When do you run?

emcwilli
emcwilli Posts: 63 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, it's become painfully clear to me (literally!) that my body likes running in the evening a lot better than running in the morning. Doing the same workout first thing in the morning feels a lot more effortful than doing it in the evening.
This seems bad, since most running events and clubs are in the morning. So, I'm wondering why this has been my experience. The only thing I can think of is that I'm dehydrated in the morning; but, I do drink water before I head out.

When do you run? When do you feel best?

Replies

  • Raasy
    Raasy Posts: 972 Member
    I try to run in the mornings for a variety of reasons. 1) Its hot here during the summer time and if I don't get it done early, it does not get done.2) I cant make excuses in the morning, where if I wait until after work I am to tired and stressed that I don't want to run I want to veg out. 3) I have done some running in the evening and I just don't feel right, having eaten all day and drank a ton of water, it all bounces around when I run and I get cramps, If I run in the morning this does not happen.
  • bulletproofkasper
    bulletproofkasper Posts: 126 Member
    I run whenever I can fit it in, but nothing beats a late afternoon summers run! :flowerforyou:
  • AmyEm3
    AmyEm3 Posts: 784 Member
    I run in the evening. I am not a morning person.
  • 0somuchbetter0
    0somuchbetter0 Posts: 1,335 Member
    Early morning because it's the only time of day I have to myself. I usually down half a protein shake right before (a whole one is too much) otherwise I get a little nauseated.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    All workouts go better for me in the morning. I have no idea why. But for me, I get up, eat a little something, get dressed and go.
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    I *try* to run in the mornings, but my body is super sluggish in the a.m. However, I find the more frequently I force myself out the door in the still dark mornings, the easier it gets. And by easier, I mean not *quite* as torturous! But, running on lunch means running in full heat/humidity/sun and leaves me a mess (even with a shower) for the rest of the work day. I will get my miles in whenever I can, but I cant run late at night or I'll be awake all night...which isn't good either.
  • Cella30
    Cella30 Posts: 539 Member
    In the evenings. In the morning It takes me way too long to wake up and start giving 100%....mentally I'm like a whiny toddler. So annoying. I just perform much better at night and the biggest benefit is, when a I have a horribly sh!tty day at work, a good hard run takes it all away. It's like a 360 degree attitude adjustment. Best anti-stress medicine out there.

    Morning or night, just do it at a time you feel like you can stick to. :flowerforyou:
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    Usually mid-morning, after I get my kids sorted out, fed, dressed etc. Sometimes in the afternoon if it isn't too hot.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    When I'm being chased by zombies.

    I do most of my runs in the morning, once the small child is off to school. Although, caveat, I work overnights, so "morning" may actually be my "evening."
  • GI_John_RN
    GI_John_RN Posts: 48 Member
    When I'm being chased by zombies.

    I like your answer. I get a run in whenever I can. Tonight it was as it was getting dark. Sometimes it is in the early afternoon, which really sucks in the heat. It's not very often that I run in the morning, but I will occasionally.
  • aynhagenbarth
    aynhagenbarth Posts: 75 Member
    I run in the morning 90% of the time. I do better when I am hydrating all day before my run rather than just having water right before in the morning.
  • andertonarms
    andertonarms Posts: 5 Member
    You can run without additional water for upto 1 hour. Over an hour and it recommended to carry additional water. Most runners overhydrate: drink too much, to close to the run. Energy food in advance of running is as important. Say if you are planning a run when you get home before your evening meal, drink moderate water and eat bananas in the afternoon - it can make a difference. If you are planning to run after your evening meal, leave it at leat two hours and try no to eat to heavy a meal. Pasta, chicken, fish, salad etc is great.
  • Sonj1973
    Sonj1973 Posts: 188 Member
    As and when I can.....I'd like to try an early morning run but being a single parent I wouldn't be able to ....so for me mostly afternoons, and sometimes early evenings....! :)
  • taeliesyn
    taeliesyn Posts: 1,116 Member
    Both, I only have time for a short walk/run in the morning otherwise I would be getting up at like 4am (or earlier) as I already get up at 4:45 to get my 20 minutes in before work.
    Bigger runs in the evening as it's when I have time. I think come summer I'm going to have to adjust my schedule or get used to running very late or very early!
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    I run best in the afternoon or evening. I do however still sometimes run in the mornings if it's the only way I can fit it into my day. Afternoons are definitely better though
  • RunnerElizabeth
    RunnerElizabeth Posts: 1,091 Member
    I run any time of day. Long runs first thing in the morning, speedwork during lunch at work, and 5 mile easy runs on the way home from the office pushing my daughter in the jogger.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    4am. rain or shine.
    snow or hail
    minus 30 or plus 30.
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    I run in the mornings. I hate running when the earth has warmed up. I will run in the evenings or afternoon if I have to, but usually I am up by 6 AM and out the door.
  • Colbyandsage
    Colbyandsage Posts: 751 Member
    I prefer to run in the mornings but I can only manage my long Saturday runs at that time.

    I have gut issues and evening runs are not fun but I have to do it once or twice a week.
  • Myhaloslipped
    Myhaloslipped Posts: 4,317 Member
    Always early in the morning! I am a morning person, so by the time late afternoon rolls around, I am completely over the idea of exercising.
  • wolfgate
    wolfgate Posts: 321 Member
    I vary. In the summer I typically run in the early morning, but throw in a few lunch and evening runs to be best acclimated for hot/humid racing conditions. In the winter I tend to shift to running at lunch during the week and mid-afternoon on the weekends. I pick those times because it's warmest then.

    Regardless, I like mornings because the running is done and I know life won't interfere and cause me to miss. I am typically sluggish early in the run - the first mile effort feels the same as the last but is significantly slower when I look at the data. I do not have the same pattern if I run at lunch/evening.
  • HeyGoRun
    HeyGoRun Posts: 550 Member
    Nope i wont run in the mornings I dont have it in me! Plus I dont wanna listen to my music blasting that early!
    I do it around 7pm and on, awesome energy by then!
  • 13ftw67
    13ftw67 Posts: 35 Member
    when something is chasing me. LOL I hate to run. I Ice skate at the hockey rink or mountain bike instead way less joint stress.
  • fabiomuralha
    fabiomuralha Posts: 114 Member
    Whenever I can! Usually between Mon to Friday in the afternoon after job and at weekends in the mornings. I like to wake up early to run and enjoy the day. Sometimes, depending how was my night before, the only difference between run in the morning and in the afternoon its the heart rate a little bit higher.
  • sleepyotter
    sleepyotter Posts: 76 Member
    I'm a beginning runner, so I've only had experience running during the summer months. I prefer to run in the (mid) mornings before the heat sets in, but if I work that day, I don't have the motivation to get up before sunrise to get it done. So there are times when I'll try and go in the evenings after work, but it's a lot more tiring, having already put in a full day of effort doing other things. As it starts cooling down and getting darker, I might try and transition to afternoons or evenings. I guess I should think about getting one of those reflector belt things?
  • HealthyVitamins
    HealthyVitamins Posts: 432 Member
    I run in the evenings, I don't have time in the morning :( Plus I like running in the cold, makes me run faster because I want to hurry up and get home where its warm.
  • imzadi481
    imzadi481 Posts: 86 Member
    Late in the evening, like 9 or 10 pm. That's when life gives me time to go. I prefer it anyway, because it's more private. I don't like having a bunch of people around me when I run!
  • LAnne16
    LAnne16 Posts: 272 Member
    I'd like to run in the mornings, but i hate waking up.

    My boyfriend likes to run after it's dark out, so we usually go around 9pm ish.

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