After 4 years (give or take) of running, I’ve realized I am most definitely a morning runner. I love to see the sun come up on a long run. I love the peace of a cool, empty morning trail. I find it sets the tone for the whole day. I recently have shifted back to full-time office days on Mondays and Tuesdays and it’s a bit challenging to get out after a full day and a one hour commute, so I don’t always make it (turns out my brain isn’t always right), but it always feels worth it afterwards, when I actually do. My friend and I did a meandering beach run this morn and we’ve both had pretty stressful weeks for a variety of reasons, so running by the water at no particular pace worked a charm. Running in the morning helps me sort through the important stuff I can control vs. the things I have no power over. How about you? What’s the best time of day for you to run and why?
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I love sunrise runs but rarely do them as getting 5 boys out the door for school/sport/church is hectic. One day I will be able to get up at 5am & just go run without having to worry about anyone else but me. I have had Covid so haven’t run for a whole week. I can’t wait to get back out there.
I hope you recover fully very soon RW. Yes we only have two children and they are old enough to get themselves out the door now (most days). I am in awe of you and your life juggling skills! That photo is just beautiful
Hi Decker, my favourite time for walking and running is definitely the morning, not too early, in the 4 years since I completed and graduated from C25K, 18th June 2018 was run 3 of week 9 for me, the earliest time I have ever ran is 6.30am, the temperature was 16C/61F and forcast to go to 30C/86F by the afternoon, hence that very early time for my run which I think that morning was a 10K.My more usual time for a morning run is around 8 o'clock, however, during the winter months I usually wait until sunrise before I run,
The most memorable winter run was in December 2020 when I ran 8K around 9 am, I took a photo of the moon setting to the northwest over nearby hills and 5 minutes later another photo of the sun rising from the south east, it was a cold run from where I live in the UK, there was a light dusting of snow on the ground, the temperature was below freezing but nevertheless I enjoyed that moonset/sunrise 8K run.
That moonlight/sunrise run sounds amazing AlMoor. Yes I am out by 6am in the summertime, but, like you, later in the winter to follow the later sunrise.
That beach run sounds just lovely and I can imagine how soothing it was. I hope you can manage to get out and repeat it again and again Decker. But I’m sure it’s tricky when you work and harder still when your hours change.
I’m retired so I’m lucky to be able to run any time. Mornings are my favourite simply because it doesn’t impact the rest of the day but I must admit when I’ve gone in the afternoons my pace is better and I feel as if I have more energy…. Mmnnnn
I don’t run in the evenings at all because it messes with my eating times and interrupts my sleep.
I’m back to running 5Ks and my back is absolutely fine, so I’m a happy runner again 🤗
Lovely to read that your running is progressing and that your back is fine. Whoopee! 🎉🏃♀️ It is two weeks since I last ran. My meniscus is clearly not right; awful pain if I accidentally pivot on my foot allowing a twisting movement through my knee. I am completing my prescribed physio exercises every day and my next appointment is due on the 22nd of June. At least I can garden. 😊🌸
Mornings, definitely. When I was a kid I loved doing a paper round, in the twilight before dawn, because it felt as if I had the whole world to myself. I did an evening paper round too but only for the money, I don't know why the same feeling didn't get me about the evening twilight.
Also my husband and sons have always been late sleepers, so having a run early never stops me from doing anything with them later in the day. Also my job is knackering and when the day's over I just want to collapse on a sofa.
Sometimes when I've had a really good morning run, eg shot up a hill without realising I was running uphill, or a PB, or a lovely sunrise or some cool wildlife, my pupils can tell I've had a good run, because they notice the inane grin.
The morning runs seem to be winning for most of us so far. Yes that feeling of potential is so strong when noone else is about. Hope you get many more opportunities for early morning runs to maintain that smile 😊
I also really appreciate running before breakfast. I confess I appreciate the views best when there are no people about at all. Also running before my brain comes up with other plans suits me. I only started running after leaving my job of teaching in school so now that I tutor at home before breakfast when it is light is lovely. I did cycle to school, but I have never run before being ready for work. During the dark morning months, I run later.All this of course would be relevant if I were not on the ic with my poorly medial meniscus. Next physio appointment is due on 22nd June. Although I haven't run for two weeks it feels much longer, but at least I enjoy our garden and there is lots to do.
I do walk with my husband as an after breakfast commute back to his desk at home, but I have no inclination to add extra walks while other tasks and definitely the garden call. Currently gardening before breakfast in place of running.
Mornings, 100%. 😀 I started C25K 4 years ago this week, and I’ve probably only run after lunch a handful of times. I’m in awe of people who work full time and take the time to run in the evenings. 👊
Your beach run sounded delightful Decker. The perfect start to your day. 🥰
Yes mornings seem to be the overwhelming favourite so far Cheeky. I’ve only done a few runs after lunch too and I can’t say I enjoyed most of them, especially after work.
The beach run was amazing. Here are some pics from the day
Hi Decker , thanks for hosting the chat, and for such utterly amazing photos. "Bon courage!" too for all the things that you've got going on at the moment.
