Can the time of day affect your run?

I normally run at night but the past 2 times that I've decided to run earlier in the day, I haven't been able to complete the run. Can your body get used to running at a certain time of the day or am I just being silly?

[strollguy Graduate]

Not sure about our physical bodies but there is a lot of habit involved with running. I am the opposite to you - if I don’t go first thing in the morning I seem to lose my motivation to go out at all - at least you are getting out! However how the run relates to meal times could perhaps be a factor?

[Myzinnyboy Graduate]

I like to run in the morning around 6 am, a bit dark at the moment since the clocks altered! I find that if I leave it until later in the day something will crop up to stop me. I’m only on week 4 next run is run 2 on Wednesday.

For me running on an empty stomach is the best, maybe a half cup of coffee before going and definitely a full one on my return.

[bananahead Graduate]

I guess run whenever suits you if your lifestyle allows it. I prefer running first thing in the morning after a cup of tea; if I go late in the day my body is too full of food and drink. My hubster on the other hand is rubbish at morning running, and has come home on more than one occasion with grazed knees after falling over!

[Everon]

This may sound sillier - but I am the same. I hate running in the daylight coz people can see me!! I do make myself do it however, but I do find that I am more tense as I run and therefore I don’t manage my breathing as well as when I run in the dark!

Daft I know, I just find it less stressful running at twilight!! 🤪

[Hidden in reply to Everon]

That's like me, I feel really self conscious running when it is bright outside as I think people are looking at me hahaha

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

If people are looking it's because they are thinking "Wow, wish I was as motivated as them!" and if you're a bit puffed out, they probably think that you've been running for miles and miles!

People aren't looking anyway, I know it's easier said than done because I'm self-conscious, but just turn your music up and keep your mind on the run rather than thinking of the people around you You can do it!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

I think you need to consider why you haven't completed the runs, i.e. what made you stop - exhaustion, injury, hunger, tiredness?

Run when it suits you best, as you will more likely keep it up. A lot of people worry about running in daylight in public. The truth is most runners are invisible - how many did you notice, and I mean really notice beyond a passing glance, before you started running. Chances are you took no more notice than you would notice a walker with a dog or a business person in a suit.

[Rosiepug Graduate]

I’ve been considering the same recently and think maybe it’s just personal preference. Habit and time since eating are important for me. I like early evening, it’s a while since lunch but I’m not so empty as on a run before breakfast, I’ve been hydrating through the day and I get to run out all the day’s stress. Perhaps weigh up what’s on your feel good priority list and do what feels most comfortable.

[Chris141 Graduate]

I prefer to run 1st thing in the morning just with a cup of tea 1st, get it over with and home for breakfast, but it really is what suits you and your lifestyle!

No one is looking at you Kaf. If they do it’s because you’re probably making them feel guilty!

I think you are allowing yourself to get stressed over this and talking yourself out of your run! You need to relax get your music playing and just listen to your coach! You will do it! So get back out there Kaf! You can do this!

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I like to run in the evening or afternoon

I just feel empty in the morning!! So for park run I get up ridiculously early to eat so I'm not feeling too empty!

[Pubcarking Graduate]

I think it does matter, I'm the same a creature of the night and if I run before mid afternoon it's a horrific experience. I feel awful my legs are heavy I don't want to do it and I feel I'll.

This is great as I have a race next month that starts early in the morning 🤦‍♂️

There must be some reason for it as in work with someone that can only run in the morning.

[Hidden]

Definitely. I'm a night runner, I loving running at night and i really struggle in the morning. There's something about the night that makes it easier for me, more relaxing. Maybe it's because I can only see what's directly in front of me so it's less daunting... Who knows?