What are the benefits of running in the morning?
If you’re looking to add a little more pep in your step, running first thing in the morning might be the answer. There are many benefits to running in the morning, including:
Start off on the right foot.
The early morning hours are a perfect time for runners to clear their heads and get focused on the run. This can be done in addition or instead of making mental lists during these moments, depending on what works best with your schedule!
Consistency is key.
The second thing that you should know about running in the morning is how it can help with consistency. When there are more hours of your day, or even just before other commitments take over for whatever reason – this gives an opportunity to work out without worrying whether we’ll have time later on!
There’s also something satisfyingly psychological knowing exactly where our workout will happen each day. Routine aids with progress.
You’re less likely to make excuses not to work out if it’s already part of your daily routine.
Morning runners have an advantage over evening athletes because they can wake up early and work on their physical activity before anything else. This way, the day doesn’t get away from them as easily since there are less distractions that would take focus away such as other obligations falling into place during busy times at work/school etc.
This also ensures accountability by making sure you start off strong rather than ending with a sluggish finish due to lackadaisical practices throughout your shift – which could potentially cause injury if not compensated properly!
On the flip side, running in the morning can be tough if you’re not a morning person. Here are a few cons:
Less sleep.
Who loves mornings? I know some people who are not morning people and it can be tough to get out of bed at the crack of dawn (myself included). If sleep is critical to your wellbeing, you may wish to reconsider those early morning alarm bells for your morning runs.
Outdoor morning conditions can prove to be challenging.
Morning runners need to be especially cautious during their morning runs because it will likely take place in the dark before the sun rises. They must wear reflective gear and have a light that can show them where they are going, otherwise oncoming traffic could lead to an accident or they might twist an ankle in one of many holes dotting their path.
Not to mention, the temperatures play into how difficult these runs can feel due to frigid temperatures in the fall and winter months.
It can be more challenging to warm-up and fuel your body.
The stiffness you feel in your joints after a night of sleep is due to the fact that they are not as mobile during REM cycle. In addition, you may not have had a chance to properly fuel your body from its fasted state if you are heading out for a long run.
What are the benefits of running at night?
Evening runners can enjoy lower stress levels and an easier time winding down for bed. There are several benefits to running at night, including:
Releasing your remaining energy storage for the day.
Whether you are an elite athlete or just getting started with running, it feels incredible to completely exhaust your body and feel fatigued toward the end of a long day. There is nothing more satisfying than taking care of business by using up all available energy stores before bedtime so that we can rest easy knowing our bodies have had time off from being active while also getting enough sleep!
Detox your thoughts from the day.
Evening runs are a great way to clear your mind after work. They give you that extra boost of calm and serenity, which is essential for getting through tough days at the office! Evening running also has physical benefits like building strength and increasing blood flow- all things we need when tackling life’s challenges head on.
Better sleep patterns.
Night time runs are perfect for people who feel exhausted after their workouts. People who exercise at night may experience more deep, quality sleep. Studies have shown that that evening exercise improves sleep quality. If you have trouble sleeping, running in the evening may be just what you need!
However, running in the evening does have its challenges. Here are a few cons of running at night:
You may not have the energy to get started.
The evening can feel like a huge burden as you try to balance family, work, and fitness. Your body is tired from being on edge all day long. It may feel easy to just lounge around in front of the TV or read something online… the temptation is real. It can feel a bit overwhelming to lace up your shoes for a run in the evening if you are feeling drained, be it physically or emotionally.
Life’s commitments can get in the way.
If you wait until the evening to run, your options are limited by social commitments, weather conditions, etc. You may find yourself having less flexibility after work, and having to choose between prioritizing your fitness or having a social life. Working remotely has certainly made our use of time in general more flexible, however if you find yourself in the office most days, running in the morning before life gets in the way may cause you less stress in the long term.
Feeling safe on the run.
When you run at night, your visibility is much lower. You’re also putting yourself in the position of being more likely to be hurt or injured because there are so few people around. Not to mention the potential risk of being hit by a car while running at night is much higher if you are outside. If you do choose to run outside, make sure to invest in LED lights and gear to light up yourself and your path.
How can you decide which time is best for you?
The best time of day to run really depends on your individual preferences and schedule. If you have more energy in the morning and prefer to get your workout out of the way early, running in the morning is a good option. If you’re more tired at night and would rather relax after a long day, running at night may be better for you. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for you. Just make sure to listen to your body and do what feels best!
Are there any other factors to consider when making this decision?
When it comes to running, there are many things to consider. In addition to the time of day, you also need to take into account things like your schedule, the weather, and your own personal preferences.
One thing to keep in mind is the weather. If it’s too hot or too cold outside, running may not be the best option. You’ll also want to consider how busy your day is. If you have a lot of commitments, running in the morning may not be possible.
Ultimately, the best time of day to run is when it’s most convenient for you. If you’re struggling to make a decision, try running during both times of day and see which one you prefer.
What do you think is the best time to run for most people?
There is no one “best” time to run, as everyone’s schedule and preferences are different. However, running in the morning may be a good option for those who have more energy in the morning and want to get their workout out of the way early. Running at night may be a better choice for those who are more tired at night and want to relax after a long day. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for you!
Conclusion
I’ll leave you with this final thought on running in the morning vs night. If you want to make the most of your running routine, it’s important to experiment a little bit to see what time of day works best for you.
Morning runners are more likely to have an energetic and productive day, while evening runners may find that they sleep better and feel more relaxed after their run. Running in the morning vs night is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences and schedule. There are many benefits to running either time of day, so it’s up to you to decide what’s best for you.
Ultimately, the best time of day to run is when it fits into your schedule and makes you happy! Whichever way you go, make sure to enjoy your runs and stick with them; they really can do wonders for your mind and body.