Running at different times

[Pixie_Runs]

So, when I started this, it was the middle of the school holidays. I could run whenever! Mostly, I ran first thing in the morning. Now that I'm back at work, I've had to run in the evening instead - I just couldn't do the morning run that I tried this week, getting up at 5 and running left me far too tired during the day. I came home last night, laced up my trainers, and got on with it with minimal whinging

However... Should running in the early evening really be this much harder?! Is it the actual time that's making it harder, or is it just a case of needing to reset the routine to make it a bit smoother?

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Well done for getting out running! Fabulous stuff! 👏

I run in the morning 99%. When I did a late afternoon one, I too found it way harder with my legs feeling heavier, plus I’d eaten lunch etc. Mornings I only have a bite of banana. So I think what you felt wasn’t uncommon, but plenty of people do run later in the day, and lots swear by it.

Just make sure you hydrate plenty throughout the day, and try to keep your meals light, and obviously not too close to your run time. Your body will acclimatise.

Mostly, have fun! You’re getting out there and that’s the main thing. 👏👏😀🏃‍♀️

[Pixie_Runs in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks! It's good to know that it's not just my body being super weird lol. And definitely - got to keep going!

[joannaj88]

I spent the school holiday running late morning and it was lovely. Did my first evening run for a long time last night. I was exhausted anyway but ploughed on. I’m getting stressed about the dark nights and the possibility of having to run home in the dark! Something I suppose we’ll get used to!

[Pixie_Runs in reply to joannaj88]

The running in the dark thing concerns me, definitely - I don't generally run near the roads, so that's going to take some planning! I'm due to hit week 9 at the start of October, so fingers crossed I can then change to maybe 2 runs, 1 midweek and 1 weekend in the daylight. That's definitely a problem for future me though!

[joannaj88 in reply to Pixie_Runs]

I’m Week 8 run 2. I always run along the river and Marshes near where I live but there’s no way would I do it in the dark! I think I’ll run home from work midweek (I live 5K away so no excuse!) Maybe another on Friday and one on Sunday. Don’t know about you but I find it hilarious that I’m a ‘runner’ and planning my winter runs 😂 Running twice a week should be fine though.

[Pixie_Runs in reply to joannaj88]

I know - these are not conversations I ever really thought I'd be having, with myself or anyone else!

[joannaj88 in reply to Pixie_Runs]

😂😂😂😂it cracks me up! We should be very proud of ourselves!

[Auden Graduate]

I have done one run in the evening- and like you I found it much harder. I’m trying to always find time first thing in the morning but it’s not easy!

[AnnieW55]

I think we all have a ‘best’ time to run but as cheekychipmunks says your body acclimatises. I’m an early morning runner but at the moment running early afternoon and I’m not enjoying it as much.

However, with regards to dark time running planning is necessary as you will most probably, make that definitely, need to be decked out like a 🎄, even on well lit routes. Doesn’t have to cost a fortune but hi viz vest or banding is the minimum but add in head or chest torch, maybe some arm bands. joannaj88

Running in the dark is great and a whole new game. I often run local trails in the dark - and scare myself silly at my own shadow 😂.

[Ab36 Graduate]

Hi, its difficult fitting everything in isnt it, I find I have to run in the morning, the couple of runs ive done later in the day felf awful, heavy tired legs and struggling with breathing. When i run in the morning I feel great all day but when its hanging over me it bothers me. Keep going you will find what suits you.

[Nobbywatts Graduate]

I'm not organised enough to run in the morning, I enjoy faffing about in my dressing gown and anyway the first thing on my mind is FOOD!

We used to run in the early evening at our old house, but it was road running and mostly well lit. We stuck to suburban roads and come Christmas-time there are all the lights to look at which takes your mind off what you're doing (a bit). At the new house we've been running late afternoon which I like, but there are no streetlights here so I guess we'll have to run earlier and earlier as the nights draw in. High viz is a must.