When do you run?

[sofiaO]

I see many people tend to run in the mornings, but for me I run in the evenings after work and on the weekends around midday. I don't think I could ever be an early bird runner. Only I thing I find about running evenings is I am sometimes still too wired and full of adrenaline to sleep!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

My preferred time is late afternoon - I’m approaching 50 and I feel my muscles perform best then, when they’ve had a chance to warm and stretch through the day. But I’m a busy person with a chaotic life and in practice I run when I can fit it in. Most fitness and sleep guides recommend not exercising within two hours of your planned bedtime, but if that’s the only time you’ve got, what can you do ?!!

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

I probably have 3-4 hours before bedtime but find that post run buzz lasts awhile, I'm sure I'll calm down eventually when the novelty factor wears off!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to sofiaO]

Enjoy it while it lasts ! Have you tried a hot bath about half an hour before bedtime ? That can help x

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Oh yes definitely, love a relaxing bath after a run, it helps my aching muscles!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to sofiaO]

I’ve just finished reading “Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker: he reckons the main factors for better and quicker sleeping are avoiding LED lights (screens and some modern lights) for several hours before bed, a cool bedroom, dark and quiet. Don’t know if any of that helps ? All the best with it 😀

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

I find I can fall asleep easily enough but quite often end up waking during the night with aching, twingey legs. Its not too bad and hopefully will improve as my fitness does and I get stronger. I have many weird neurological issues which doesn't really help!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to sofiaO]

Life is never simple, is it ?!!

[TheGoodWillOut Graduate]

Always run about an hour or so after getting home from work on an evening. I find this time helps me forget about all the hassles and stress from the working day & I just think about my steps, breathing etc. Running really is so good for mental well being.

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to TheGoodWillOut]

Exactly this! Its a great way to get over work!

[BishyBarnabee Graduate]

I do late afternoons or midday if it’s the weekend. Same problem as you with mornings - a “Bed25k” programme would have been good for me!😉

[Alex1605 Graduate]

I'm a night owl and find it impossible to run in the mornings. At the moment having just restarted C25K after an illness I'm running (treadmill) late evenings, often just before bedtime - find I sleep better! In the next week or so I'll get back to running outside again, but it'll still be in the evenings.

Envious of those who run best in the mornings

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to Alex1605]

I'm sure it sets you up great for the day, but there is no way I am getting up at 5am to fit a run in before work!

[Letties Graduate]

I very much prefer to get up and get out.... if I have a cuppa I have to wait ages to avoid the sloshing feeling in stomach... by which time I'm having to talk myself into it.

I do run after work sometimes,but find it easier to do a morning if my schedule allows.

[damienair Graduate]

I run on Monday and Wednesday evenings after work and dinner. Usually at around 8pm. Then I rest until Parkrun on a Saturday morning. Going to a Parkrun in Dublin tomorrow with my 9 year old Son. It will be his 7th Parkrun and his first bit of touring. It will be my 29th Parkrun and 4th different course to try. Cake at the end too. 🍰

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to damienair]

That sounds like a really good routine, definitely the cake part

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Generally I run as late in the day as the light allows... I can’t wait to be back at 8/9/10pm... but in a Sunday I tend to run early enough to finish at 8:30 and then help set up junior parkrun.