What Is The Best Time Of The Day To Run?

[@SageOfEchoes]

The best time to run is after evacuating the bowels

[@cdh79]

definitely not before, or even worse: during..

[@runningchannel]

soooo true

[@ploddingonC3H6]

Absolutely

[@sarab3640]

This is so true! When I have a long run planned with other people at a specific time and I haven’t gone yet, I am always so stressed! 😂

[@ScrappyCoCo0]

I used to run solely in the afternoons and evenings but once I got a full-time job I switched to early mornings and I'm loving it. Wake up at 6, have a coffee with a few spoons of of oatmeal, take a shit and out the door at 6:30. I come back feeling refreshed and ready for the day whereas evening runs leave me feeling sweaty and tired.

[@bubsybrown8308]

First thing! Gets your day off and running when the rest of the world is asleep. My motivation dips as the day goes on

[@shaylorcyclingwahoo]

I can’t believe how many people like running in the morning. Really can’t do it at all. For the reasons the science says, I’m stiff as a board and my HR is higher. 10-11am minimum start time but my favourite mentally and physically is in the evening. I’m also tired all day if I train early, definitely not like Rick, not buzzing. I also prefer to have had breakfast and lunch to have gone in and settled so my blood sugar feels well topped up.

[@jorgestravels]

Same here, I usually don't have the time to run in the morning, so I run mostly around 5-6 PM. I do sometimes run in the morning if I know I won't have time during the end of the day, but I hate it...

[@edithgruber2125]

That's me in a nutshell. I can do morning runs but they are a chore. When I run in the evening, they are a joy.

[@oliverlloyd4056]

Love this! Mid-morning runs are the best. I’m running Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway next June. The sun doesn’t set during that time of year as it’s north of the arctic circle. You guys should join and cover that

[@Claudia18915]

Evening all the way for me. I often feel a bit sick and dizzy if I exercise in the morning and I can never go as fast/far. Exercise in the evening means I have something to look forward to at the end of the day and I feel as though I can try hard without worrying about feeling I'll

[@shaylorcyclingwahoo]

Agree with all this, especially the looking forward to it bit. It’s a highlight of my day, not something to get it over with

[@edithgruber2125]

Same for me, effort and HR are lower in the evening for the same effort. Also, running is a highlight that caps off a good day.

[@tobiasz6613]

"When does running start to be enjoyable" - I found that about week 6 of couch to 5k when I could feel it building was the first time, but as i progressed, I find running becomes enjoyable on longer relaxed runs when it becomes meditative or almost hypnotic. I'm not a morning person so 100% early evening best time for me.

[@stani.k]

@@tobiasz6613 I found that to look forward to my runs it took about 5/6 months of building a good base

[@BossPenguin]

I can recommend the Bottwartal Marathon in southern Germany near Stuttgart. They had their 20th event this year, always with 5k, 10k, half-marathon, marathon, marathon relay and ultra-marathon (52k trailrun with 900m of elevation gain) distances. They even had a unicycle race in marathon distance this year! I took part in the 10k this year. Beautiful location, no cap on participants, low entrance fee and amazing organisation! For me, it’s basically around the corner, so it’s a must-have event. Another great event here is the Gmünder Stadtlauf in Schwäbisch Gmünd, with 5k to half marathon distances and separate kids‘ events. Also a very lovely location!

[@PistachioGold]

Rick is such a treasure, I laughed so much at the end😂😂

[@merovekh]

"The best time to run was at the break of dawn. The second best time to run is now." - My Hero, Rick Kelsey (probably)

[@pquirk99]

As a retired person in my 70s, I run any time that suits me. The weather is often a determinant. However, my most enjoyable run is an evening hill run in the colder months (October-March) with a run club at a nearby brewery. We wear reflective gear, Noxgear lights, and headlamps for a 6:30pm 3 mile run with an average total ascent of 90 meters.