As usual I'm the stroppy one who takes the opposite point of view to everyone else: I'm not a fan of morning runs. I've never, ever been a morning person and running hasn't changed that, other than inducing even more guilt that I have absolutely no desire to get up at 5.00am and spring into action.
So I'll run pretty much any time of day, depending on how I feel, on what else I have to do and what the weather's like. I did manage to get out this morning, for once, as it was cloudy and at 19° cool compared to recent weather. 73% humidity, though, and no breeze, so "cool" is relative.
Thanks Cmoi . Ha yes I knew we’d have a least one non morning person! 😅. I think you may have the advantage on the rest of us in that you can just pick up and run whenever you please.
Cool is relative as you say. I find the temps drop a degree or two in the woods and by the water too
When I was working full-time I never did the same hours from one day to another, let alone from week to week, so I've never had a fixed running routine.
I quite often have my running kit ready in the spare bedroom so that I can, in theory, get out for a run without disturbing my husband if I wake up really early. The theory rarely turns into practice though!
I really don’t mind when I run. Just getting out there is all that is important. That said my runs are, more often than not, morning efforts (about 10am). It just falls that way. Molly (our Old English) needs to have the best weather of the day (if you have ever cleaned up a reluctant wet/ muddy OES you will know why) so sometimes I am pushed into the afternoon or evening. I absolutely love lone night runs up in the woods with only a head torch to pick out the path. Owls bats and who knows what are out and about. My most enjoyable night run was up to the Wainstones in North Yorkshire one frosty evening a couple of winters back. There were a few of us, with experienced guides. The sky was so clear that every star stood out; just amazing. So, absent the constraints of work, there is running joy to be found at any time of day.
Oh I need to try some night running! Some friends recently did a night trail race which sounded like a lot of fun. Just have to watch my step more than usual. 🙂
Totally agree Decker ! With a full time job it’s early or nothing for me, during the week anyway. I literally just do it as the advert says - before I can talk myself out of it. At this time of year I’d have to get up at about 4am to see the sun come up, but 5am seems a compromise although it still takes me about half an hour to get out the door 🤣. It is amazing and the best time of the day. All the best!
Definitely morning, before eating. Too warm for me or doggie later in day and I am definitely too tired after work. But can’t run before work either so limited to days off. I like that quote 😊
Oh that’s interesting you run before eating. I have to have something in me before I can run. For long running, I read it’s a type of training to train your body to burn fat instead of glucose by starving it of sugar. I tried it and hated it 😅 I run on sugar I think
Yes, it is interesting (to eat or not to eat 😆) and there have been quite a few discussions on the forum. I can’t remember the science I just know that I feel better without eating. Although I did have a very early light breakfast before my HM because the start time was later than I usually run and I did use sachets of stuff in my water!
Another early morning one here...preferably around 5am start. I love being the only one up and getting a head start to the day. I was always a morning person and could get alot done before children, 5, were up. Also, as I have recently discovered, it's the perfect time to see otters!!!
Hi Decker, thank you for hosting the chat this week. Hopefully the return the office will continue to allow you those early morning runs.
I’m with Cmoi on this one. I just don’t do early mornings. They were the stuff of past memories. Dragging my carcass out of bed at 5am or earlier for so many years in all weathers put paid to any love I may have once had. I also hate the pressure of having to get back home or the office or wherever by a certain time.
I definitely run better in the afternoon/early evening and the only reason I say that is because I’ve never run early in the morning 😂
Ooh definitely with you on a morning run for exactly the same reasons 😂I go to bed the night before planning my route, distance, check weather ect..
Wake in the morning thinking ooh I'll just mess on my phone for a wee ten mins, news on TV.. I could lay a bit longer..nahh.. running brain sets in..up half a smoothie, still wondering if I'm awake enough,but already back upstairs getting kit on.. seems second nature now 🙏
Once I get my earphones on that's me..out the door, walking that warm up walk.. ten.. maybe 20 mins into my run I'm in the zone... living the running life 😂
Life getting in the way of running is a complete pain isn't it? Sympathies.
Another morning runner here by choice! I'm too sluggish later in the day and it becomes increasingly difficult to fit runs in between eating and digesting! Having said that, I was to be seen running the length of Vancouver airport last Thursday evening with no regard to digestion, lack of sports bra or running shoes and a big bag on my back! Amazing what we can do when we have to 😍
Then stripping off as I finally got on the plane!!! not a pretty sight 🙈The most annoying part was sitting waiting for the remaining connecting flight passengers who turned up cool as cucumbers having not bothered to run! Still, dirst race I've ever won 😍
I did a 7.00am morning run this week and a 6.30pm evening run. This confirmed to me that I am NOT a morning runner! Mostly due to GI tract instability.I wish there were more evening races but I know I am in the minority there. Yesterday evening was beautiful out in the countryside with a couple of running pals.
Oh now there are three in the non-morning run camp! I hope you are able to find some evening races. I've been meaning to try a night race at some point too.
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Weekly chat 13 - 19 November 
