Morning Runs

[Dotson]

Hi All, can anyone give me some suggestions on early morning runs? I normally tend to run late afternoon which works well for me. However, I'm off on holiday next week and to get the best out of the days I'm away I'm planning to switch to running first thing in the morning. I trialled it today and as I don't fancy running on an empty stomach I had a drink and a banana first thing, gave it about 30 mins and then ran (W7R2). I didn't get a stitch or anything but what I found is that for about the first 10-15 mins my legs felt like lead. After that things improved a bit. I'm still not sure it's the ideal approach, however.

What works for you guys? Any ideas appreciated.

[Granniemand Graduate]

I run on empty. A coffee leave it half hour and go. I don't run as well evenings or after food. Everyone is different. Try a couple of different things and see what works best for you xx

[Cazzajambo in reply to Granniemand]

I'm the same as you seem to prefer to run on empty

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I have a cuppa about an hour before going out, and a bite of banana and a sip of water just before I run. I can’t run totally empty, but I find a whole banana a bit much. Trial and error really!

I love morning runs. Sets me up for the day with a slight smugness!!

Have a great time! 😀😀

[Cazmanaz Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

That could have been me writing that! I'm exactly the same! Early morning, one bite of banana, half a glass of water and I'm off. I save the cuppa until I return with my smug grin😁

[Ex-NonRunner19 Graduate]

I have to do my runs in the morning, otherwise it’d be on my mind all day. I usually have protein for breakfast & 2 large decaf coffees and have managed ok. This morning, I had a carby breakfast (just fancied spaghetti hoops on toast!) and my legs felt like lead from start to finish & I was exhausted at the end rather than buzzing. I’ll switch back to my normal protein for the next run and see if things return to normal. Try something different to eat, organised event runs are usually in the morning so I’m sure mornings are the best time.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Half a banana and a cup of tea for me. I need at least an hour from when I get up before I run so my body moves a bit, but that could be age!

[Tartancat Graduate]

You might need to leave more time between eating and running. I struggle to run if I've eaten - I can feel it sitting heavy in my stomach, so if I run in the morning I just have a coffee before i go

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I'm not a natural morning runner. Love evening runs! When I've had to run in the morning I struggle. I get up silly early and eat while I walk the dog. Then coffee. Then about half an hour later I run. I get the heavy legs. Just can't get going!

[Dotson Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

Thanks for your reply Ang, I'm glad it's not just me ☺☺☺

[Vix_yp Graduate]

Hi Dotson, I have tried running at different times, but I prefer early morning runs. It’s important that you’re well hydrated the day before your run, as the water has to be in your bloodstream and not your tummy. I usually have 1/2 banana about 30-45 minutes prior to my run and only a little water. This works well for me! Good luck!

[Razouski]

I also run on empty in the mornings. Cup of tea as I'm waking then kit on, warm up dynamic stretches, loo, and I'm off out for the 5 minute walk and then running. I manage 10km on this regularly.

I ran today at 5pm and felt like I was still digesting my lunch, so also had legs of lead. That's why I prefer running first thing. I do however make sure I have had plenty of water to drink the evening before.

I guess everyone is different and you just have to see what works for you. I'm currently training for a half marathon, and although I've run the distance before the race I'm doing will be at 12.30, so I'm having to practice running later in the day so that I can work out what to do about eating and drinking... If I drink too much I'll end up needing 🚽 mid run. 😂

[Hidden]

Half a banana and half a cup of tea, leave it a while and then get out into the freshly scrubbed new day. No insects, no lingering heat of the day and not so many people around and a 'naked' run. No, not like that, just without tech. A watch for timings and that's it.

Try it, enjoy it and become a convert.

[Gingernutter Graduate]

I get up, wash my face, brush my teeth and off I go! Back for a bottle of water, get showered, drive to work and then a protein based brekkie and a coffee. Works for me!

[Fauvemarin]

First, not good to run on empty. The science sez you need something in your gut, but not a lot. A banana and a bagel seems to be perfect. Coffee/tea helps too.

Second, lay out your stuff the night before. Decide on your route, and think about it as your going to sleep (make sure to get 6-8 hrs).

Third, start off walking for 5 minutes. Stretching first thing in the morning is problematic, because your muscles are cold. Then start off slow for another 5+ minutes.

Finally, enjoy!!! Morning runs will make your whole day go better.

[Dotson Graduate]

Thanks all for your suggestions. Back to later running today as I'm waiting in for the man from BT 🤔 but I'll try an early again next week and see how it goes 🙂

[Dotson Graduate]

After experimenting, my conclusion is that I'm just not a first thing in the morning runner. If I get up early, have a light breakfast, give it an hour and then go it's OK, but I found running on empty bar a glass of water and a few jelly babies felt horrible.

Still, many thanks for all the suggestions. Each to their own I guess.