[@gunstarhero8028]

I always run at my best in the morning, but with work and study, it's usually not an option. So I often end up doing late afternoon runs when I'm already worn out from the day's work. It is a nice way to end the day though so it's fine

[@hxduck]

I prefer evening! But races are always morning starts so I make sure to practice some sort of a routine in the week leading up to a race!

[@Korrale]

I can answer the knitting question. I take a long break during the spring and summer but I take it up again in the fall. When I start knitting again I have to ease myself into it and take rest days. Mostly because I am a thrower (a style of knitting) and it can cause a lot of shoulder pain if I don’t pace myself. I also need to take time to build up callouses on my finger tips. So for me there is a “pain” period when I start out. There are many knitters that do have shoulder pain and seek physical therapy.

[@benviney4229]

What

[@michelleharnett1351]

And also the weekend long knit is a thing.

[@PabloPerez-nd7se]

5:30am. A time when the world is mine, the music is loud, and there is nobody else but my breath and my rhythm. Peace and movement.

[@andyburgess3767]

I’ve been running for the last 6 months and really do not enjoy morning runs, I run really late at night. The later the better and regularly run my 5k-10ks after 10:30 at night. It’s cool, it’s quiet and I feel like I have the energy. Every runner I speak to thinks I’m mad but I love it.

[@stephenelkan784]

11am is the best time to go for a run for me. Get up at 7 have breakfast, go for a walk with the dog which helps me wake up and warm up and then have a happy dog who is happy to go back to sleep allowing me to go out for my run about 11 ish happy days

[@Touchin-Grass]

Do you work ?

[@runningchannel]

Sounds lovely!

[@WilliamHickman-i4z]

I run in the evening because it’s the only time I have available. Initially I hated it and felt exhausted before I had even run. Now I would choose evening over morning every time. I have the whole day to look forward to it. Any stress that I’ve accumulated throughout the day can be run off. I can also eat a good meal soon after the run and spend the rest of the evening relaxing and recovering. But long runs; early early morning is much more pleasant.

[@dapsign]

Literally knitting while watching this one. Made me giggle when Sarah started talking about knitting. 😂

[@kiaranaria7211]

same!

[@runningchannel]

Gotta love a bit of knitting

[@stani.k]

Agree with Rick , after a run I'm buzzing the whole day!

[@stevehardy3504]

I've been a keen runner for years my partner has never liked running and just got into it this year. She started off struggling with 1k now is up to 7k distance wanting to do a 10k next year. But for me I was always saying the first 3 months is grim you kind of have to get past that to start enjoying it. Like she's brought her 5k time down from 47mins to 34mins in 5 months and now finding actual enjoyment out of running which she never fought she would 6 months ago.

[@runningchannel]

Amazing! It's so nice to see someone start to enjoy running

[@heatherhartleyruns]

Headtorch @4am - run for sunrise - absolutely love it.

[@eafj90]

I prefer to run in the middle of the day, but when it gets hotter I have to run in the early evening. Unfortunately with my work I can’t run on work days - 12.25hr rostered shifts + 1-3hrs overtime most days = fatigue+++.

[@jesscostall]

Haha, coincidentally was knitting while listening to this! 😂 I can assure you this was an "easy" knit session, because I'm recovering after running a half marathon PB yesterday 😊

[@laraaabbar]

Listening to this on my first run back in a little while 🧡

[@Simon_W74]

I love running in the Dark, living in the Countryside it is much quieter and instead of coming across a load of vehicles, at night I may once come across one or two if any. If I do run in the morning run, it's a Parkrun. Then I don't eat but have my usual pint of weak coffee. As I don't eat before 12 O'clock anyway.

[@winklertribe5268]

I’m absolutely with Andy: psychologically in the morning, physically in the afternoon! Also, there are almost no races that start in the afternoon, so I see it as better training/preparation for races.

