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Morning Motivation

Benefits Of Running In The Morning

Discover the life-changing benefits of running in the morning. Make the most of your day by starting it with a morning run! Click through to learn more. 

Are you looking to start your day off on the right foot? Look no further than a morning run! Not only does it wake you up and get your blood flowing, but there are numerous benefits of running in the morning. Keep reading to discover how running in the morning can improve your life.

3 Awesome Benefits Of Running In The Morning

There are many benefits to running early in the day, and incorporating a morning jog into your daily morning workout routine can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being. Here are just a few of the top benefits of getting up early to exercise:

1. Brain And Mood Booster

Running in the morning can help to reduce stress and anxiety. The endorphins released during exercise can also help to improve your mood and make you feel more positive and energized.

Running can also clear your mind and improve mental focus, benefiting your work, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Starting your day with a run can give you a boost of energy that will last throughout the day. The endorphins released during exercise can help to improve your mood and make you feel more alert and awake as the day progresses.

2. Improve Sleep Quality

sleeping women

Running in the morning is a great idea! It helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier for you to fall asleep at night and wake up refreshed. You’ll enjoy better sleep when you have a consistent morning exercise routine.

3. Better Cardiovascular Health And Weight Management

Running is a great way to increase your heart rate and strengthen your cardiovascular system. Regular cardiovascular exercise can help lower your heart disease and stroke risk.

Jogging is also an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. By incorporating running into your daily routine, you can help to keep your weight in check and maintain healthy body composition.

How To Become A Morning Runner: 6 Easy Steps!

Becoming one of the millions of morning runners may seem daunting at first. Still, with some planning and preparation, it can be a fun and rewarding habit to incorporate into your daily routine. Here are a few simple steps you can take to conquer the pavement in the morning.

1. Start Small

If you’re new to running or haven’t run in a while, it’s essential to start small and build up gradually. Start with a short run, such as a 5-minute jog, and increase the distance and duration of your runs as you build up your stamina and endurance.

2. Create A Plan

Having a plan can help keep you motivated and on track. Decide on a specific time of morning that works best for you to run, and make a schedule that you can stick to.

3. Invest In The Right Gear

running shoes

You’ll want to ensure you have the right gear to make your morning runs as comfortable as possible. This includes comfortable running shoes and weather-appropriate running clothes. Additionally, a pair of reflective gear is essential for morning runs.

4. Find A Running Buddy

Having a running buddy, personal trainer, or running coach can help to keep you motivated and accountable. Find someone also interested in running in the morning, and plan to meet up on your route.

5. Make It Fun

Running in the morning doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it fun by listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while running. Pick the best morning routine music to inspire your next run! You can also vary your route to keep things exciting and try running in different locations, such as a park, a beach, or a forest trail.

6. Reward Yourself

Set a goal for yourself, and reward yourself when you reach it. For example, treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes or a massage after completing a certain distance or number of early morning runs.

By following these simple steps, you can become a morning runner and enjoy all the health benefits of it. Remember to be patient with yourself and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be an early bird, ready to tackle the day with energy and positivity.

What To Consider When Running In The Morning

An early morning run can be a great way to start your day, but it’s essential to keep a few things in mind to make sure your runs are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.

Safety First

Jogging in the morning can be great, but it can also be dark and quiet, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. Always wear reflective gear and stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.

Hydration

It’s essential to stay hydrated, especially when running in the morning. Ensure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your run. You can also carry a water bottle with you if you’re going for a longer run.

Weather

rainy weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your runs accordingly. Running in the rain or extreme heat can be dangerous and uncomfortable, so ensure you’ve dressed appropriately for the weather.

Fuel

Eating a light snack, such as a banana or yogurt, before you run can help to give you energy and prevent hunger. Remember that your body may still be fasting from sleep, so you should eat something beforehand.

Variety

Mixing it up can make running more enjoyable and keep your body from getting too used to the same route or pace. Try running in different locations or adding strength training exercises to your routine.

Keeping these things in mind ensures your morning runs are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Remember that running should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things to find what works best for you.

