What is your best time of the day to run? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,660 members158,711 posts

What is your best time of the day to run?

ju-ju- profile imageju-ju-Graduate723 Voters
460
morning
183
Evening
39
Any- I just love to run
28
Lunchtime
7
None- I hate running
6
other
85 Replies
Rockette profile image
Rockette

Early morning 6.a.m start ,up &off for me

hywell profile image
hywell in reply to Rockette

with a name like rocket te im not surprised , at 6 am I cant even think straight

DeterminedBear profile image
DeterminedBearGraduate in reply to hywell

Nor me. Sadly, not a morning person. : (

Richard7 profile image
Richard7Graduate

I work from home so can head out at a sensible morning time

Kimterry profile image
KimterryGraduate

Has to be morning - I'm too shattered in the evening!

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate in reply to Kimterry

my body just doesnt work after 7.30PM!!

Andyd199 profile image
Andyd199

Morning but always harder to get myself to do it! Once out I always enjoy it and perform best times.

Libby0 profile image
Libby0Graduate in reply to Andyd199

Me too. Shall I shan't I my head argues. Crack on and love it. Sets me up for the day.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

For my sins, I have never ever attempted an evening run, even in Summer. My energy is best mid morning to early afternoon.😀🏃‍♀️.

wez70 profile image
wez70Graduate

I find that getting home after work means there is very little that will entice me back out of the door! Mornings on my day off, one weekend run and if I have to, a short 5k or something one evening a week ... such a picky plodder!!! ;-)

Ideally mid morning post cuppa on my days off when kids are in school. The time I get out depends on how much procrastination I do!

DiveMonkey profile image
DiveMonkey

I drive to town for work leaving at 05:30, not a chance I am waking up any earlier than I have too. Evening run around 5pm is perfect for me, sometimes later in the summer as it gets to 40 degrees C some days

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to DiveMonkey

I don't mind walking, running or jogging in 40f but certainly not 40c, I prefer morning as well.

Maris_Piper profile image
Maris_Piper

Interesting. I've been contemplating this question in my head for some weeks now. For me, I feel better after an evening run. seems my muscles and joints are freer and agree more with a run after a days work rather than before

Spicer_Johansen profile image
Spicer_Johansen in reply to Maris_Piper

But then there’s that coming Darkness Factor to contend with

WeeGee profile image
WeeGeeGraduate in reply to Spicer_Johansen

LOVE running at twilight .... it's like you own the park (much cooler too!).

Bit of a night owl anyway!

lardofale profile image
lardofaleGraduate

5:15am - Up and at 'em!!

in reply to lardofale

Same, it's just me and a couple of dog walkers on the estate at 5.15, it's ace

in reply to lardofale

Wow

in reply to lardofale

Blimey that's terrifying.

lardofale profile image
lardofaleGraduate in reply to

There is a bit of method to the madness! I leave home at 7am to get to the office for 8. On non running days I'm up at 6, takes me an hour of faffing around on a good day, feeding pets, showering, making breakfast and lunch, 'er indoors a brew, waking the kiddies up! I'm not an after work running fan and getting up early isn't much of a chore ☺👍

in reply to lardofale

Faffing an affliction I share....

in reply to lardofale

Still wow

Jonesycat profile image
JonesycatGraduate

Straight out of bed, into kit, and out the door! (I try not to engage my brain, otherwise I'd find an excuse to turn over and go back to sleep...)

martinhermanus profile image
martinhermanus in reply to Jonesycat

Still learning to nip those thoughts early enough result afternoon run

runner56 profile image
runner56Graduate

I prefer the early morning but always move towards early evening/late afternoon in the winter time to take advantage of the daylight hours

boblit profile image
boblit

I have run mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Mornings are best for me. It sets me up for the day. I am 2 to 3 pounds lighter in the morning so avoid having food until I get back.

Vicky6b profile image
Vicky6b

Have been running about 9.30am but find I'm in a better frame of mind for running and feel warmer and more flexible and brighter if I go later at around 11.30am.

DIHUDSON profile image
DIHUDSON

I have to vary my times from early morning to around 5.30pm to fit in work.

womblejogger profile image
womblejoggerGraduate

have tried so many time to get up early and run, but i can't even if i get to bed early i can't drag my sorry a**e out of bed in the morning, tend to get home do what i need to do and head out at around 8 in the evening, only trouble now as its dark is that i cannot vary my routes as much as i want to but it's a small price to pay i suppose, if i could i would run earlier but my body/brain dictates otherwise

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate

I had to vote other as you didn’t have afternoon as an option

I actually prefer running in the morning, I love the way it feels, but run faster in the afternoon - so that is actually the best time for me to run.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333

sorry I should have included afternoons!