[@vahurkrouverk4257]

I think the word Rick is looking to express feeling after good run is "Radiant", it suits very well. Running is fast show...😊

[@phillipaaldridge5048]

Sarah, on crafts like knitting. I spent 12 months in regular physio after a crochet based injury and have athletic supports for my wrists if I'm doing a long knit. 😂😂😂 there are stretches and conditioning exercises hehe!

[@richardiqbal9080]

I feel like one amazing marathon you have been missing over the years is Rotterdam, just across the water in the Netherlands. Sarah went to Amsterdam of course, but Amsterdam is super dull without any atmosphere. Rotterdam is more like London, although it hasn't been able to expand, so it has fewer participants and sold out in 2 hours. But in terms of the feel and atmosphere, it's right up there with the majors.

[@TheMorningexercise]

I was literally planning my week ahead and was wondering when to plan my runs .. perfect timing 😂😂

[@runningchannel]

Hahaha we hope it helped!

[@ploddingonC3H6]

In an ideal world I would wake up really early and do a 5k run before work, I would then cycle 8 plus miles to work, sadly I don't live in an ideal world. Probably I get out and run when I can, hopefully 3 or 4 times a week. To be honest I plod along in barefoot shoes, don't listen to anything so no headphones and quite often I don't even wear a watch. At nearly 60 I'm not competitive, I run for me, if I want to stop and admire the view or smell the roses, that's what happens. I'm just enjoying what I do and the fact I can still plod along😊

[@jadoreetjespere]

Morning all the way for me I feel sluggish and full of food after work. I also prefer it colder so morning is the only option when living in Australia! My gut can handle a banana and straight out the door so that helps.

[@BrianLough]

I usually run in the morning before the kids gets up to minimize the impact of my running on family life. Its also much harder for other things fo get in the way if its the first thing you do If the kids have an hour long activity in the evening that i have to drop them to, that's abother good opportunity as not much you can do between drop off and collection anyways

[@Smurchdog]

I live in Brisbane and I train all year round. For about 8 months of the year it’s too hot to run during the middle of the day. In the summer I have to run at 5:30am because it’s too hot by 6:30. That means my alarm goes off at 4:30am 3 times a week. The struggle is real. The other complication is that it’s important to get a certain ‘job’ out of the way before the run to avoid catastrophic, mid-run outcomes. There’s no way I can get up and straight out the door first thing.

[@jenheath8432]

I also live and run in Brisbane and I can't believe you haven't pulled them up on 'how often do you wash your running kit'! By the end of 7k easy I am literally dripping, who isn't washing their grotty crotch shorts every run?!

[@drewman747]

I run at 4:00 AM. I absolutely love running at this time. The air is cool, and it just feels good.

[@stevemcq75]

I'm an evening runner, mostly because I'm a night owl so getting up early to run is never going to happen. Generally I love it - it's a great way to relieve stress after a day at work. I do like a mid morning run on the weekend as I can get up and go at my leisure. Unfortunately I will never experience park run as here in Australia they start at 8am which is way too early, especially on a Saturday!

[@WilliamHickman-i4z]

A friend ran the New York marathon when it was a foggy day and ran along the bottom bridge. He stopped to have a wee off the side. He said to the person next to him ‘the mist is very warm here’. They said ‘that’s the wee from the people above’

[@jennc2148]

I-35 challenge. This is a challenge to do a full marathon or half marathon in Kansas City, MO USA on Saturday and then go to Des Moines, IA and complete a full or half on Sunday. The same weekend.

[@azertyqwerty4869]

For alcohlics like Rick and I, I meant wine connoisseurs obviously there are quite a few fun marathons in my country....Marathon du Chablis, Marathon du Blaye ... My favourite so far is "la ronde du foie gras" where you run farm to farm tasting foie gras and sipping sweet wines.

[@alexmacadam3170]

The bluenose marathon in Halifax NS. It is the largest marathon weekend in Atlantic Canada. Perfect weather for running long 14-16 degrees Celsius. It is a hilly but fun course.

[@runningchannel]

Sounds really nice!

