about having coffee. why is it? Is it because it makes you poop
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BrianSharpe wrote: »Take a preworkout or fat burner as soon as you get up. Drink some water and hit it. Fasted cardio in the morning works well for me.
My pre-workout......coffee. Fat burner? Is there such a thing?
OP it may just be a matter of adjusting to a new schedule. Personally going for a run first thing in the morning is the second best way I can think of to start my day off, you don't say how far or for how long you've been running. It may just be that you need to dial back the distances at first and expect it to not be brilliant at first (not all of us are morning people)
Fair call - I do think that there will be an adjustment period of new schedule. I tend to do around 4km when i'm taking it easy, then 7km+ something more intensive.0 -
mrswhitehog wrote: »This...with a side order of "Get up and go"!Tips for running in the morning.
- Set all your stuff out the night before. Sleep in your shoes if you like. Take a pillow to the track or the trail you run on and sleep there. No excuses when that alarm goes off.
- Get up when the alarm goes off.
- Have a little bit something to drink. Water. Cold coffee. Miller Light Whiskey
- Eat a small snack if you like. I seldom do.
- Get out there and run. You'll be asleep the first mile. Just tell yourself the first mile pace is slower and forget about it. No one will notice your slower split time. They'll all say "Damn! They already did their run this morning." and they'll be totes jealous of your 14 min/mile splits.
- Enjoy the sunrise. This is one of the best parts of running in the morning.
- Fell better knowing all the rapists and thugs are still asleep in bed and tired from chasing people that run in the evening.
- Laugh at all the people stuck in traffic as you run past them.
- Shower, enjoy some food and the rest of your day. Your workout is done all the rest of the day is yours!
Haha - i love it guys!!0 -
I am the opposite of you. I turn in to a slug at night, and I am my most energized first thing in the morning. Good luck changing your energy patterns; I haven't figured out how to run in the evening yet.
Have a big glass of water before you head out.
Aw man!! I envy your earlybird habits :P I've never been a morning person but I'm totally up for changing that.
How long do you wait after having a glass of water before you head out?0 -
don't take a "fat burner." these are overpriced pills that usually just contain some kind of stimulant or they do nothing. you do not want to do a lot of cardio on popular fatburning stimulants such as ephedrine or yohimbine - it can put unneeded strain on your heart.
Fair enough - i'll probably keep things natural anyway 0 -
I'm a morning runner - if i don't run int he morning, it doesn't happen!
In summer I'm out the door at dawn - i don't usually feel like it at first, but once I'm on the sidewalk, I feel great, and I love the early morning quiet and seeing the sunrise. I run fasted on those days, maybe a glass of water (and well hydrated from the day before), and I'm off. Granted, my summer runs are usually around 3 miles, so I don't need a lot of fuel to get through it.
In winter I still run mornings, but later since I'm not beating the heat, and will usually eat breakfast first, as long as I've got at least a two hour window between eating and run time. And run day breakfast (before or after) is usually oatmeal with plain greek yogurt, blueberries, honey, cinnamon, maybe some protein powder, and black coffee.0 -
I always eat before. I can't run on an empty stomach. Usually, I'll have a small coffee and something small like nuts, toast, or fruit before. Sometimes I'll eat leftovers. I don't wait after eating to run, unless I have a big meal it doesn't bother my stomach. I usually eat after running, especially if I've run over 5-6 miles.0
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I just get up, get dressed and go. I do not give myself time to think about it. Empty stomach for anything less than 5 miles. PB on whole wheat bread of over 5 miles. My first mile is a little slower and then I am good. Give yourself time to adjust. The first few weeks are tough then it is all good:).0
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workout_junkee wrote: »I just get up, get dressed and go. I do not give myself time to think about it. Empty stomach for anything less than 5 miles. PB on whole wheat bread of over 5 miles. My first mile is a little slower and then I am good. Give yourself time to adjust. The first few weeks are tough then it is all good:).
Sounds like a period of adjustment then.. So do you think the 'weak' feeling will eventually get better if i stick with running in the morning?0
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