When Is the Best Time to Go Running?

When it comes to getting in shape for boxing, you need to have excellent stamina so that you can not only go the distance with your opponent in the ring, but ultimately to outwork them constantly. An essential way to increase your endurance levels is to do a lot of long distance running.

Running helps your body get into great shape and it’s a wonderful way to relieve stress and anxiety. You’ll end up burning calories which helps you to lose weight. A common question that often pops up with boxers is “what is the best time to go running?”.

Running Early in the Morning

“No one wants to get up at 4 and run when it’s pitch-dark, but it has to be done. The only reason i do it so early is because I believe the other guy isn’t doing it and that gives me a little edge.” – Mike Tyson

Pros:

• Kick Start Your Metabolism: Running early in the morning will get your metabolism up and moving. It starts speeding up before breakfast which will help you work it off more easily later. Your body will use your energy more efficiently for the rest of the day if you run in the morning.

• More Privacy: Before the rest of the world awakens, you will have more privacy running. There won’t be many vehicles driving around outside which means there’s much less of a chance of you having to keeping an eye out for them at all times. Less dogs won’t be out, barking at you loudly as you run by. It’s a more peaceful environment that most boxers prefer.

• Less Pollution: It’s not fun breathing in exhaust fumes when you’re walking, let alone running and gasping for fresh air. Needless to say, it’s very damaging to your lungs in the long term.

• Much Cooler: In most places, the early morning is the best time to go because it’s the coolest outside at that time. If this is something you prefer, then you should go running before the sun comes up or after the sun goes down.

• Longer Recovery Time: You may have to do training later in the day and running in the morning will leave you plenty of time to recover. This is especially important if you plan on doing other exercises later on in the evening.

Cons:

• Lack of Energy: Probably the most difficult thing to do is having the motivation to get up in the morning and go running. Your energy levels are normally low and your bed feels rather comfortable. However, once you push past the feeling of tiredness, you’ll start to feel rejuvenated as soon as you get out the front door.

• Lack of Time: If you have work in the morning like most people do, then you’ve probably found out by now that running in the morning is too much to ask. Getting up to go running at 5am when you have to get ready for work at 7am is hard for one morning, let alone several times a week. It’s best to find a schedule you can keep with on a consistent basis.

Running in the Evening / Night

Pros:

• More Energy: You’re more likely to have more energy in the evening than in the morning. Since this is the case, your body is more warmed up which means that you’re less likely to suffer an injury. In any case, stretching is essential regardless of what time you run.

• More Convenient: The number one reason people go running in the evening is because of convenience and not necessarily preference. Reasons such as work and other responsibilities during the day take over so it’s practically impossible to go running during the morning or afternoon. Go at a time that you can keep to consistently when you’re free from any distractions.

Cons:

• Trouble Sleeping: You may find that you will have a harder time falling asleep because once you’ve finished your run, your energy levels are still high. Plus that fact that you have to take a shower means that you’ll be even more freshened up. This doesn’t apply for everyone though, as some people can sleep like a baby after a long run.

• Little Time for Other Exercises: Unless you’re at the gym on the treadmill, then running during the evening leaves little time for other exercises. Not many people have the motivation nor find the time to go straight to the gym before or after their evening runs.

Choosing the Best Time to Go Running

• Mike Tyson use to run at 4am
• Miguel Cotto goes running at 5am
• Manny Pacquiao goes running at 6am
• Floyd Mayweather Jr goes running at around 1am.

As you can see, most professional boxers go running in the morning. Those who make a living from fighting do anyway. Bear in mind that they have to train in the afternoon.

However, there really is no best time. Different fighters run at different times. The ‘best time’ all depends on your own convenience and motivation. The most important thing is to get in the work.

If you prefer going running in the evening around 9pm, then try to be as consistent as possible with the same time frame each time you go for a run. This will allow your body to get accumulated to the time. Also, make sure that you have something light and healthy to eat after your run to regain your strength.