[@jorgestravels]

I have to suggest the Zurich marathon and the Lisbon Marathon, the first one in April so can be a good race to start the season, and the second one in October, for those that don't have the place in the other main marathons in that time of the year, also you can usually get in quite easily, so no waiting to see if you've been selected or not. Both almost strait out flat, the Zurich one you run a part in the city and next to the lake, the Lisbon one by the ocean and then by the river.

[@matthewgutierrez3988]

The hardest part about running is never knowing when to stop. You'll always feel like you could have ran further, better, faster, stronger.

[@TreikoNimph]

Talk for yourself, I feel the lactate build-up after 20 minutes 😢

[@matthewgutierrez3988]

@TreikoNimph Sounds like you need more nitric oxide. You can take L-arginine or L-citrulline as well as both, but best to consult a doctor if you aren't sure as it can affect blood pressure. L-arginine will give you an instant nitric oxide boost while L-citrulline is more gradual. If you want an instant lactate cleanse though try taking some bicarbonate of soda mixed in some water. Only a little like half a teaspoon or a teaspoon mixed in a cup of water. Just my advice though, but do what you will.

[@hman2912]

​@@matthewgutierrez3988lactate helps your body, it doesn't hinder it. Better fitness will help more.

[@TreikoNimph]

​@@matthewgutierrez3988maybe our tropical weather and high humidity down in Puerto Rico could be a factor 😅 average Temps are in between 88 to 94 Fahrenheit but often feels like 100+ Fahrenheit

[@emmarunyeard6832]

First thing xx or with club on a dark evening, torches, hi viz and chit chat x

[@maryross2998]

I recommend Malvern Hills Trail Half Marathon. Organised by Dave Talbot Adventure Events. A great beginners friendly trail set in the beautiful Worcester countryside. All welcome and some very good pubs too 😂 xx

[@corbot8817]

My initial reaction was to talk shit about Rick for doing all the facial routine and still looking like shit, but honestly his skin does look pretty f'n good. ... Side note, I think social media makes all of our initial reactions want to be negative. 🤔

[@runningchannel]

That comments made Rick laugh a lot so thank you for that 😂

[@JCemusictv]

Thanks for mentioning the super half's. I am so excited to run them

[@runningchannel]

Have you run any before??

[@JCemusictv]

Not yet. 2025 will be my first. I wanted to do Prague and Berlin back to back but Berlin is already sold out.

[@Shaun742]

Morning running 100%, earlier the better. Fewer pedestrians/dogs/children to avoid on pavements (and fewer judgemental people), fewer cars on the roads so easier to cross, and nice and cool in the summer. Can't really do it at the moment as my job starts at half 6 so I'd have to wake up before 5 to get a run in, but if I get a new job with better hours I'm going straight back. My HR is definitely higher with morning runs though

[@Intrepid_women]

Gold Coast Australia. 5:30am is the ideal temperature for a run in summer 😎😎

[@MadzP1992]

Hi Andy. Taking a hot bath will lower your core temperature as you get out as it's trying to cool down making it perfect before going to bed. So a long hot bath before bed is good.

[@runningchannel]

Ooooo very nice!

[@MattIncognito]

A great Marathon in the US is Grandma's marathon in Minnesota. It is relatively small compared to a major but uas quite the history with Kara Goucher and Dakota Lindwurm. It is in June so not peak marathon season. It has a small marathon vibe but is a fairly famous marathon

[@Dontheofanio]

I suggest the Athens classical marathon, following the course that inspired the marathon race. It was held last weekend.

[@vikassrivastava2680]

There is the Seattle Marathon coming up on 1st Dec and this will the 54th edition of the race. This is older than some of the majors. You should definitely cover it. I am running half-marathon in this year's event

[@ionpanaiti6343]

When is silence? So mornings 🌅

[@keanMechanic]

Loved the banter. 😀

[@garymanders1273]

Early morning running is a ball ache...late mornings are okay...but mainly an evening runner, especially enjoy running at dusk as day moves into night

[@runningchannel]

great you've found your time!

