When is it better to run: in the morning or in the evening? It is one of the most frequently asked questions among beginners. The prevailing media myth that one should run in the morning does not give a proper explanation. We have sought for professional advice and got the following answer.
There is no “good” or “bad” concept for running. The best way is to stick to the personal biorhythm and your own preferences. If the runner is an early bird, morning workouts come natural to him. If you are a late riser, you better run in the evening. As for the preferences, running in the morning makes your day and gives you energy, and running in the evening relieves stress and makes you feel like new.
You should choose the time when you can run with ease. If you get enough sleep (for about 8-9 hours per day), and you can afford an opportunity of the ultimate running session, it is wonderful! If you feel energetic in the end of the day, and you want to cheer up and have a breath of fresh air, it is also great.
Definitely, somebody will say that he is not able to run in the morning, and the other will argue that it is impossible to run in the evening on the ground of their biorhythms and sleeping habits.
However, in my opinion, our biorhythm can adjust to the circumstances. It is more important to find a place for running in our daily routine. After all, a running workout is not only about 30-40 minutes of your time spent in snickers. You should take much more into account, including your meals before and after the training, the warm up and the stretching, the location and the route of your race, the shower afterwards, and a few minutes of rest.
For that reason, the perfect time for running depends on the person. It can even change in the course of the week: some workouts are easier in the morning after a light meal, and the others are more effective in the evening.
It is important to mention, that by “morning” I do not mean 4-5 a.m., and by “evening” I do not understand 10-11 p.m. These periods are extreme for our body. The most favorable periods during the day are from 8 till 11 in the morning and from 6 till 9 in the evening.
