The Midnight Run

After running my first marathon, and now that I am preparing for the second, people commonly ask me when I have time to run. My answer is always, "I don't have time!" I run now and have always because I want to, not because I have unlimited time to train for marathons. As the father of 9 and a fulltime podiatrist, I often need to modify my training for my schedule. Running may be early morning, or even late at night. Let me give an example...

Last week I was busy all day Saturday with soccer games and working in the yard. I didn't get out early to run, so I left home at about 9:00pm for the necessary 20 mile run. It was a special run, because I am training more aggressively this marathon to speed up my time and was to include lots of hills. Hill running is typically slower, and will lead to more running time. Needless to say, I was running well into the night.

Advantages: 1) Since the sun was down and the air was cooler, I required less fluids to run this distance. 2) Less cars were also encountered, allowing me to run more fully on the road and stay of the shoulders that are usally more canted. 3) No distractions or places I needed to be.

Disadvantages: 1) Time. Need I say more. I don't recommend running in the middle of the night unless no other options are available. 2) Less visibility. 3) Safety may also be an issue depending on where the run is done.

My biggest recommendation at this time is not to run late at night, but to make time to exercise. If you are training for a race or just running (or even exercising) for health reasons, it will never be convenient. Schedule time to exercise or run and make time to accomplish this task. It will definitely be worth it!

I loved my midnight run and ran because I love it. I have vowed to find the time to exercise so I can be ready for the marthon coming in 2 weeks.

Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com