[@marksales1982]

I usually run before breakfast. If I am running 10 miles or more I will have breakfast first and sit and twiddle my thumbs for an hour before I go out.

[@l4973c]

The Rio Marathon is amazing, you guys should definitely take a look, it's in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (the most beautiful city in the world in my opinion)

[@runningchannel]

Ooooooo we will!

[@purple_nhaze]

For everyone who has beaten Rick to tennis, good for them ! For other people who still need a morale boost from running. Try to find someone who is running less than you are or slower. And take pride in that ? IDK its my interpretation (is this a word in English, well a least I know its one in French. Sorry second language) ...

[@fat_vegan_slim]

I actually run best in the afternoon, normally about 2ish. Which I'm aware makes me weird. P.s. I agree with Rick, Half's is where it's at! Hated the only marathon I've done, but the training and the event fit better into my life and are just more fun.

[@jessicadavis2169]

The best time for me has been between 9am and 10am. But this has only been doable in winter. It’s far too hot at that time at any other time of year where I live. I’ve been trying early morning runs to beat the heat but then there’s extra humidity and my body feels awful. The late afternoons are better but also hotter and there’s high chances of storms.

[@Antellathletic1903]

I am almost guaranteed to run faster in the evening, just before dinner, around 6pm. Running in the morning is brilliant for building discipline, but if you’re going for speed optimisation, I’d go for your PBs in the evening/late afternoon

[@CaptainBrash]

My favourite time to run or workout is before lunch so i still have some energy from breakfast (which i only eat on days I can get the prelunch run in) However as a parent with a full time job I have to run in the morning before work. If I'm doing a hard interval session I'll have a buttery rice cake which stops me being sick from pushing myself on an empty stomach.

[@PascalJanssen]

Even if performance is better in the evening, it would be interesting to know if training is more effective in the morning. Maybe it is easier to provide the necessary training stimulus early in the morning? I myself like running in the morning from a mental perspective, but I do feel running is easier in the late afternoon/early evening.

[@nidhivaidya6485]

No joke, I got carpal tunnel from knitting and crocheting too much and had to take a break and then ease into it again....

[@pascalejacquelinepetit5131]

Considering the Sydney marathon did not have a bag drop-off at the start and the start area was chaotic/badly organised, this should have been addressed before being awarded its Abbott status. It is shocking that the Abbott selectors did not consider this. Unless you had a supporter, runners waited in the cold, and some had to hold keys, phones, etc. Agreed, let's focus on other marathons. The Athens Marathon race is taking place this weekend! Let's consider races that do not require a ballot, being a super-runner (Boston), or well-known. Let's consider cheaper races, towns that are not that well known, easier accessible for tourists (visa, passport, etc.).

[@anthonymason6260]

After 3 years of Marathon Training and reached training stagnation (evening in the week / morning weekends), next year will focus on halves and 10ks as able to do more races and get quicker - come back to Marathons in 2026 -

[@deans6571]

I run every Friday morning at around 7:30 am (only 6K). One Friday however, I went out running on a Friday but in the afternoon and found it SO much harder!

[@runningchannel]

It's tough when you break out of your routine!

[@dresden_slowjog]

Air is much better in the morning. Ozone is actually still a thing even not anymore in the daily weather news like in the 1990ies. Remember the "don't exercise in late afternoon/evening today and people with lung diseases and kids may please stay inside."? Secondly, in summer its still much too hot in tbe afternoon or evening. Thirdly, even as a night owl I took to loving early morning sunrise jogs. I'm hyped for the day! After late evening jogs I struggle to fall asleep. No evening races for me.

[@ErinMagallon]

On my work days, I have to run in the evening. My brain is far too wired to focus on my work if I do a run/workout first thing in the morning.

[@bradlinsley8028]

afternoons for the week runs, and like mid morning (9am) for weekend long run

[@Nick-N]

Did NYC marathon a week ago. 3:30, a lot of room for improvement.

