Does the time of day affect your running?

[Funnyrunner]

I've been experimenting with running at different times of the day (well, whenever I can fit one in basically!) and I've found that I tend to have more energy and ability late morning but whenever I attempt a run at, say, 3 or 4pm, I can't keep going! It's noticeably different. Or maybe I am still not back to normal after my virus. Last Sunday, I ran 5K at 1pm and coped fine, then on Tuesday I tried running a shorter distance (3 or 4K) and had to stop after 5 mins as everything hurt!

Can't make head nor tail of it!

[MichaelH070862 Graduate]

Time, temperature humidity and numerous other reasons can affect how you run. when I started last year I used to run after work then after one particular bad run where the humidity made it hard to breath I changed to running first thing in the morning (5am) and I find I have plenty of energy and can manage a good 30 minute run. All in all it depends on what you find works for you and how long it was since you got over your virus.

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to MichaelH070862]

Thank you manofkent62! I think mornings are better for me generally though I am not sure I could drag myself out of bed at 5am - I really admire that!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MichaelH070862]

Just love those early runs...

[roseabi]

You might find this interesting (the bit about the best times to exercise is near the end of the article):

telegraph.co.uk/wellbeing/m...

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to roseabi]

Brilliant - thanks for this roseabi! I will read it and have a think. Just a brief perusal makes me think I am a Bear, LOL.

[roseabi in reply to Funnyrunner]

Go easy on the honey, mind

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Early morning for me... the latest I have ever run is about 8.30 a.m. The earliest 5.30 a.m.

It sets me up I am , I am full of energy ( usually ) and for me, it is a great time to let your body and your mind recharge, building on a good nigh's rest

Also, I am retired and have not, the constraints of work Find the optimum time for yourself... and as long as you are not having to manipulate or force times, then that would seem perfect for you

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Wow, I am in total admiration of those of you who run so early. I'm never awake before 6.30am!

[misswobble Graduate]

I like to run after a period of being on my feet for a bit and having had food. I walk quite a bit, and find once I am mobile I enjoy a run more as I am less stiff. So,I,am more likely to run late morning, afternoon or tea time, or even later

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I'm with you on the late morning ones

[davelinks Graduate]

It takes me a while to get going in the morning's, but am in the habit of getting out towards midday, yesterday I found the temp up about 10deg on last week, and really noticed it being 20c, maybe about time I got the shorts and short sleeved top on.. but our temp is a bit up and down at the moment!😊

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Yes, when it's warmer or more humid it can be harder, definitely. Though earlier this week when the temperature plummeted again, I found my legs wouldn't warm up! Bizarre...

[Erinsjoy Graduate]

I started out running after work, but then one morning I couldn't sleep, so got up an ran. This is most unlike me as I am not usually that energetic in the mornings. However, I felt I ran better and it really set me up for the day. I then started making the effort to get up early and run, but one day last week couldn't, and when I ran after work I really struggled. It has completely changed my outlook and I have now decided that I need to go to bed a little earlier so I can get up early enough to do my runs in the morning.