In a recent comment by Scott, he asked if I found much difference in my clarity of mind depending upon the time of day that I run.
Time of day does not seem to have a big impact for me. How tired or stressed I am seems to have a bigger impact, as well as what kind of workout I am doing.
If I am really stressed out and on a long run, then I can zone out and not really be conscious of anything except making sure I don�t get hit by a car or twist an ankle. Very relaxing.
In general, though, if I am running easy then I get the creative side of the brain working. If I am running hard, then I am busy evaluating my body, my effort, my pace, race strategy, and in general concentrating completely on my running and using the analytical side of my brain.
If I run early in the morning, then I may be a bit groggy for the first 3 or 4 minutes. I generally will wake right up though. In general, I have already had at least a small breakfast in the morning before I start the run so I have had time to wake up anyway. I am a morning person and wake up easily and completely most days.
How about for everybody else? How is your clarity of mind effected by the time of day, if at all? What other factors come into play?
I don’t run, but lifting weights is certainly better (for me) in the afternoon. I’ve tried doing it shortly after waking, and at several points during the morning, but I don’t focus as well.
When I am lifting, I have much prefer to do it early in the morning. I can have a light breakfast, work out for an hour or two, have a heavy breakfast, and then have an early lunch. It is much easier to plan for, as well, since I do not always leave work at the same time every night, and am usually just thinking about dinner.
This may have to do more with what time of the day you enjoy doing anything, ie. morning person vs night owl. I like running in the morning best, it wakes me up, and I think it produces a fuller day. I don’t enjoy waisting much daylight, and I still don’t understand why people have to wait until 10 or 11 at night to do anything when it is just as nighttime at 7 or 8, seems like their relaated. don’t be afraid to call me an old man, I generally make it to bed before 11.
11? PM? Hmmm….I need to rethink my current sleep schedule I suspect (I sleep roughly 4am – 8am plus a short nap in the evening). This short nap is the reason I tend to do stuff at 10 or 11, rather than 7 or 8.
Don’t feel too bad, Matt. I am generally in bed by 10pm at the latest, often earlier. I get up at around 5:30 every morning.