Better for a run

The reality of all our busy lives today is that we need to find a good time for fitting in those runs. Do we get up early before work to fit a run in or do we wait to the end of the day?

There is of course no right or wrong answer to this question and will depend on so many factors outside running. I thought I would share my reflections on both morning and evening running.

Mornings

There is something incredibly empowering to have completed a run at the start of the day. To go into work already knowing I have achieved something feels great. It sets me up for the day giving me confidence for what’s ahead. Often the run helps me come up with ideas for how to approach a task or meeting. It is amazing how that time on the road or trail gives you a clarity of thought you can’t get sat in front your laptop or colleagues.

Morning running is much easier in the Summer months when it is light. In the Winter when it’s dark, cold and icy the motivation to get out of your snug bed is harder to muster. However it can be an exhilarating experience once you get going.

Evenings

You have had a tough day and are stressed about things, but forcing yourself to get your kit on and go out for a run can put things into perspective and allow you to calm down.

Fitting in time to cook dinner, deal with family life, and then go for a run can be challenging. However with a bit of planning ahead you can make it work. For example my boys used to have an hour long karate class in the evenings. I would drop them off, do a 50 minute run and then pick them up.

Again it is easier to run in the evenings when it is lighter than in the depths of winter. Safety is also a consideration and you need to make sure you are visible (there is a lot of hi-viz running gear available), you can see (well-lit routes and head-torch) and that you have let someone know where you are running. Running clubs or running with a friend can be great for motivating yourself to go out in the evenings.

Making it work

The key thing I have learnt is to find a routine that enables you to run regularly around your life. This can be mornings, evenings or a combination of both. I try at the weekend to plan my runs for the week ahead so that I have protected that time and practically know how I will do it i.e. when I will eat; take my kit with me etc. Without that I know I get frustrated with myself that I have missed out on a run because I have not been organised enough to do so.

Vary it up too. You have different experiences at different times in the day. There may be more traffic at certain times, there may be more or less other runners out, there may be different things to see. Having variation in timing stops your regular routes becoming boring, and allows you to understand when your body feels best for running.

Whenever you choose to run enjoy it!