Morning vs evening run

What would you recommend to a beginner, an early run on an empty stomach before work or an evening run after work?

What works the best for you and why?

Thank you!

[Mum22boys Graduate]

Hi, apart from park run I do all my runs in the evening, partly because I'm looking after my 2 boys during the day, and I'd have to go out far too early in the morning otherwise, I just can't seem to get my legs working. I walk to park run (about 15 minutes) which helps get my legs properly warmed up. My ideal would be either late morninh or mid afternoon but just don't get the time for that

[MummyTum Graduate]

First thing for me (usually out by 6am). Have to run before children are up, and too tired by the time I get home from work and have put children to bed!!

[Granspeed Graduate]

It does tend to be a very individual thing! I don’t like running on a completely empty stomach (lots do), so I have a small bowl of muesli or porridge and a coffee and run about an hour later. But I’m lucky that fits my life (usually). I put my gear on first thing, though, to prevent procrastination. 🤣 And then there’s weather issues.... You kind of have to see what works for you, I think. Good luck.

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

The best time to run is a very personal thing. I am much better running in the evening. As soon as I get home from work i change and out the door. Try to eat a banana 2 hrs before hand. That may be psychological as only do it on weekday runs not my weekend run 🤔

I absolutely hate running in the morning. If I have to its a complete chore. 2 of my running friends love running early. 🤷‍♀️ Best thing is to give it a go and see which works best.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Everyone is different, I mostly run after work late afternoon but on days off aim to run mid morning, i seem to prefer later in the day runs though

[Rigpig Graduate]

I love the early mornings because it makes the rest of my day fantastic and full of energy. There is quite a lot of positive stuff written around the web about exercising on an empty stomach, for me I get really hungry about an hour after my run and have a big bowl of cereal with chopped Banana and skimmed milk. I'm a morning person so this works well for me. I think consistency is the key so it doesn't really matter as long as you pick something that works for you.

[Maz1234 Graduate]

I run 1st thing in the morning after walking the dogs on a empty stomach then have my breakfast when I get back usually porridge. I think it’s a personal preference thing to be honest try both and see what works for you

[Kat332zz Graduate]

I’m a first thing person too, get up and into running gear then less likely to cry off! I do have a cup of coffee before I go out but don’t eat. As everyone has said, it’s a personal thing.

[Rungranny Graduate]

I'm not a morning person at all.

I seem to feel much better for an evening run after work if I go home, get changed and go out straight away, just eat a snack and glass of water. Morning runs always feel like I'm dragging myself around.

I've never tried running on an empty stomach because I have type 2 diabetes and I'm afraid my blood sugars would drop too low and I'd have to stop.