Morning Runs
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Discussion

joestifff

Original Poster:

885 posts

135 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Over the last few months I have started doing the C25K app. I am now up to "week 5" It has taken me about 9 weeks to get there due to lack of time on an evening.

Having a young daughter and a wife, the last thing I want to do is go for a run on an evening. Especially after a hard day pushing paper around my desk and browsing Pistonheads.

Having seen a photo of myself last night from me at my daughters first birthday party, I am inclined to notch up the running a touch more, never realised how bad the moobs had got!!!

So how about morning runs? I am not a terrible morning person. Never really any issue getting out of bed. I currently get up at 7:30 and am out the door showered and shaved by just before 8.

So if i got up at 6:45, i think I could fit in a half hour run, maybe three times a week? Pump up those rookie run numbers!

But, my one concern is running on an empty stomach, or a stomach that has recently eaten. Also, what to eat?

Any tips or hints from fellow runners would be grand.

I am very slow, currently i can do 2 miles without stopping, and that takes about 21 minutes, I have a bad ankle so have to keep an eye on that! (excuses!!!)

bigandclever

14,347 posts

267 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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joestifff said:
But, my one concern is running on an empty stomach, or a stomach that has recently eaten. Also, what to eat?
(excuses!!!)
Personally, I don't even think about eating before a morning run, I can't face it; I'll have a banana or something when I get back. Call it 'fasted cardio' and it's the latest, greatest thing.

RTB

8,273 posts

287 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Extra morning runs while fasted will help burn a bit more fat.

However you can't outrun a poor diet. In other words it's a lot harder to burn 500kcals than it is to not eat them in the first place smile

Try and maintain a few hundred calorie deficit per day and those moobs will recede in a couple of months. I'd also be tempted to try some resistance training if you can find the time as that will help with your overall body shape.

My kids are a bit older and I started training again about 3 years ago when they were aged 6 and 3 and it was hard work finding the time.

Good luck.





Vocal Minority

8,582 posts

181 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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I tend to cycle to the station in the morning when I can, but this involves leaving before 6.30 in the morning so I can't face breakfast.

I have to say its always kicked my backside into gear! I don't generally feel faint or anything, though I am sure i'd be a bit faster if I ate

Craikeybaby

12,084 posts

254 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Fasted exercise is good, I used to get out for a pre-breakfast 45 minute MTB ride most weeks. However, since my son was born I've found it more difficult to get out in the mornings. Evenings tend to work better, after my son is in bed, so I have fixed days where I can get out on my bike/to the pool etc between 8 and 9pm. Once it got into my routine I found it easy to do.

C0ffin D0dger

3,440 posts

174 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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I think up to 5k you'll be okay, anymore than that and you'll want something to give you some energy. I did my first 10k event at the weekend, kicked off at 09:45 so I had some cereal when I got up around 8am and then made sure I'd drank plenty. Was fine on the run.

I've considered going out in the mornings just that the only time I ever get stuff done in my life is in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed so I don't usually get to bed much before 11pm, usually later, therefore getting up any earlier than my usual alarm call doesn't really sit well with me. I currently run two evenings a week and a long run at some point over the weekend

anonymous-user

83 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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A 30 minutes run should be doable without breakfast. First couple of times might feel unusual, but after that it really should be no problem

sjabrown

2,085 posts

189 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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If you are motivated then don't fear running on an empty stomach in the mornings. Just ensure adequate warm up when it is cold outside (but warm in house).

Patch1875

5,057 posts

161 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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I usually have half a banana before I go just for a little boost I only started running early morning recently but after a few it gets easier.

RC1807

13,669 posts

197 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Firstly, well done for keeping up with it thumbup

For early morning runs, I wouldn't eat beforehand. Maybe a LITTLE water, but that's it.
Too much inside and it feels like it's all sloshing around like a washing machine.

You'll be up to 5km in no time if you're heading out 3x/week. I did C25K starting in Winter, sub-zero temps early Jan 2016, and I went out when it was dark so no-one would/could see me! wink
Whilst my pace hasn't decreased, my ability to run longer distances has increased, and I can go 15+ km at a 7min/km pace, or 10km at ~6min/km. I've just entered myself for the ING half-marathon in Luxembourg for May 2018 *gulp*


S100HP

13,779 posts

196 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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You don't need to eat before a run. I ride 40mins to work and rarely have breakfast.

krisdelta

4,670 posts

230 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Well done OP - it's really hard to get out of the house, let alone with a young family. Keep it up!