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to ju-ju-

I don’t meet many other runners when I go out in the afternoons - think I must be in the minority.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

I honestly don't mind.. Days are structured, runs are structured, times are not.

Quieter on the roads and I read somewhere that you burn more fat throughout the day!! Gotta be a bonus right? :-)

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate in reply to

✔️

That was supposed to say mornings! Clearly my brain doesn't operate on a morning though!!

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate in reply to

ha ha !!

Virginia60 profile image
Virginia60Graduate

Definitely early morning for me, even on holiday I was up and running/ walking along the sea front watching the sunrise! Sets me up for the day, by the evening too tired!

army43 profile image
army43Graduate

I completed c25k mostly on morning runs but enjoying anytime these days. Is it run o'clock yet?! 😂

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate

Definitely prefer mornings. Feel 'lighter'. Totally sets me up for a good day. Have only been running since April though, so winter weather/daylight hours may change that I guess.

Up early, banana, coffee, run.

I ran a 5 mile evening race which was ok - the only non morning run I have ever done.

mixindave profile image
mixindaveGraduate

I would say just before lunch time for me. got a free hour or so to run out and i can have my food when I get back and I also enjoy it better afterwards :)

figmeg profile image
figmegGraduate in reply to mixindave

me too

mixindave profile image
mixindaveGraduate

could run before 6am if I wanted to but not a really a morning person. I struggle to even cycle to work at 6am haha

RunForestR profile image
RunForestRGraduate

Funnily was just pondering this question. But Answer for me is definitely early morning 6am - up with the stars.

Wannabefit19 profile image
Wannabefit19Graduate

Do morning at weekends however evening on work days as would need to do 5-30 am runs

ladyduddy profile image
ladyduddy in reply to Wannabefit19

me too!

MrsDaisyt profile image
MrsDaisytGraduate

Quick coffee and I’m off, 6.00am,

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

I prefer morning but I tend to mix it a bit so will sometimes run later if I fancy and have the time. I dont want to build a mind-set that I can only run at a particular time.

Mimirossi profile image
MimirossiGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

That is a very good point Millsie-J , which I hadn't thought of. I always run In the morning, as I prefer running on an empty stomach, but It would make things easier if I was more adaptable. I had been thinking that, as I will be busy on Friday morning, I would have to run on Saturday, but have now decided to run on Friday afternoon and see how it is!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to Mimirossi

Good idea, go for it. When running an event you may need to be flexible with your run timings. Plus if you dont get out in the morning its good to remember you have the rest of the day where you could run. Enjoy 😀

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

I love mornings, the feeling of being first out on the trails in the day is fantastic, all the lovely woodland, farmland paths etc., (when I go those routes) and it's all mine.........😊

Mx

LadyGault profile image
LadyGaultGraduate

running mid mornings on non-working days. But an after work early evening run helps blow the day's problems away and is well rewarded with a large glass of wine ! Can't really justify that before lunch 😆

martinhermanus profile image
martinhermanus

The morning is the best but sometimes only feel motivated in the afternoon

LM12 profile image
LM12Graduate

My issue is that to get to work on time, I have to hit the road to run by 5:30AM, when it's dark! This slows me down because I have to watch out for potholes and sidewalk cracks. Favorite time to run is on weekend mornings, when I can hit the road early but with the sun up.

Poppyf profile image
PoppyfGraduate

When you've got two small children and work you've got no choice but to run in the dark when they're both in bed! Sometime I get back at 10pm! I can't do it before they wake up as they get up at 5.30am so would be running at 4am!!

LM12 profile image
LM12Graduate in reply to Poppyf

Wow, that's commitment!!

Helepops profile image
HelepopsGraduate

Having done most of my C25K on a treadmill in the evenings( the only time I can get to the gym) I decided to venture out at 7am on Sunday morning and loved it! I felt really vital all day. Now I know I can't work this in regulary as I am out with the fogs at 6.30 every other morning then off to work but I wil make sure to slot outdoor morning runs into my routine somehow!

