Running in the morning vs. evening

cannie55
cannie55 Posts: 74 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I started running this winter with the Couch to 5k program and finished it about a month and a half ago. Since then I've been doing 3 runs a week between 3-4 miles at a time. So far, I've been running in the evening on the track at the gym.

I've done a couple 5k races that have gone fairly well, usually I finish between 30.30 and 31.30 but I physically feel like I'm struggling WAY more then I do when I run on the track (where I can pretty comfortable do a 5k in 29 minutes). I had attributed the difference to running outside, even though the races have all been nearly flat. Today I went to the gym and ran in the morning for the first time and it was rough. I had the same low-energy feeling I usually have during races. I made it about half my normal distance and felt way more tired than normal.

So, this is leading me to think my issue at races hasn't been related to running outside as much as running in the morning vs. the evening. Now that spring is here I want to be running outside more rather than on the indoor track but as soon as the weather gets hot I'll need to run in the morning when it's cooler.

Anyway, despite being a 'morning person' and bouncing out the door with a fair amount of energy in the morning, my runs have been awful. Any suggestions on transitioning from an evening runner to a morning runner?

Replies

  • maxdwolf
    maxdwolf Posts: 18
    Perhaps a warm up would help? Some calisthenics and stretches to get the blood flowing?
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Do you eat breakfast?
  • annahiven
    annahiven Posts: 177 Member
    I just switched from evening workouts to morning workouts, and I run 5k just like you.

    For me, what was critical was going to bed early enough to get 8 hours of sleep. Before I didn't go to bed until midnight, and rolled out of bed at 7am and I had all day to wake up before I went to work out. But now when I wake up at 6am, I have to make sure I go to bed at 10pm at the latest. That way I won't feel sluggish when I get up. So for me, getting proper sleep made a difference.

    For the records, I don't eat breakfast before working out, because that causes me discomfort when I run, but I do eat right afterwards.

    Edit: Running outside has always been harder for me than inside. Not because of the hilliness, but because of the air being different. I don't run outside unless the humidity is really low.
  • AllTehBeers
    AllTehBeers Posts: 5,030 Member
    I know exactly what you're talking about. On my days off when I go run in the morning, I feel sluggish and weak but on work days when I go after work, I feel good and strong. I think for me what it is is that throughout the day I can feed my body good, eat proteins and carbs so that way when I get to the park I'm full of energy. In the mornings though, even if I've eaten breakfast, I just haven't given my body enough fuel and time to give me that boost.

    Maybe if you have time, wake up a bit earlier and give your body a chance to wake up before going on your run. Try experimenting with the things you eat for breakfast like eating oatmeal if you need energy or eating fruit if you can't do eating something heavy. Also, transitioning itself takes some getting use to. After a few morning runs, your body will get the hint and not feel out of routine.
  • clover5
    clover5 Posts: 1,640 Member
    I find that when it's cold out, it is harder for my body to warm up and work efficiently. In the summer, morning runs are fine. In the winter, I suffer trying to run in the cold, even in the afternoon. You might try wearing some warm track pants and jacket.
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