Why do I run so much better at night than in the day?

Question

I think it's more than the fact that it's cooler at night. I ran a good five minutes faster than usual in my 2-mile time last night and had no trouble energy- or breathing-wise.

(I'm not the typical runner body type; more of a weightlifter type, but have run a good deal this year.)

Answer 1

5 Minutes faster. Wow.

I think I will try some night running.

Perhaps this is true of most people, but since we don't run at night (usually) no one really know this.

Getting to your question: The cooler weather will definitely keep you from "over heating" and you won't dehydrate nearly as fast.

Sounds like your on to something.

Answer 2

Honestly, night-running is amazing for me, too.  I think I'm excited that I'm out at night.  It's not that it's cooler, it's that you don't feel the sun.  

Time is also weird at night.  I went for a 6 mile run at night once.  That takes about 55 minutes for me.  But time felt like it FLEW by some reason.  I don't know, but you are completely correct in saying it's better.

Answer 3

People have different energy levels at different times of the day. Maybe you are a night person rather than a morning person.

I like to run early in the morning, but some can not get out of bed early.

Do what works best for you.  

Answer 4

maybe it just gives you a different, better mentality when you run.

I like running in the night too.

Answer 5

maybe youre just more relaxed. sometimes when its humid during the day i cant run because it becomes a bit hard to breath.

Answer 6

I remember reading somewhere about the different benefits about working out am/afternoon/pm and they had pro's and con's for each and the pro for the evening and afternoon one was that after the body is up for several hours the body can intake oxygen more efficiently allowing for an easier feeling workout.

It's cool in the morning too, challenge yourself and see if you can improve your am time