Newbie runner and busy mummy wondering what time of day is best to run

[Wannarunna]

I just did my first run and was surprised that it didn't absolutely KILL me - though I feel really tired this avo after the exertion. I'm wondering when is best to run - I look after my 18 mo in the day plus preschool runs need doing in the week. When do most ppl find the best time to run is. Thinking I might have to do a 6.30amer or a 5.30pmer as I'm worried that once kids are in bed I will plop on sofa for the night!!

[greenstar]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I think most people would say that everyone's optimum running time is different, and you might nee to experiment to see what's best for you. Personally, I find running in the morning a horrible experience - I get headaches and cramp and am generally grumpy after. My best time for running is just before dinner - not easy I know if you have a family, but I've got my other half to take over two nights a week to make dinner for us and the kids, and I head out for half an hour or so then. After sitting at a desk all day, I feel like I have some energy hat I need to burn off. You'll be different I'm sure, but try some different runs and see what suits you. Good luck, and have fun!

[thinlizzyIwish123 Graduate]

Im a run in the early morning kind of person. I'm ready to go first thing. Not so good come afternoon and evening. Everybody is different though. In a way I like to run early to get it out of the way and also I feel I have an energy boost through the day. Flump a bit earlier in evening though. The main thing is for you to enjoy it when you do it. Good luck.

[paniruns]

I like the evening runs the most- feed the kids, then dad does the bath time, I run, then shower and adult dinner.

However my husband workshifts so he's not always at home in the evenings. Then I usually go for early morning runs: around 6-7 am before I go to work/school runs. But afterwardsI have torush with shower,breakfast dressing kids and myselfand don't likeie (but somehow can't get up even earlier...)

Goodl uck!

[Wannarunna]

Thanks for your advice! I'm in the same boat as you all - I work part time so some days have to get into office and others it is the school run etc. my hubby is self employed so our lives lack a consistent routine. Will try a few different options to see what works! Thanks!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

As a busy mum myself, and I work full time too...( my kids are older now), I find early mornings and weekends are best...good luck, and well done!!!

[marmiteandhoney Graduate]

I find that running with the one year old in the pram on the way back from the morning school run is my best slot. It takes me around twenty minutes to walk home, so only takes a tiny bit more out of my morning if I run instead. Have to be a bit brave turning up to school in running gear though. Am always convinced the parents and staff still laugh at me, but it's not happened yet!

[thinlizzyIwish123 Graduate in reply to marmiteandhoney]

Good on you! It shows you're looking after yourself. I wish I did this program a lot earlier than I did with my little girl when she was a baby. Good luck!

[Jemimatoo Graduate]

I love to run in the mornings and will be off soon. Just waiting for husband to wake up and take over the kids!

In the week he works long hours so I generally don't get out till about 7.30, after the kids are asleep. It takes a lot of will power for me to get out the door, but it's usually worth it!

Good luck finding a time that works for you and the family

[ZoomZoom Graduate]

I prefer running in the early evening. In the mornings I find I like to stay in bed till the last minute.

If you have a decent buggy, try running with your toddler. I used to do power pramming when my youngest was that age.

[Bianx Graduate]

I've just completed week one. I prefer to run in the morning but my husband leaves work very early so not feasible. I therefore run when he comes home (have my gear on and ready to leave). He gets home at 5pm so I have already sorted dinner and it's in the oven for him to take out when I get back.

[Hidden]

Not sure if my experience may be useful. My situation is slightly different in that my OH works part time & I'm the one with the full time job and commute. For me, I get up around 5am to go for a run. This fits perfectly into my routine, plus the roads are quiet. Everyone is different. Maybe you could try experimenting with different slots to see which one works for you? The main thing is not to get too hung up about it though. So for me for example, I have mentioned in another post that my 18 month old has started waking at 5am and I have tried taking her out with me but it is hard work. OH is not a morning person so I've temporarily started running at lunchtimes. But I go to work earlier, so overall I'm home at my usual time. Find a time that works for you, but don't get hung up if you can't make that slot, just make time later if you need to.

[Nilzed]

One of my whinges in my former, notrunning life was that of course actresses can be fit and thin. When they arent actually working on a project, they can devote hours of the day to exercise!

So i have been a stay at home mom. And my little one began school, and a couple of other things made me realize i had better just not let that time fill up with nonsense like more house cleaning, or better planned meals, or trips all by myself to the library. No, i could devote mid-day time to exercise. So here I am.

[mrsc29]

Ive just bought a treadmill, im v.overweight and haven't got the confidence to run outdoors yet!

I have 2 girls at school and 1 at home, so my plan is to run while she naps.

[RainRunner33]

It's definitely down to personal preference and how your body performs at different times of day! I run in the early morning (first thing I do when I get up) and find that works best for me. It wakes me up and gives me energy for the day ahead, plus for the rest of the day my run is already done - no putting it off until it's too late in the evening and I'm glued to the couch, or other things start happening that make it hard to find the time for a run.

I like to lay out my running gear the night before so it's within grabbing distance when I get out of bed and I can just put it on, committing me to the run. I'm usually tired in the morning but if my gear is ready and I've already decided I'm going to run it's easier to do it on autopilot. Then I eat a banana and drink a pint of water to give myself some fuel, and wait for half an hour to digest - usually I'll do some leg and knee exercises during that half hour, which helps prevent injury as I have a bad knee. If I'm feeling extra tired I might just lie on my bed for half an hour and then go run, though 😅

I recommend trying out a few different timings and figuring out what works best for you, then making a fixed running schedule that you know you can stick to! For me, it's morning runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It really helps reduce the risk of missing a run or getting off course, and it also requires less willpower to get out and run when you're not both deciding when to do it and getting yourself to do it, but it's just a matter of doing it at your pre-decided time.