Pros and Cons of Morning, Midday, Afternoon Runs

Happy first day of Spring! Thankfully, it feels like spring today. And at least for a few more days anyway. Spring makes me happy. Not just for the warmer weather, but the buds of color. I always feel like winter is so stark and drab. So those first bursts of color seem all the more vibrant and exciting.

The one thing I am not loving right now is that it's pitch dark again in the morning. The sun isn't rising until around 7-ish, while I'm sitting in my office. Thankfully I have an east-ward facing window.

I've moved my morning runs to midday or after work for a couple of reasons. One, the time change kicked my rear. Two, I really don't feel super comfortable running alone in the total dark. Third, it's warmer when the sun finally comes up.

While I am enjoying the warmer temps of a midday or afternoon run, I am very much missing my morning runs too. I feel rather torn between the change of time for my running.

I think there are pros and cons to the various times of day for running.

Morning Run

Pros: 

• It's quite simply peaceful
• The run is done for the day
• Fewer tummy probs (for me at least)
• The sunrises (when it's farther from the time changes at least)
• It's cooler, which is a must during the summer months
• It's a great way to start the day, sets the tone
• Little traffic

Cons:

• It can be hard to peel yourself out of bed
• Depending on the time of year, it's so dark you can't see the road
• Running solo can feel a little iffy

Midday Run

Pros:

• It's warmer, which is nice in the cooler months
• It's a great way to change your mindset and take a break from work
• It's a good energy boosters (and mood booster)
• Vitamin D

Cons:

• Sometimes things come up and you have to cancel the run
• Gotta time the run around a snack and lunch so you don't eat your arm off
• Usually time-constrained 
• During the summer, it can be too hot
• More homeless tend to be out and about
• Heavier vehicular traffic

Afternoon Run

Pros:

• Same as Midday in that it's warmer, so a plus in cooler months
• Energy booster for the end of the day
• It can be a great stress reliever after a long, hard day
• Usually you can sleep sounder
• Sometimes you can get a pretty sunset

Cons:

• Heavy traffic
• More prone to tummy issues
• Fatigued from the day
• Easier to talk yourself out of, especially if you have other plans
• It can get dark on you, so back to dark morning issues

What is your preferred time to run or workout?