It was cold and gray this morning. It's been that way for days. I really was not motivated to run, so I didn't. All day I felt guilty and after a critique with a student, a visit to the office, a chat with my Dept. Chair, a second go at a grant proposal and a few other things I decided that it had turned into a beautiful day after all and why not try my first ever afternoon run?
It really was nice, I ran from 3:45 to 4:45 on a sunny day with a temp of 62 F. Much warmer than the past week and much warmer than this morning when it was only 34. Here are some thoughts.
Cons-
- Many more cars out at this time of day, more people not paying attention
- Many more dogs out too
- More people out to give you that weird look
- A bit dehydrated, probably since I hadn't planned to run
Pros-
- The temps were warmer, that's nice this time of year, they were also more stable so dressing was easier and I didn't have to wear gloves or a hat
- I loved seeing the afternoon winter light from the other direction, the landscape looked different, fresh
- It was nice seeing and hearing all the kids playing at various playgrounds, school yards and in the numerous back-yard day care centers we have around here.
- More people in general out walking, riding bikes, kids playing, folks doing yard work
- It was a great pick-me-up for a time of day when I usually suffer from the dull-drums
- When I get bored I eat bad snacks, not possible when out running!
The run was really good, my pace did not suffer any from the time-of-day change and I didn't feel any more or less fatigued. I was a bit dehydrated probably since the run was a last minute decision so I hadn't been drinking extra water during the day. I really think I might try this again, especially now that school is almost out and my time will free up. I will probably always be a morning runner but it's nice to know I won't melt or explode or something equally as devastating if I run out of my routine!
Cheers!
11 comments:
Like you, I too, am a morning runner.
I like how you observed the difference in sights and sounds between morning and afternoon. The warmer temps in the winter in the afternoon are a nice lure. But I still prefer the quiet and the light of mornings. :-)
I have no kind of consistent routine, but I do enjoy seeing the same route at different times. Of course, when in officially training, it's either really early or really late. Don't get to see much of anything in the dark. :)
It's the performance art version of Monet's "Haystacks". Plus you get to run. And not eat bad snacks. A win, I think.
I really like this. In all the years I've been running I've done very few afternoon runs, but the ones I did were all good. I think I should run in the afternoon more often to help with training for the heat.
First ever? Hard to believe. My schedule is really similar to yours, but on occasion I get to run in the sun!
I wish I was a morning person, I start work early. most my training is after work
Glad you found running in the afternoon nice and enjoyable. I have been running just in the morning but every now and then, I will do a run in the afternoon. I like them cause you have more time to hydrate, and empty out. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
The weird looks may be from trying to figure out what exercise is, or jealousy. :) I love to mix up my time to run - sometimes am, sometimes lunch time, sometimes pm. Helps to keep the running fresh. I do run more am, but like to have options.
I prefer morning but I have certainly done my share of afternoon runs.
I used to run all my weekday runs in the afternoon after work because I had to be at work too early. I actually think I ate better then because I was always cautious of putting in something that may cause some issues. Now I'm just lazy and do it when it fits in with my mood. Haha. Enjoy the afternoon while you can, daylight has got to be so soothing on the sole :).
xo
I did quite the opposite, I'm normally an afternoon person but, due to a bad weather forecast, went out this morning instead. The temperature was below freezing, there was ice on the ground and a bitterly cold wind was blowing. On the Pro side there was bright sunshine and from my hilltop run I could see for miles and miles - when my eyes weren't watering!
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