Some runners prefer night runs to early morning or daytime runs because they are more comfortable at night. This could be due to a hectic morning schedule, poor eating habits, or a predilection for the increased energy in the air as the end of the day approaches. Continue reading to learn about some of the benefits of nighttime runs, as well as some important safety issues to keep in mind while out running at night. Running at night has several advantages, as well as some helpful hints.
1. It Encourages People To Make Healthier Decisions.
Running at night may encourage you to eat more healthfully throughout the day, since you are aware that anything you eat, particularly in the hours before your run, will need to be digested before you can continue.
Those who prefer to run on an empty stomach may find themselves gravitating for lighter, simpler to digest foods and avoiding fried or heavy items while they prepare their meals.
In addition, you may find yourself less tempted to indulge in an alcoholic beverage throughout supper. Instead, choose hydrated beverages that are good for you, such as coconut water, herbal teas, or freshly squeezed juice.
2. Consume Calories Throughout The Day.
Nighttime runs give you plenty of time to eat and digest your food before you out for a run. For those who don’t love running on an empty stomach in the morning yet find it difficult to exercise straight after eating, this is a great option.
3. More Time To Think About It.
If you have a hectic morning routine, skipping your alarm a few of times can significantly shorten the time you have to complete your workout. On days when you wake up late, you may even feel tempted to skip it altogether.
If you have a lot on your plate during the day, night runs are great.They may make it possible to have a more relaxing morning.
In the evenings, you may experience less distractions and interruptions, allowing you to concentrate on your run and possibly log more kilometers in the process.
4. Get A Better Night’s Sleep.
It is possible that people who exercise at night will get more deep and quality sleep. You could find it simpler to fall asleep and sleep for longer periods of time.
When you run at night, it is especially beneficial for people who get fatigued afterward because it is typically more convenient to sleep after a run at a later time of day.
According to a study published in 2019, exercising in the evening has a positive influence on sleep quality. It is possible that exercising less than an hour before going to sleep will have a negative impact on certain sleep patterns.
The use of a hot shower or bath after your run may aid in the relaxation of your body and mind, allowing you to sleep more deeply. Ensure that you cool down towards the end of your runs to help your body transition into a resting condition.
5. De-Stress After A Long Day At Work.
Finish your evening with a clean slate before you retire to your bedroom for the night. Running provides an opportunity to let go of any tension, frustration, or stress that has built up over the day.
During this time, you can also think about what you want to do the next day. As a result, when your head strikes the pillow, your mind may be clearer and more at ease, making you less prone to ruminate or become distracted.
Running lowers your blood pressure, relaxes your muscles, and generates a sense of calmness in the body. The release of endorphins improves your mood and helps you to cope with depression.
Hitting the pavement relieves anxiety and promotes attentive awareness, leaving you with a clear brain and a general sense of calm when you’ve finished your walk.
6. Everything Is Warmed Up And Ready To Go.
If you find that your muscles and joints are more stiff, inflexible, and tense when you first get up in the morning, evening runs may be a better option for you.
In the morning, your body may not be ready for vigorous exercise, especially if you have any medical conditions that cause tight joints, such osteoarthritis.
Most of the time, by the end of the day, your body is warmed up and ready to go the following day. It’s possible that you’ve stretched out any bends or kinks in your body, reducing your risk of injury or overexertion.
It’s possible that you’ll notice improved muscle control and coordination when sleeping as well. As an added bonus, you’ll have more time to warm up before to your run.
Drawbacks.
Running at night has a number of drawbacks, the majority of them are related to safety concerns. It’s critical to be aware of these risks in order to avoid being harmed in any way.
Tips For Being Safe.
7. The Ability To Be Seen.
Once the sun has set, it will be more difficult for you to detect potholes, bumps, and ice on the roadway. Maintain heightened awareness of the terrain you’re traversing. Put money aside to purchase a running headlamp.
Keep to well-lit locations at all times. Purchase nighttime running clothing, or wear high-visibility luminous bands on your arms and legs to increase your visibility. Purchase a running headlamp and high-visibility reflective bands to use when running.
8. Pay Attention.
Be alert and attentive at all times to ensure that you are completely aware of your surroundings. Avoid using headphones at all costs. They have the potential to impair your ability to detect approaching automobiles, people, or animals. In the event that you must run while wearing headphones, keep the level as low as possible.
9. Take The Road That Is Most Traveled.
Run in regions that are well-lit and have a lot of people around them. Choose regions that you believe to be the safest for you. You should listen to your intuition if it tells you not to go down certain roads, even if it means deviating from the one you originally planned to take. Change change your running route on a regular basis to avoid becoming predictable.
10. Keep In Touch With.
Look for a running partner at night, even if it’s a canine companion, if at all possible. Inform at least one person of your plans to run so that they can prepare for your return.
Maintain access to your phone so that you may contact someone if you become trapped in a downpour or encounter any other unpleasant situation. Aside from that, you can submit a medical ID and utilize a GPS safety app to let your friends and family know where you are going.
11. The Regulations Of The Road.
Run against the flow of traffic so that you can see the vehicles approaching you. Even though you have the right of way, you should always look both ways before crossing the street. Observe all traffic regulations, signs, and signals at all times.
When It Comes To Time Of Day, Morning Is Preferable Over Night.
You might consider changing your daily routine if you are not a morning person and the possibility for early morning runs is being passed you by with each hit of the snooze button.
It all boils down to personal preference, as well as factors such as the weather and one’s schedule. It may be a good idea to experiment with different times if you find that your runs are becoming a bit monotonous.
Record your body’s reactions when you go for a run at various times of the day. You may find that low-intensity midnight runs are the most effective for you. Runs with high intensity and interval training are preferred by some runners to be done during the day’s middle hours.
If you want to take it up a level, you can run more than once every day, experimenting with different types of runs at various hours of the day and night.
The Bottom Line
You are free to go for a run at any time of day. As long as you don’t overdo it, it’s perfectly acceptable to run every day. Take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of running at night, and determine which option is the most convenient for your health and schedule.
Plan your training so that you may achieve specific and attainable goals. This can include improving your mental health, increasing endurance and strength, or losing/maintaining weight. Maintain consistency in your approach in order to achieve the best possible results.
Every few weeks, take a fresh look at your objectives and make any necessary adjustments. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks when needed to recharge your batteries.