Morning running

[LostandFound]

Have started to go for 2 or 3 morning runs in the week in the run up to PRMC. Mainly just a straight forward 5k.
However
I seem to find it much harder to maintain a good pace when running first thing. Basically I wake up, do a quick 5 min warm up (jogging on the spot, stretching etc) and then set off. But I can never keep the same kind of pace as if I run in the evening. I make sure I have a good meal the evening before so I've got some carbs swimming around in my body. Is is more difficult because my muscles are still cold/asleep?

Does anyone else have this problem, and has anyone got a good way of overcoming this?

[mancuniankid]

I run mornings and i find it ok. I get up have my breakfastat a pint of water and a bannana, then rest for a little while. 5-10 mins warm up and of i go.

Most of the runs and PT are done in the morning so its good to get yourself into that routine.

[LostandFound]

I run mornings and i find it ok. I get up have my breakfastat a pint of water and a bannana, then rest for a little while. 5-10 mins warm up and of i go.

Most of the runs and PT are done in the morning so its good to get yourself into that routine.

Yer thats why Im trying to get used to it. I admit I dont have time to have breakfast first, I have it when I get back as Ive got to go to work then, but I do eat a good meal the night before so Im thinking now its probably just because Im not used to it and over time it should become more natural.

[JumpFreak]

Always best to have a (light) breakfast before you go. Don't forget, it's been about 8 hours since eating anything. Your body will want energy to burn whilst running, so if there is non immediately available, it will have to start converting fats. Converting fats to carbs uses quite a bit of energy and is a long process. This is why your pace will be slower.

Mikey

[jammin87]

I found that same sort of trouble. Men's Health explained it last month, about Circadian Rhythms I think and how you're at your best between 4-7pm. However, if you keep at it you'll get better at it. I never used to have anything to eat before running/circuits in the mornings else I'd be seeing it again quite soon. Just keep at it and you should improve.

[lodgi]

I just went for my first morning run today. Just started working again so I'm forced to run before I go to work. I found it tough to be honest, I definately wasn't as fast, I fealt like I had little energy and my muscles fealt stiff. I guess it's because I'm not used to it, but I did have a big bowl of alpen and loads of milk which I don't think helped. I'm going to try it again tommorow but i'll have some toast and a bananna and plenty of water before I go (plus about an hours rest after brekkie) and see how I get on.

[LostandFound]

One positive about running at 6am - not many d*ckheads in baseball caps shouting abuse thinking they 'ard at that time of the morning
Another plus - if the milkfloat passes you, have a race with it. Its great for interval training

[jonno2006]

aw you cant beat early morning runs! i tend to get up at 6ish, hava-banana then shoot off for a 3miler.
i find i run faster in the mornings and evenings than i do during the day.

jonno

[mancuniankid]

One positive about running at 6am - not many d*ckheads in baseball caps shouting abuse thinking they 'ard at that time of the morning

Only had this problem once you know what i did stared at them with a big smile on my face, stuck the finger up turned forward and sprinted away

[LostandFound]

One positive about running at 6am - not many d*ckheads in baseball caps shouting abuse thinking they 'ard at that time of the morning

Only had this problem once you know what i did stared at them with a big smile on my face, stuck the finger up turned forward and sprinted away

I think I might start running wearing a T-shirt with the slogan "I f**kin eat chavs for breakfast" front and back. Would get at least 3 top leggers on my route (theres 3 shops they all hang around outside of round are way) - a sure-fire way of getting a new PB

[chris_]

morning running is harder for two reasons.
firstly, you have a small breakfast, which doesnt have the level of carbs and calories you would want for a perfect pre-race meal.
secondly, you dont leave enough time after eating to let all the food get digested.

most people wait about an hour or so, meaning around half of a small meal will be in your system.
on the prmc your up at 5: 30 and eating by like 6. but the 3 miler doesnt happen until 9.
that means you can have a good breakfast and let most of it get into your system for best performance.

running on small meals will increase your fitness, but you have to be careful about pushing yourself. people are usually slightly dehydrated when they get up, and a run will use up a lot of water, so if your going to hard, without constant fluid intake, you can dehydrate yourself to a level that will leave you in a poor state training wise, for a few days.

[Rittefski]

One positive about running at 6am - not many d*ckheads in baseball caps shouting abuse thinking they 'ard at that time of the morning

I went for a morning run at about 5:30 last week and was quite surprised to see a trio of chavs walking along a reasonably out of the way road. One of them shouted, 'Mind if we join you' (very polite chav), I replied 'Sure if you want', they then tried to catch me up and gave up after about 30 seconds . Got a new PB as well .

[jarhead]

guys need some help, i never run a lot in my life and like i have said before im a good swimmer but find running totaly uneasy ie breathing ect.

basicaly i find when i run, i run too fast(sounds stupid i know) but example: i run a known route then find i run it in less than 2 mins then relise how far i still got to go and get bored/ pain in shins.

i think, cos swimming usealy means swimming short distances im not used to long stuff, i thought endurance but i can cycle for looooong and can walk/yomp well any distance it seems (+100 miles).

so basicaly whats the proper running technique? i tend to run upright as best i can and move arms well normal. weather this right or not...

basicaly how long do you recon it will be before i get used to running 3 miles+?? lets say i run 4 times a week.

also do you recon hill sprint help me running? though im not sure sinse i run on concrete while hill sprints are grass.

anyhow any help to improve my pitifall performance would be great.....and i can help anyone with swimming stuff or exercises ect

[ADDiction]

Look up Chi running by danny dreyer it's around £10, one of the best books on the matter. It's especially good for bored runners.