Early Morning: Hi, I see a lot of people are... - Couch to 5K

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Early Morning

mrmick profile image
18 Replies

Hi, I see a lot of people are running early morning, do you find you run out of energy?

Are you eating anything before you run?

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mrmick profile image
mrmick
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18 Replies
Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate

I love running early morning (sorry, I never thought that would be a sentence ever to come out of my mouth!!). It wakes me up, it's fresh and cool which is SO important to me... I curl up and die in the heat! I don't eat before, just drink large glass of water 10 mins or so beforehand and let that go down. My energy levels are way higher than after a day's work. I even get up at 6am to get it done now - unheard of for me! Give it a go and see what you think, you might just love it!

mrmick profile image
mrmick in reply to Fishypieface

Hi thanks for reply, I've just completed run1 of wk3 and so far have done all my runs at 530am before I go to work. I've only been drinking a pint of water before I go but suddenly thought today was I making things hard for myself? I have to say I really enjoy the mornings but not the runs.

Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate in reply to mrmick

I'm just about to start week 8, there is a point - coming soon! - where I would say you have a break through and start to feel better about the runs. You start thinking it's all far more achievable and it feels good to be doing them. I started out doing them after work and switched to the morning to keep cool, so I, personally, think the time's good and hopefully the euphoria of running (sounds like a book! Maybe one day...) will kick in, in a week or so. Keep on, it will spring up on you when you're not looking and make it all worthwhile! Well done on the 5.30am starts though, that's pretty committed!

Whatsapp profile image
WhatsappGraduate in reply to mrmick

I run about the same time as you. I wouldn't want to do it on top of a pint of water though. Keep yourself well hydrated every day (2-3 litres) rather than trying to load up before a run.

As for food, I don't get hungry on a run. I eat after when my metabolism has been fired up as it should be better for you. Of course another factor is when and what you ate the day before.

sheps profile image
shepsGraduate

I don't eat before I go out - just half a glass of water. It's only half an hour and I would not have time to eat and wait before going out. I like to be out between 7 and 8. I certainly don't run out of energy.

snack_shack profile image
snack_shackGraduate

I have a lot more energy first thing. It can be a bit of a struggle to get out of bed sometimes but I know I'd just be too shattered to do a run any later in the day. Also, as the day goes on I get hungrier but I don't always necessarily wake up hungry. I don't eat beforehand but I do like the fact that you continue to burn calories for a while after you've finished exercising so I do have a light(ish) breakfast when I get back. Also, it's nice to run without seeing anyone as I mime to all my songs whilst I'm running :)

Sofabeardave1969 profile image
Sofabeardave1969Graduate

I love running early morning, I find an empty stomach helps! I've tried running after work but I find I have Less energy!!

Don't be put off early morning runs if, like me, not eating before leaving the house is a bad idea. I wake hungry and have learned never to leave the house without eating. But I find two digestive biscuits and a glass of water works a treat. Thank you to whoever on this forum gave me that advice.

PaulaHud46 profile image
PaulaHud46Graduate

I always have half a banana and a drink before I go out then I have breakfast (normally overnight oats) when I get back.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

That sounds lovely Paula 😋

I can't run on empty. Everyone is different and you will evolve what suits you

Good luck 🙂

Valcart profile image
ValcartGraduate

I find half glass of water is enough and early morning works for me especially if its a warm day. Look forward to my breakfast afterwards ehich is always a spinach and fruit shake and a decent coffee.

Whatever works for you - worth trying different times and see how you get on.

Vixen67 profile image
Vixen67Graduate

Seems a trend I would drink just water before a jog (still don't call it running yet) I tend to naturally wake up early always worked for me ... although the darker colder winter mornings might be another matter !!!

Jewel84 profile image
Jewel84Graduate

I run early mornings. Really early mornings my working life and commuting distance dictate it. But I live that time of morning when the air is clean. I'm usually up and out at 4.30 before a 12 hour day. There's no way I could do it after 7 at night when I get home.

JenniferCMS profile image
JenniferCMSGraduate

I've mentioned before on this forum that I was feeling sick at about 15-18 minutes on nothing but a glass of water, so now I have a mouthful of banana and 4-6 raw almonds. Much better - don't feel sick any more. Other people have suggested a protein shake...

ladyharvills profile image
ladyharvillsGraduate

My routine is: 5.40am Alarm; dress, stretch, water, set up B2 10K, Strava and Spotify apps on hubbys phone.; 5.55 Out of the door; 6:45 back home, water, stretch, shower and dress; 7:25 oats, fruit and hot lemon and off to work at 8.30. I don't run out of energy and running early gets it done with no excuses as to why you shouldn't run! I've got the next 6 weeks off work, but I will continue with this routine.

Charlottetrip profile image
CharlottetripGraduate

I love morning run. I get up at half 5ish during the week, a little later on weekend, have some water and a cereal bar then go.

It's quieter, so don't have to worry about stopping for traffic too much and no people to get in my way.

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

I quickly found I need to eat before running. I have porridge, and several mugs of tea...

mrmick profile image
mrmick

Thank you for all the responses and advice, I completed the 2nd run of week 3 this morning, the storms work me so I was out at 5am and this was probably the worst its been so far with regard to breathing. I did complete the plan and covered 2 miles so I'm pleased with that. I'm actually looking forward to Friday at the moment.

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