When is the best time to run?

[Bumblebee43]

Morning I’m week 6 day 2 really,enjoying the running

Just reading about when is the best time to run, I tend to run in the morning, everything I’m reading suggests this is the worst time as it’s links the body’s function at its lowest which places greater strain and then injury.

Just wondered what everyone thoughts were?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This is extremely personal.

I have nearly always run first thing in the morning for pragmatic reasons and it sets me up for the day. It is cool, quiet and often involves beautiful sunrises and is my default running time.

However, running mid morning often seems to give slightly better performance but is often too warm during the summer months.

If you warm up adequately then I am not aware of any significant difference in injury risk due to time of day.

[Bumblebee43 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks, I’m sticking to Morning, week 6 run 2 done and feeling great! Legs hurt more ?

[Koscha12a]

When I was commuting to London for work I ran in the evening mainly because there wasn't time in the morning. Since lockdown I've been running in the morning and find I prefer it, I have more energy and it sets me up for the day. I really think it is a personal thing often affected by what time is available.

[Bumblebee43 Graduate in reply to Koscha12a]

Same I feel great in the mornings, so sticking with it! 👍🏻 not sure how when work returns but I’ll find a way!

[Bumblebee43 Graduate in reply to Bumblebee43]

Sorry not realised I’d replied already, but Thanks again!

[Bumblebee43 Graduate in reply to Koscha12a]

Thank you I’m sticking to the morning, not sure when back to work but I’ll find a way!

Ahh the commute to London, I know it well!!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I'm not keen on early morning running, although I've been doing it during lockdown for social distancing. I often feel sluggish and it seems to be a real effort to get round.

My favourite times are late morning or late afternoon - so before lunch or before dinner. I seem to have more energy. It has been too warm and too busy for that lately. Although, I had a lovely damp run on Tuesday afternoon with no one about.

When I started c25k, I couldn't run in the evenings because I couldn't get to sleep afterwards. I think I may go back to experimenting with it soon, now that I'm more accustomed to running and it stays light longer.

[Bumblebee43 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Was the 5k to 25k really hard? I’d like to continue just not sure I’ll be able to do it !!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Bumblebee43]

Woow! Not 25k! c. 2. 5. K. I wish I could run 25k!

I am gradually increasing my distance. My longest run to date is 14.26k. My short term goal is 16k (10 miles) and my long term goal is 21k (half marathon).

I was like you when I started - not sure I'd ever get further than 5k, but if you're patient, take it slowly and mix your running up (hills, sprints and increasing distance by 10% over time), you can do it. The only times I've picked up a couple of niggling injuries are when I've gone too far, too fast.

I'm no expert, but I think after you get to a certain length of time, something happens in your body, where it burns fat more efficiently. Whatever it is that happens, I know that I can now run comfortably for longer.

I'm 60 in a few weeks. If I can do it, so can you! Good luck!

[Bumblebee43 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks for the message ... I’m really enjoying it! Something great from Lockdown!! Happy Birthday, in a few weeks!! 🥳

[Hidden]

Run at a time that suits you. I run in the morning when it’s cooler and quieter. I’ve always preferred this.

[Bumblebee43 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you