Wizziewood profile image
Wizziewood

Definitely first thing. Wake up, get up, eat banana and drink water, dress and go! Different times different days but no latter than 9.00 (Parkrun on Saturday). Then treat myself to late breakfast while catching up with posts on the forum ... lovely!

ladyduddy profile image
ladyduddy

I've been doing mornings but it means I have to get up super-early (5.45!) on those mornings to ensure I can still get ready for work. I've decided to change that recently and am now going out in the evenings, as soon as I get in from work. I always change the minute I get home anyway so on Mondays, Weds and Fridays I just get changed directly into running gear (which I've laid out the day before) and go out the door. Quick shower when I get in, change into comfy gear (or pyjamas!) and then have my dinner with hubby who cooks on those evenings - hurrah!

8ish in the morning... more of an ish than 8 but still I try. Couldn't imagine doing it in the evening I'd find way too many excuses and non-important jobs to do like I MUST SORT OUT MY SOCK DRAWER....

Who knew socks were that important?

SuzyKK profile image
SuzyKKGraduate in reply to

You always have me laughing Hidden , I'm a real faffer... so have to have everything ready & head out as soon as possible before the socks start to sing to me too!

SuzyKK profile image
SuzyKKGraduate

Definitely morning, but more like the 8-ish time rather than 5:15-ish... need to see the light outside first! When I lived in a warmer country I did get up earlier - the day just seems to call you sooner then...Running in the morning always puts a smile on my face for the rest of the day!

Bestcat profile image
BestcatGraduate

Definitely mornings although around 10:30 for me (I'm a night worker). The after buzz & glow sets me up for the day!

azharalkindi profile image
azharalkindiGraduate

Mornings are the best time for doing any exercises and to start your day

ashwingr8 profile image
ashwingr8

I like to run in the morning but I work nights.. so have to run in the evenings.

biscuitbear profile image
biscuitbear

7.30 best for me

Martin_Rose profile image
Martin_RoseGraduate

I love running in the evening, I have just started doing park runs, so I'm beginning to like morning runs more.

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

It would be interesting to know the number of folk who prefer early morning. There seem to be plenty of very early risers! I definitely prefer morning but not usually before 8! Unfortunately most of my runs during the B&B season are in the afternoons when I am sluggish and tired after a long busy morning.

Why would people bother to vote in a poll about running, on a site about running, to say they hate running?.... There's nowt so queer as folk :)

damienair profile image
damienairGraduate

I run after work in the evenings during the week. Then Saturday mornings for Parkrun.

Damien

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

Trainers on...school run...key through door...run, run, run...

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Takes me a while to get going now in the mornings, but usually out by mid-day...

DeterminedBear profile image
DeterminedBearGraduate

Night time.

DeterminedBear profile image
DeterminedBearGraduate

Nor me. Sadly, not a morning person. : (

JulesG1 profile image
JulesG1Graduate

I go early, before my brain wakes up and starts screaming.

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate

Definitely mornings! It’s so peaceful early in the day, cooler too and I feel set up for the rest of the day then. I can have run, showered, had breakfast and it’s still not 8.00. Bargain!! So much more day left to enjoy.

Whereas if I am planing to run in the evening, all day I am conscious of it ...thinking I’d better not do too much gardening or it might affect my run..can’t eat too much or it might affect my run...can’t be out for the day too late or it might affect my run.

Nope definitely mornings are best.

Alanist profile image
AlanistGraduate

If I was asked this question this time last week, I would have definitely said Mornings. I've done nearly all my runs (apart from 1) since week 3 early in the mornings as I found it easier to motivate myself to get out the door.

However on Wednesday I mixed it up a bit and did my W8R1 early evening and it was without doubt the best run I have had to date. I'm going to go for the evening run again tonight to see how I get on and will be back to an early morning run on Sunday.

I think I'm finding pro's and con's with both times of day, so may continue to mix it up a little for a while.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

morning, about 9 although I could do it earlier especially if the weather was going to be hot,

Jamsandwich profile image
JamsandwichGraduate

Mornings are a killer, nothing in the tank. Evenings a lot easier!

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

Mornings....deffo xx

Thinker1511 profile image
Thinker1511

Definitely morning for me. Up at 6am and straight outside to run. At the moment the heat later in the day would be an issue.

Jamsandwich profile image
JamsandwichGraduate

wish i could run in the morning but the tank is empty! evenings for me.

Gryllotalpa profile image
GryllotalpaGraduate

I wonder how do the evening runners fit both running and dinner at a sensible time into their routine. I usually arrive home between 6 and 7 pm and cannot imagine waiting another near-hour to eat after I have run, and going to bed at a sensible time. So morning it must be.