Moving from morning runs to evening. How to do?

[Gogreengo]

Hi,

I’m often on here soaking up advice and motivation but this my first (rather rambling) question!

Probably massively over thinking this but since I restarted running (off and on) last year i’ve always gone out as early as possible. This has got slightly later as I’ve found the potential for a migraine is reduced if I have a small breakfast and a cuppa as well as plenty of water. But it is still by 9 in the morning. Though with the current weather I’m finding that is even a bit too hot.

That and the desire to run more than twice a week means I want to try going out in the evenings. However I seem to have set up a bunch of problems stopping me e.g. before or after dinner? Will I have any energy left (exhausting job and a small child)? And will I talk myself out of run as the day goes on?

I have just completed w9r2 and want to keep going after graduation but I still have to motivate myself to go out and I think that is easier in the morning.

In another lifetime- about 20 years ago I only ever ran after work. But now I can’t even imagine how this was possible.

What I think i’m asking is if anyone has any advice about evening or late afternoon running and how and when to eat? Any thoughts on motivating yourself later in the day too would br welcome.

Thank you very much

[Sar9 Graduate]

I tend to do some mornings and some in the evenings. I’m a nurse so can barely get to work on time as it is, never mind trying to squeeze in a run.

I have to say, I do find morning running better.

I think with evening runs you can sometimes talk yourself out of it, feeling tired, hungry, just wanna sit down etc.

The only way I get my run done in the evening is if I walk through the door after work, get straight in the running gear and go. Once I’m sat down, there’s no motivation to get up and go for a run, certainly not after food!

Everyone is different, but that’s my experience.

It’s actually quite hot in the evenings too at the mo, until late x

[Gogreengo Graduate in reply to Sar9]

Thank you for your reply. I think I agree with you about morning runs being better. And i’m pretty sure i’ll find any excuse under the sun to end up on the couch if I leave it till later in the day! If I do go out after work i’ll prob have to get ready before I get home! Thanks again for your thoughts.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

At this time of year evenings are hot, whereas first thing in the morning is the coolest time of day to run.

In the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... I give this advice Whatever time of day you run, it is best not to do it on a full stomach. While one man’s large meal is another man’s snack, the general guidance is that you should wait two to four hours after a large meal, before you run, and thirty minutes to two hours after a snack.

Evenings have never worked for me and I prefer mornings. It is easier to be adequately hydrated running later in the day.

All you can do is give it a try and come to your own conclusions.

[Bendymion Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I do most of my runs in the evening. I began on my second attempt at the program because in attempt 1 I had severe calf pain on w1r2 that stopped me running for several weeks. I’m otherwise in pretty good shape but I’ve long had very tight calves. I had a (maybe unfounded) theory that my calves would be better warmed up by the end of the day so that, along with different shoes, lots of water and never running on cement were how I started attempt 2. I’m now on w7r2 with no problems. I’m continuing to stick with evening for now.

I eat a light supper with my family fairly early (about 6pm) and go running sometime between 8-9. I run slowly and have a flat route with a beautiful view beside the water. I really enjoy having this time to myself, away from my partner and kids, at the end of the day. When I return it is very practical as I can shower and get ready for bed. I’ll sometimes eat a banana if I feel hungry and evening running means I’m very unlikely to snack mindlessly before bed. I think the way I motivate myself most is that I look forward to the run all day. Because I’m running at such a slow pace I’m never worried about it being exhausting. Instead it is peaceful and a time for me.

[Gogreengo Graduate in reply to Bendymion]

Thank you for your reply. I also started then aborted due to injury. All fine with better shoes now. I started at the beginning of the first lockdown when both of us were working from home with a toddler in the house so mornings before they were awake was my only option - and it was much needed time to myself. Now back in the workplace I can’t go out before work so am limited to one morning at the weekend and my day off. But maybe like you if evenings are going to work they need to be quite late. Thank you again for your thoughts

[Gogreengo Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your reply. Important things for me to remember there

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

I prefer to run in the evening. I do need to have it in my diary to make myself go. i.e. I put that time aside and then go whatever.

I eat around 6-6.30 a normal meal but not massive portions or excessively spicy.

I go out about an hour later. So far I quite like mellow evening warmth, but lets see how I get on this week!

Also being out running does stop me lolling about snacking.

I've tried morning runs, it feels virtuous but I'm barely alive and it always seems to coincide with dog walk o' clock where I go.

We're all different but I think whatever you do, setting up a regular habit so you do it without thinking about it is helpful.

[Gogreengo Graduate in reply to DylanTheRabbit]

Thank you for your reply - I think you are right about the regular habit - that is what mornings have become, and now that they don't really work it is probably a big change in mindset I need!

[la_fouinard Graduate]

I’m actually now more of a fan of late afternoon runs now with the odd evening run. For me I’ve found it best to run no sooner than 2 hours after food which can make it interesting planning timing.

My preferred routine is to run before dinner and then eat once I’ve cooled down after I get back. Usually have something for dinner prepared from the previous day so it’s nice and easy.

Morning runs I always find hard going initially but that late afternoon slot or an evening run just feels great from the start. I suspect it’s because I’m fully hydrated and got plenty of fuel in the tank whereas if I’m running in the morning it ends up being in no more than a cup of coffee as it’ll be early.

Only side note is I found it is worth being extra careful on hydration for later runs if it’s after work. It’s sometimes quite easy for me to not drink enough if it’s been a hectic and that makes for a bad run.

[Gogreengo Graduate in reply to la_fouinard]

Thank you for your reply - a lot of good points here. I do have a couple of early finishes during the week so late afternoon could be the way to go - not too long after lunch. But yes i'm the same with hydration at work so I'll have to be careful

[Frenc Graduate]

Hello Gogreengo! All I can say is that every single time I’ve meant to run after work, and I mean every single time, it hasn’t happened! That’s not because I’m a bad person or lacking motivation, it just doesn’t work for me as once I’m home I just want to relax 😎. So I get up silly early to beat the heat. Roll on cooler weather! Good luck 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️.

[Gogreengo Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Definitely need cooler weather!! This sounds an awfully lot like me - when I did do after work runs ( a very long time ago) I had a less demanding job - I do like couch time after work now! Thank you for your reply

[Lookslikejames Graduate]

I used to prefer morning running, but since I stopped working from home, I’ve had to adapt and run when I can. I’m now at a point where I can run in the mornings, lunchtime or evening and there isn’t any discernible difference.

If you’re anything like me, the more you run the more you’ll feel you need to run, which should help carry you through if you feel tired in the evening. I also never eat before running, this helps me get the job done so I can get home and eat!

I’m sure you’ll find a balance that works for you, but it is difficult with a job and being a a parent. If you feel too tired one evening, then have an extra day off, your body will appreciate it and it’ll help on the next run.

[Gogreengo Graduate in reply to Lookslikejames]

Thank you for replying. I'm hoping if I just go for it (once the weather cools) i'll be able to run at any time. And yes the desire to run is increasing

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Before dinner but have a banana first if you're actually feeling hungry.

It's a fantastic feeling to "earn" your dinner and eating after helps with recovery.

Motivation, well if you promised someone else you'd be there you wouldn't let them down would you? Promise yourself and give yourself the same respect and loyalty you give others 👍🏻

[Gogreengo Graduate]

Thank you replying. Food is a motivation that can definetely work for me! I like your point about respect - the feeling after a run is much better than that of the regret of not going - I should be nice to myself