If you have the option to run in the morning, don’t think twice. Even if you’re not a morning person it might be worth shifting your schedule a bit, because the benefits outweigh the costs.
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#1: No excuses
The main benefit is that you ‘get it overdone with’ You wake up and run before the excuses awaken and get the better of you.
I know because I used to be an early morning runner, and now switched to evening runs (kids…). And putting off that measly 30-minute run is easy when you’re so tired by the end of the day and you think of tomorrow…
#2: Nutrition
When you go for a 30-minute morning run you can just have a banana or a slice of peanut butter toast as your pre-run energy fix. You don’t need to think about it too much.
But as the day unfolds, many things can happen. You may fancy a three-course lunch with legumes, melted cheese, and Greek Yogurt. Or your friends might invite you for Tacos, or stir fry, or falafel for dinner.
This will either force you to waive goodbye to your evening run or feel your stomach trembling with every step, definitely not a pleasant experience.
#3: Runners’ high
That amazing, invigorating feeling you get after a good workout, will take you through the day. While a very intense activity can result in exaggerated energy levels (nothing wrong with them, but they can easily turn into aggression and interrupt your work), a short-medium level effort can boost your energy level, turning you into a productivity machine. And the endorphins will make you much happier! [Facts, research].
#4: Safety
While there are many benefits to running after darkness, morning runs are considered safer. There’s sunlight, you’re usually not alone, you’re more visible to motorists, and are less likely to trip over a stone or a creek.
#5: Weather
If you live in a warm country like mine, the early hours usually offer better, cooler weather. During spring and summer here temperatures can exceed 35C, making it almost impossible, and risky, to run after about 10 AM. The mornings are still nice and chill, and often windy, so running at this time is nice and breezy.
Now over to you: When do you prefer to hit the ground running? Morning, evening? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I found the article very interesting and it provided some encouraging insights. It’s great to see the benefits of morning runs highlighted. Keep up the great work!