Best time for running

[SamNotSammy]

I was wondering what part of the day does everybody run? I tend to run between 8:30-10:30am before I work an afternoon shift. I tried running after a morning shift around 2:30-3:30pm but I always failed on those runs, I don’t know why. I can’t get up and go out straight away as my joints are rather achy in the mornings so need an hour or so and a cuppa before I can do anything really. I’ve never done an evening run as yet.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Time of day for running is highly individual.

First thing in the morning, before breakfast has always been favourite for me.

Bear in mind that everything going on in your life has an impact, either positive or negative, on your running performance.

The top of my list of variables that need to be optimised are restedness, hydration and nutrition.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I used to run before lunch. I thought I'd collapse in a heap if I went running early, but since Christmas I've been going out before breakfast and I'm really enjoying it. I don't like running in the evening. At the moment it's too dark, and it stops me getting to sleep, some people love it though. I'm very lucky; I'm retired and can choose when I run.

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

I like to run around 11.00 am and then do a good cool down stretching routine and then have lunch. But I no longer work so can pretty much do it when I want to.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I think it takes a while to establish what works best for you as we all different. I run early mornings as that suits my body, as it just doesnt work after 6pm!! It sounds like you have found a time that works best for you and your body- well done on your running

[Joanney69 Graduate]

I had only done semi dark mornings 7 - 8am, before breakfast, figured there's less chance of people seeing me! 😂 & seems to work quite well. Yesterday I went out about 4.45pm after work & that was OK as well - semi dark but more people around on their way home from work! 😳 Survived though 😋

Whatever works for you 😊 🏃

[BestLife19 Graduate]

When its light early then I definitely prefer early morning (less time for any negative I can't do this thoughts beforehand) but at the moment it's too dark for my preferred run route (unlit canal path) - so its later in the day- anywhere from 9 to 3. Main thing is to keep doing it whenever you can fit it in and accept some runs better than others for no reason. I also have to eat (cereal bar) & drink (not wine!) about 30 mins before. Haven't had a stitch since starting to do that.

[Jell6 Graduate]

I like to go around 06.00, (year round)

Less people and cars, and the world is waking up on my way home.

The shower, coffee and a bit of guilt free reading time😊

[motherduckling Graduate]

For me it depends on the weather - where I am at the moment it is pretty hot, so Ill either go before work (involves getting up at around 5am) or later in the evening, around 6 or 7pm. Being in the southern hemisphere means it is light the whole time so that is not a big consideration for me.

I generally tend to do better in the mornings though, as it is usually just that bit cooler. I head straight out with just a sip or 2 of water, but will take a small bottle if I am aiming for a longer run. I think the dog prefers the mornings too, on non-running days she goes a bit crazy while I am putting on my work shoes!

But in winter, I usually run as soon as I get home from work - I am not adapted to or equipped for running in the cold!

[NotPrime]

I should preface this by saying I’m retired so have few constraints.

Depends on the length of run and time of year, especially as most of my runs are on unlit trails. Spring, summer and autumn for 5 - 7k I’m definitely an early before breakfast person. Winter for the same distance the dark mornings push me a bit later so 09:30ish after a light breakfast.

If I’m running around 10k -20k then definitely after a light breakfast so I don’t run out of fuel half way round. That tends to be 9:30 onwards.

I’ve noticed that as I’ve got fitter my running has spread itself across the day more, so the occasional afternoon run isn’t unusual. However I’ve never yet done an evening run. Something to give a go this year perhaps?

My son was with us for a week at new year and he was doing late evening trail runs with a head torch. I might give that a go in the morning or evening sometime; it looks like fun 😊

[Botwocker]

I get up at 5am out the house 15 mins later, at the moment I'm hiding in the dark but maybe as I improve day light might be my friend lol