For morning runs, I tend to take a small sip of water and just get on with it (up to 10k) and then drink when I get home and then eat after a shower, otherwise I get cramp which sucks the joy out of running.

JimmyConwayNW

3,629 posts

154 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
RC1807 said:
Firstly, well done for keeping up with it thumbup

For early morning runs, I wouldn't eat beforehand. Maybe a LITTLE water, but that's it.
Too much inside and it feels like it's all sloshing around like a washing machine.

You'll be up to 5km in no time if you're heading out 3x/week. I did C25K starting in Winter, sub-zero temps early Jan 2016, and I went out when it was dark so no-one would/could see me! wink
Whilst my pace hasn't decreased, my ability to run longer distances has increased, and I can go 15+ km at a 7min/km pace, or 10km at ~6min/km. I've just entered myself for the ING half-marathon in Luxembourg for May 2018 *gulp*
I did all the after dark stuff to begin with me when starting off getting fitter in January this year. Thought it was just me that was weird like that lol.

I run in the mornings without having eaten. Tend to just have a glass of water as I wake up, and then head out. Can do up to around 1 hours running without eating and feel just fine.

The hardest part is getting up and out the door, once your up and out I have never once regretted doing it.

Vocal Minority

8,582 posts

181 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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krisdelta said:
sucks the joy out of running.
I'm afraid I am still at the phase where the running sucks the joy out of running smile

krisdelta

4,670 posts

230 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Vocal Minority said:
krisdelta said:
sucks the joy out of running.
I'm afraid I am still at the phase where the running sucks the joy out of running smile
Yeah, I go through that each time I've got out of the habit, but it does come and it is really really enjoyable - whatever the weather when you get into it. Keep pushing smile

Ascayman

13,329 posts

245 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Morning runs are one of life's joys! Wake you up, warm you up, great thinking and planning time get back and you are already ahead! make you feel righteous too.

I'd far rather get my run in first thing than last thing, better for you as well.

grumbledoak

32,571 posts

262 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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I run fasted, it's no problem to longer distances than that. I just have a black coffee first thing to kick start the digestive system, so I'm not looking for a bush with soft, strong, and very, very long leaves 5km from home...

joestifff

Original Poster:

885 posts

135 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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Thanks guys.

All your help is much appreciated. Feel a lot better about going out on an empty stomach. I’m one of these people who never feels like he needs breakfast, but has it as it’s meant to be the most important meal of the day. I will have it after shower as mentioned above to avoid cramps.

I’m a little apprehensive about tomorrow morning. But will report back tomorrow.

At least the forecast is dry!!

I also like to run when no one is about. So in the dark works for me. I’m not a pretty or good runner.

I’d like to aim to do park runs in under 30 minutes.

ToNyC1

96 posts

120 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
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I usually run a 5 miler/ 10k on Saturday morning. I usually have a pint of water and a small banana.

I also find getting your kit laid out ready the night before helps a lot, may sound small but might save you a few mins first thing in the morning!

Regarding your ankle do you have a good pair of trainers? I started with a really lightweight trainer and kept getting niggling injuries. Also check your gait, nothing worse for motivation than an injury!

joestifff

Original Poster:

885 posts

135 months

Friday 22nd September 2017
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Well, I did it!

Up at 6:45am, felt fine getting up, was really good when out, really glad I did.

Couldn't manage the pace I would normally, not sure if that was due to the time, lack of food, temperature, or that it has been a week since my last run.

Someone earlier spoke about needing the loo. I got about 2/3rds through and really need a st. That was interesting!

I did 2.5 miles, including a 5 minute warm up brisk walk. Average pace of just over 12 minute mile, not brilliant, but I am improving.

As for ankle, it hurts a bit, I basically ripped all my tendons on one side, and it has never been right since. I think I need new shoes as well. I have proper running shoes, but they are old. There is a shop in Harrogate where you run on a treadmill and they assess you. I will get myself there!

Glad I did it though, next one will be Monday morning.

Thanks again for all your help and advice. It really is appreciated.