Can’t do mornings: Does anyone else have... - Couch to 5K

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Can’t do mornings

OldFartRunning profile image
12 Replies

Does anyone else have difficulty running in the morning ? I have no problem with my runs in the afternoon but always struggle if I try them in the morning.

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OldFartRunning profile image
OldFartRunning
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12 Replies
LeeU profile image
LeeUGraduate

I used to run every evening at 9pm on the treadmill when I first did C25K in 2017, this time around I've run it mainly in the mornings. I've found it gives me a boost for the day and leaves me literally bounding around.

I think it comes down to whether or not you are a morning person, my wife is not a morning person but tries to fit her runs in in the morning, her idea of morning and mine are different by at least 1.5 - 3 hours, I can get up at 6 and be ready to go for a run, either treadmill or outside in about 15 minutes.

RunningMigster profile image
RunningMigsterGraduate

Good morning :-)

Funnily enough, I'm the opposite way around.

Once I've got over the hurdle of getting out of bed! I love the peace and quite that an early morning gives me. No physical distractions from people and no mental distractions from thinking about work (my brain has not usually woken up enough to think).

But everybody is different. I struggle to run after work because of all of these distractions I mentioned.

I prefer running in the mornings. There’s very few people around and you can then carry on the day guilt free. If you run before breakfast, just think of that lovely warm cuppa you can have when you get home too! Everyone is different though and do what suits you 😊

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate

I prefer morning- pot of tea in bed then straight into kit. Too excited to wait even though we have heavy frost outside. I'll be out as soon as I finish reading today's posts

tiggs1 profile image
tiggs1Graduate

I prefer running in the mornings but refuse to get up early enough to do a morning run before work (I have to leave for my drive to work at 0600hrs) so I only tend to get a morning run in every once in a while.

Alast profile image
Alast

I'm a morning runner as well. When I first started C25K a few weeks ago my main motivation for going out early was because it would be dark, there would be no one around, so no one would see me (I am very self conscious about my low level of fitness!). As time has gone on I find it suits me better too, but I am a morning person, I've never had difficulties getting up. On my running days I get up 1 hour early meaning that when I get back home I have a good 20 minutes to recover (stretch, cool down & mop up the perspiration!) before starting my normal day. As others have said (generally) the feeling of well-being helps me into & through my working day afterwards. From a practical point of view it would also be difficult for me to run later between getting home from work, eating dinner with my family and going to bed. Plus I'm also sure that if I tried running later in the day, I'd think of numerous 'reasons' why today isn't suitable, I'll do it tomorrow! But, we are all different and have to attack this in whatever way suits us personally.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

We are all different........do what works for you.

Enjoy your journey

Wenderwoo profile image
WenderwooGraduate

I’ve only done one run in the early’ish morning and it’s the only one I really struggled with - I ended up with sore glutes, maybe trying to get it over with quickly, haha! I much prefer to run around lunchtime, and am now fortunate enough to be able to run when I like, but I don’t suppose that many have that option.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Unless I plan for something or have to be somewhere in the morning, then I don't do much in the mornings, (mild depression) and dry eye problem doesn't help, as eyes feel like they are forever trying to clear.. So usually midday before out running.. If I feel like it..

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

It’s both a personal and time thing that you need to work out what suits you. I am not a morning person at all but I wouldn’t run any other time. I put everything ready roll out of bed, do the Dynamic warm up and go without thinking too hard. The beauty of the dawn is such a special gift 🎁

I tried running later but found difficulty sleeping and also the tyranny of other urgent things taking over!

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

Hi OldFartRunning , I think a lot of us have our 'favourite' time of day to run...I don't like running in the afternoon but if I have to because that's the only slot then I will, but it's not as enjoyable, I don' really know why, it's prob all in my head but I def know what you mean!!

Rimsey55 profile image
Rimsey55Graduate

Mentally I prefer morning runs but physically I really struggle. I'm definitely a morning person, so that's not the problem, but I just seem to have much heavier legs in the morning! Find it much more difficult than evening running.

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