Why do I find it so difficult to run in the mornings?

Question

I have been running at night and managing about 4.5 km quite easily but when I try to go in the mornings I can barely manage 2 km. I think I need to start running more in the mornings for optimum fat-burning. When I do go in the mornings it is never on an empty stomach, I always run about an hour after breakfast.

Answer 1

Fat burning doesn't depend on the time of day you run.

If you do better in the evening and it fits your schedule then don't worry about it.

Answer 2

Take a laxative before you run.

Answer 3

You are correct about morning being the best time to burn fat.  Since you haven't eaten anything yet, the body goes to its secondary source of stored energy (fat).  

The two main reasons why it is more difficult in the morning is:

1.  Stored energy (fat) is not as easy for the body to burn as say the apple you ate an hour ago, and

2.  Quite simply, your body isn't warmed up yet.  You just got done laying down for hours, and the muscles are trying to make the transition.

The only thing I would suggest is eating some protein after your runs, and (this will sound crazy) up your intake of easily digestible fats.  Don't go overboard, but try some nuts at least once a day and your body will get better at burning fat.  It seems backwards, but just ask some long distance runners and they'll agree.  Have fun!

Answer 4

some people just aren't very alert and awakw in the mornings, even if u hav been up for a couple of hours. i always do bad when i run inthe morning.