Pros And Cons Of Running In The Morning

Running in the morning has its pros and cons, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s right for you. Here are some of the pros and cons of running in the morning:

Pros

  • Boosts energy: A morning run can give you a boost of energy to start your day. You’ll feel more awake, alert, and ready to tackle the day.
  • Helps to establish a routine: Running in the morning can help create a routine and a sense of discipline. It’s a great way to start your day on a positive note.
  • Better healthy habits: Studies have shown that running in the morning can help with weight loss. The body burns more calories and body fat in the morning than at other times. It also reduces high blood pressure and fat stores and improves cardiovascular health.
  • Clears the mind: A morning run can help clear your mind, giving you a chance to think, reflect and plan for the day ahead. It reduces stress, leading to improved sleep and heart health.

Cons

  • It can be hard to wake up: Getting out of bed in the morning can be tricky, especially if you’re not a morning person. Use some of these motivational tips to get up in the mornings.
  • Lack of sleep: A morning run may not be the best idea if you’re not getting enough sleep. Running while tired can increase your risk of injury.

If you’re a morning person and enjoy the feeling of starting your day with a run, then it’s a great option. On the other hand, if you’re not a morning person or find it hard to wake up, running in the evening or at another time of day might be a better option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Morning Runs

How To Stay Safe While Running?

Running is a great way to stay active and healthy, but it’s essential to keep safe. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while running:

  1. Wear reflective gear: If you’re running in the early morning or evening, make sure to wear reflective gear to make yourself more visible to drivers.
  2. Run against traffic: When running on the road, it’s always best to run against traffic so you can see any oncoming vehicles.
  3. Stay alert: Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Look for potential hazards, such as uneven sidewalks or potholes.
  4. Carry ID: Always carry identification with you in case of an emergency.

image of an id

How Long Should You Run In The Morning?

The length of your morning run will depend on your fitness level and running goals. Here are a few general guidelines to help you determine how long you should run:

  1. Beginners: If you’re new to running, start with shorter runs of about 5-15 minutes. Gradually increase the length of your runs by about 5 minutes every week until you can comfortably run for 30 minutes.
  2. Intermediate runners: If you’re an intermediate runner, aim to run for at least 30-45 minutes. This will help to build endurance and improve your overall fitness.
  3. Advanced runners: If you’re an advanced runner, you may want to aim for runs of 60 minutes or more. This will help to build endurance and improve your overall fitness.

Remember that these are just general guidelines, and everyone is different. Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself too fast. Whether you run for 10 minutes or 60 minutes, the key is to stick to a regular morning exercise schedule.

The goal is to make regular running a part of your morning workouts and have fun with it.

Is It Good To Run On An Empty Stomach In The Morning?

Whether or not to run on an empty stomach in the morning is a debate among runners. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

  1. Running on an empty stomach can help burn more fat: When you run on an empty stomach, your body will burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose from a recent meal.
  2. Running on an empty stomach can improve your body’s ability to handle glucose: When you run on an empty stomach, your body will learn to use stored fat for energy instead of relying on glucose.
  3. Running on an empty stomach can cause low blood sugar: If you don’t eat before running, you may experience low blood sugar levels, which can lead to fatigue and dizziness during your run.
  4. Running on a full stomach can cause discomfort: If you eat a large meal before running, you may experience discomfort or even nausea during your run.

Ultimately, whether or not you run on an empty stomach will depend on your individual preferences and goals. It’s essential to experiment and see what works best for you.

Should I Drink Water Before My Morning Run?

woman drinking a water

Whether or not you should drink water before your morning run depends on a few factors, including the length of the run and the temperature outside. Here are some things to consider:

  1. Hydration is important: Your body needs water to function correctly, and running can cause you to lose fluids through sweat. It’s important to stay hydrated before, during, and after your run.
  2. Drink water before a longer run: If you’re planning a longer run of more than 30 minutes, it’s a good idea to drink water before your run. This will help to ensure that you stay hydrated during your run.
  3. Listen to your body: You should listen to your body and drink water when you feel thirsty. Suppose you need help deciding how much water to drink. In that case, a general rule of thumb is to drink about 17-20 oz of water two hours before your run and another 7-10 oz 20-30 minutes before your run.

It’s also important to remember that you can hydrate during your run by carrying a water bottle or hydration pack with you.

Are You Ready To Start Running In The Morning?

lady ready for run in the road

Running in the morning can benefit your health, mood, and overall well-being. It can help boost energy, establish a routine, aid in weight loss, and the fresh air clears the mind.

While there are some challenges, such as weather and lack of sleep, you can overcome them by considering the factors that we’ve discussed above. So, why not give it a try?

Allow yourself to experience the life-changing benefits of running in the morning. Start small and gradually increase your running time. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Happy running!

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