Night-time Running: Do you Run Faster/Better?

uvox

I run a lot at night in Dublin and other European cities. For some reason I've noticed my per min mile/km performance is better! Bizarre.

For me, it's a better UX overall - more in the moment, every step has to count (it has to). Perhaps that's the reason? Of maybe because it's that I can't see the horizon or there are less people and obstacles to deal with on night-time streets.

Plus who wants to hang around on O'Connell St at any time for too long...:)

Wondering if anyone has the same experience?

Note: I run a minium of 10 miles on each session, so sprinters may have different experiences.

aoboa

I run better in the evenings. Effort overall feels way easier.
Never figured out why.

IvoryTower

id imagine if youre comparing it to the morning your muscles would be warmed up?

Djoucer

Optic flow is why you feel you run faster.

There is science behind why you think you’re running faster at night:

http://www.outsideonline.com/1783646/why-does-it-feel-i-run-faster-night

I’m not a fan of running fast in the dark. Hard to see the paths, potholes etc.

Chivito550

I don't even waste my time with graded meets on Wednesday evening anymore. I never run as well after a long day of work than I do on a weekend afternoon when rested.

average_runner

My best runs would come around midday, in the evenings your tired from work etc, in the mornings the body needs to wake up.

If I need to do a quality session in the morning, I get up an hour or so earlier.

uvox

Djoucer wrote: »

Optic flow is why you feel you run faster.

There is science behind why you think you’re running faster at night:

http://www.outsideonline.com/1783646/why-does-it-feel-i-run-faster-night

I’m not a fan of running fast in the dark. Hard to see the paths, potholes etc.

Thanks for sharing that link. Definitely more ground-based risk at night, though I have never been injured. I tend to stay in well-lit areas. Or try to!

However, the evidence (time per mile) counteracts the mere perception hypothesis in my case. But in terms of enjoyment, and feeling you're doing better, the article is spot on.

Stark

In winter I find I run a lot worse. In summer I find I run better.

Maximus Alexander

I run better later in the day, but it doesn't need to be a dark out. I'm just not a morning person at all and am generally a night owl, so it makes sense in my case.