Is There An Optimal Time Of Day To Run?

One expert says no; each individual is different.

There may be no real advantage to getting a run in before work other than the fact that you don’t have to worry about fitting it in later in the day.

Competitor spoke with Jenny Hadfield, running coach and author of the book Running For Mortals to learn when the best time of day is to squeeze in a few miles.

“I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all for when to run,” Hadfield said. “We all have different schedules. Some people are night owls. Some are morning people.”

Going for a run has to be at a time that’s convenient for you, because if you try to get your miles in according to when someone else tells you you should run, there is a greater likelihood you wont be able to, Hatfield explained.

“I run better in the morning. My husband likes to go running in the afternoon,” Hadfield said. “You have to go when it’s convenient for you.”

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Those with fewer time constraints and an open schedule can look at their training schedule a bit differently and run when they feel best. “If someone has the luxury of not having a busy schedule then I would say try to evaluate yourself on your runs and be mindful of when you feel the best,” Hadfield explained. If you have time in the evening and morning to go running, tune into when you feel best on your runs and try sticking to that time frame.

At the end of the day (or the beginning) you’re better off running at a time that works best for you and your schedule. Don’t try to force yourself into a routine that you’ll never stick to; instead, look at your schedule and take into account all of the day’s commitments and activities and plan accordingly.