Morning vs Afternoon? When is the Best Time to Run?

Morning runs don’t work for everyone

I just read another article touting why running first thing in the morning is the best time to run. Ugh.

I consider myself a morning person. On top of that, I’ve also been running for 28 years. However, I hate the idea of rolling out of bed and hitting the trails first thing.

While I like the idea of getting sweaty before I start my day so I can shower and be fresh afterward, there are too many things I’d rather do at that time. Like have a cup of tea and watch the birds outside my window.

I can’t have my first cup until I’ve had some oatmeal or toast first, and then my stomach is too full to run for at least 20 minutes.

Plus, I’ve got to check my email to see if my latest submission was accepted. Also:

1. I’ve got another story I’m working on.

2. My brain works best first thing in the morning. (I don’t want to give my most precious brainpower to my run).

3. My muscles are stiff, my eyes are puffy and my joints need oiling.

4. When I run first thing in the morning, I need a nap after lunch.

5. I don’t want to pass through the busy streets with people trying to get to work on the way to my favorite trails.

For me, the best time to run is 2:00 pm. I am warmed up and my muscles and joints are ready to go. By then I’ve usually worked a solid 6 hours and I need a break anyway. If I have an afternoon slump, it gets my heart pumping again, waking me up so I have a productive afternoon and evening. By bedtime, I get tired just as I slip into bed.

It is the perfect time for a run.

The science, however, doesn’t show that 2:00 p.m. is the best time for running or for any exercise. In fact, the science on the matter is inconclusive.

According to Anthony J. Wall M.S. from the American Council on Exercise, “From a physiological perspective, the evidence on time of day and running is mixed.”

Wall went on to explain that there are several studies out there looking at circadian rhythms and how it impacts exercise performance. Some studies show a slight preference…

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