It’s 5 AM. The alarm goes off, and the first thing that pops into your head is, “Ugh, I don’t want to run.” If this sounds like you, don’t worry—you’re not alone. There are ways to train for a marathon even if you’re not a morning person. With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can find a training schedule that works for you. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Run When You Can, Not When You Should
If you’re trying to stick to a strict schedule of running every morning at 5 am, then you’re setting yourself up for failure. If you’re not a morning person, then it’s going to be very hard to stick to that kind of schedule. Instead, try to run when you can. If you can only run at night after dinner, then do that. The important thing is that you’re getting your runs in, not necessarily when you’re doing them.
2. Make Use of Treadmills
If you just don’t like running in the cold and dark, a treadmill is a good option. It can help you be more consistent in your training, too, and not so dependent on weather.
3. Join a Running Club
If you find it hard to motivate yourself to run independently, consider joining a running club. There are usually clubs for all different skill levels, so you can find one that’s right for you. This can also be a great way to meet new people who share your love of running.
4. Know Safety Tips for Running at Night
The type of traffic is different at night than it can be in the morning, so you’ll need to consider how safe the route is and take more precautions. Map out a route that takes into account things like lighting, traffic, and safety. Here are a few more tips for running in the dark that can also be applied to running in the morning:
Be visible
Wear reflective clothing and a light so that drivers can see you. If possible, avoid running at night on roads with no streetlights. If you must run on a dimly lit road, try to run against traffic so that drivers can see you coming.
Carry ID
Make sure you have some form of identification on you in case of an emergency. This can be a driver’s license, insurance card, or even a note with your name and contact information.
Tell someone your route
Before you head out for your run, let someone else know your route. This way, if something happens to you, they’ll know where to look for you.
Bring a phone
It’s always a good idea to bring your phone with you when you run, in case you need to call for help. If you don’t want to carry your phone, consider investing in a running watch with GPS tracking. This way, if you get lost or injured, someone will be able to find you.
Run with a friend
If at all possible, try to run with a friend. This way, you can keep an eye on each other and make sure that everyone is safe.
Be aware of your surroundings
Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of any potential hazards. If you see something that makes you feel unsafe, trust your gut and avoid the area.
5. Find a Night Marathon
If you really don’t like to run in the morning, there are still quite a few night marathons to choose from like the Rock’n’Roll in Vegas or the Midnight Sun Marathon. You can find more night marathons on World Marathons or my favorite Running in the USA.
Final Thoughts on How To Train for a Marathon at Night
Night owls, rejoice! You’ve got a treasure trove of nocturnal running wisdom to fuel your marathon dreams. But hey, let’s not throw shade at the early birds entirely. Those crack-of-dawn races aren’t going anywhere, so maybe sprinkle in a few AM jogs to avoid a rude awakening on race day. Curious about morning running? We’ve got some tips on how to become a morning runner. Whether you’re chasing moonbeams or sunrises, remember: the best time to run is whenever your feet hit the pavement. So lace up, find your groove, and conquer that marathon – your way!
