Yes, running can help you wake up and become more alert. Regular exercise increases levels of brain chemicals, such as endorphins and dopamine, which can help you feel more alert and energized. It can also help to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, which can help to make it easier to wake up and stay awake during the day.
Experts recommend limiting the distance or intensity on these days of sleep. This way, he can still reap the benefits of exercising without putting too much stress on his body. The most important thing is to listen to your body. If it hurts, stop.
If you’re really not sorry, take the day off. Your training won’t go off the rails if you give yourself an extra day of rest.
Concentration and mindfulness
Running in the dark early in the morning can require much more concentration than an easy run during the day. Routes he’s traveled thousands of times can look completely different at this time of day and require more care to avoid potential hazards like potholes.
When running in the dark on rooty and rocky trails, that single focus is even more important.
Advantages for afternoon/night races:
- You can train whenever you want and not miss an important moment of sleep.
- You ate at least 2-3 meals and 1-2 snacks and drank enough water to «recharge» you enough to give you the energy you need for a full or more intense workout.
- You’ve been on the move all day, so your body is warm, active and flexible from day one, reducing the risk of injury, cramps and/or sensitivity to pain.
- It is possible that your schedule and/or family schedule does not allow you to run in the afternoon or evening. You may have to stay late at the office and work overtime, or you may have to pick up the kids from daycare, and then you want to spend quality time with them and when they get home up and running is the last thing you want to do. your mind.
- Depending on your job, you may be exhausted at the end of the day and physically unable to walk at that time.
- If you can’t tolerate running on a treadmill (I hate it and won’t run more than 3 miles on a treadmill) it’s dark and not all trails are well lit which makes running at night more difficult.
Downside:
Running in the morning can seem more difficult than running at other times of the day.
Immediately after getting up, the joints may feel stiff, the muscles tense and immobile. This means you don’t lack the muscle control and coordination you need when you run. That’s why you should follow a special dynamic warm-up program in the morning before your run, so you don’t fight against the resistance of your muscles during the run.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best time of day to run depends on you and your schedule. If starting your day with a run gives you energy, joy, and helps you keep up with your training, then go for it. Just make sure you warm up properly and go to bed early so you don’t lose sleep. If getting up before the sun sounds like torture, then the night run is a better option. Avoid high-traffic areas if possible so you don’t inhale as much gas, and make sure you’re well-prepared for any environmental conditions you may encounter on your run.
