04 Nov
04Nov

Cons of Running in the Morning vs. the Rest of the Day
Pros of Running in the Morning vs. the Rest of the Day
Running in the morning is coolerRuns at night can help relieve stress
Great way to start the day Waking up earlier can be no joke
Easier to get a run in earlierMany gyms are super crowded in the morning
Getting sweaty early helps one get ready earlierHard to fit everything in in the morning


What are the Pros and Cons of running in the morning vs. the rest of the day? 

Running has played a huge role in my life! I have covered hundreds of miles and have worn out more running shoes than I care to count. I am also a procrastinator when it comes to running. I often miss the morning run to opt-out for a midday or evening jog.

Pros of Running in the Morning vs. the Rest of the Day

  1. Running in the morning is cooler. Nothing can beat a sunrise run. While running in the morning, you get the benefit of several degrees lower. If you are at home on your treadmill in the morning, it is easy to crack a window to help bring in some fresh air. 
  2. It is one of the best ways to get a good start on the day. I don’t know what it is about running, but I have found that I can get my to-do list done faster following a good morning workout. When I attended school, I found myself more attentive during class after a run. When I had work after a run, I found myself performing better. There is something magical about running that shouldn’t be underestimated. 
  3. No need to worry about a meal eaten two hours before. I hate trying to figure out how much to eat before going on a run. Eat to little and you will be starving. Eat to much and you may feel sick and even vomit. While running in the morning I eat a quick snack and am on my way. 
  4. Morning runs are a great way to help you get out of bed. There is a sweet spot in the morning that is perfect for running, miss it, and you will be sorry and more sweaty. If you have enough self-control to hold yourself to a morning run, you will find yourself getting up earlier. Side note: If you find yourself lacking the discipline to get out of bed, find a buddy that will run with you and hold you to this morning routine. 
  5. Getting sweaty helps you get ready for the day earlier. There have been too many times I have put off running in the morning, and therefore I put off getting ready for the day. Why take a shower now when I will have to take one again later after my run? I don’t know about you, but when I don’t get ready for the day my overall performance suffers.
  6. If you run in the morning, you are more likely to get your run in. We all know life gets busy. I have found that if I put off a run until later, it is less likely to happen. Here is a list of excuses I have used to skip a run in the last few years, enjoy (I am human)
  • I just got done working a manual labor job. Shouldn’t that count?
  • I have too much homework.
  • It is too hot outside.
  • It is getting dark, and there are creepers.
  • My downstairs neighbor is home now, and if I run on the treadmill, I will shake his whole ceiling.
  • I ate, and I need to let my food settle.
  • I don’t have time.
  • I need to get more things done on my to-do list.

Cons of Running in the Morning vs. the Rest of the Day

  1. Runs at night can help relieve stress picked up during the day. If you run once a day, it can sometimes be helpful to run in the evening to help relieve the stress from the day. When I was in school, I was taking 15 credits and working 35+ hours a week. To say this lifestyle was stressful is an understatement. When I was overwhelmed, I would head to the gym and run a few miles, and my stress would take a downward dive.
  2. Waking up earlier can be no joke. I was very much of a morning person until being pregnant and then having a newborn (my schedule is wrecked). It is nice to get any extra sleep when I can. Which in turn makes it difficult to run in the mornings.
  3. Many gyms are crowded in the morning. I guess it depends on the gym, but many are packed in the morning, a lot of people like working out first thing. If you like to avoid the crowds, maybe the morning is not for you. 
  4. Hard to fit everything in in the mornings.  Are you in a time crutch in the mornings? Trying to get to work, get the kids out the door to school, or trying to get as much done before your toddler wakes up. Mornings are packed as it is!    

"Our goal is to help the world make decisions with a list of Pros and Cons. We invite all to add to our lists to help others make the most educated decision possible. We are all in this world together to help each other and learn from what others have learned from their lives journey." - Pros and Cons Team

Written by: Kristen 


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