[@runningchannel]

Congratulations that's amazing!!

[@silvermandavid]

Wasn't the Paris "Marathon Pour Tous" done in the middle of the night?

[@runningchannel]

It was yes!

[@lazzaboyman8003]

Mostly early in the morning other than my weekly club run at 19:00 on a Monday.

[@justins_toys]

Up, water and out. done. Game, set and match

[@shaylorcyclingwahoo]

“Don’t sweat… too fit” is brilliant 😂

[@dacoham4574]

I was hoping to do Sydney marathon in 2025 but am not sure I will get in now that it is a major. Will give the ballot a go when it comes out and see if I get in 👍

[@carlhumanbcrab]

i usually run home from work between 3 and 4pm or at weekends around midday

[@emmarunyeard6832]

True, running is not an easy hobby and yet 🎉

[@ollie1317]

Generally i favour running in early morning and can get 4.5 or 5 miles in before work by getting out door around 4:45am.I have struggled a bit this year due to family hospital trips etc screwing up my structure and tiring me. So more likely to run in aftrernoon some days now, but i have to take running stuff and change in car and stop somewhere on way home as if i get home after work,have cup of tea etc,before i know it its dinner time then i am full and cant run. Just doesnt really work for me.

[@jakeva9802]

This episode hit really close. Been in a funk for a couple weeks. Getting out has been really hard.

[@runningchannel]

We really hope it helped! We all get into funks and they can be hard to pull yourself out of

[@adamtherunner92]

On SuperHalfs, I honestly can say Copenhagen was unreal and can’t recommend it enough.

[@runningchannel]

Great recommendation!

[@heatherhartleyruns]

Can you use your influence to make a UK based Marathon Majors series? Make an awesome piece of medal motivation for us? Especially for those of us that struggle to travel.

[@joewhitehead19]

Just not in the pitch black because I'm currently recovering from a broken nose when I tripped on a massive tree root and smashed my face lol

[@runningchannel]

Ouch!! Really hope you recover soon

[@vikassrivastava2680]

I really think that Athens marathon should be added as a marathon major. That is where it all started, the modern marathon.

[@adamnichols3506]

Everything is better in the morning. Running lifting and hiking

[@paulhealey2984]

11 am is good for me. I'm warmed up by then.

[@terolaitanen]

For me it's 17-19 (starting time) and perhaps weekends earlier.

[@stuartwebster2203]

Love this show, I have on idea why 😂

[@runningchannel]

hahaha we're glad!

[@PinkBunnySlipers]

We need the anoucer in video please

[@Disrupterds]

I run in the evenings when daylight permits, and in the mornings the rest of the year.

[@runningchannel]

Great method

[@katieamarshh]

I prefer after work but now it’s dark I am forcing myself to do early mornings

[@GTE_Channel]

The science is not important. The best time is the time you can clear your schedule to run consistently.

[@lukejunior8353]

First thing in the morning. Try & get out and finish my run before the kids wake up

[@jeffblalack64]

If you think the six-star medal is large, you should look at the medals given out at the Little Rock Marathon. They are about the size of a dinner plate. This year was a dinosaur theme.

[@runningchannel]

They look amazing!!

[@charliehobbs9372]

I genuinely sleep next to a banana

[@runningchannel]

Hahaha

[@jassaljs]

Tell me! I woke up this morning at 4:30am, had a bath, did yoga and then had to step out for intervals! With pollution numbers around 350+ smog in your eyes and throat, why are we running 😩

[@st.peterunner8758]

"Don't sweat. Too fit." Literally laughed out loud

[@emmarunyeard6832]

Gotta say, Courtney dewaulter looks party fresh after lonnngggg runs ❤

[@runningchannel]

hahah she is veryyyy unique

[@nyc863]

I did a night trail run yesterday and never had such a gut pain in the latter half i think its because I have rarely run with much beyond a banana inside before.