Q&A for How to Go for a Morning Walk or Run

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  • Question
    How can I make my morning walk more fun?
    Francisco Gomez
    Fitness Coach
    Francisco Gomez is the Head Coach at the FIT Potato Gym, a training gym established in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Francisco is a former competitive runner who helps endurance athletes train for major marathons like the Boston Marathon. Francisco specializes in Injury Rehab, Flexibility, Marathon Training, and Senior Fitness. He has a B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology & Running.
    Fitness Coach
    Expert Answer
    Find a friend or neighbor to be a walking buddy with you. That way, you can hold each other accountable for going daily.
  • Question
    How do I run without getting bored?
    Francisco Gomez
    Fitness Coach
    Francisco Gomez is the Head Coach at the FIT Potato Gym, a training gym established in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Francisco is a former competitive runner who helps endurance athletes train for major marathons like the Boston Marathon. Francisco specializes in Injury Rehab, Flexibility, Marathon Training, and Senior Fitness. He has a B.S. in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology & Running.
    Fitness Coach
    Expert Answer
    Find places you love. If you like nature, then find a nice place to run that's very scenic. Also, create a playlist with music that you really enjoy to help you get pumped up. Inviting a friend or co-worker to run with you can also help.
  • Question
    What causes your side to hurt when you run?
    Michele Dolan
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Michele Dolan is a Fitness Trainer based in Sidney, British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002, and was certified as a Personal Trainer by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). Michele is also a Registered Clinical Counselor, and uses her 20+ years of fitness coaching experience to help clients understand their mind-body connection. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC), certified by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. In her work, Michele uses the tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. She practices and teaches mindfulness and acceptance in all of her coaching work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology.
    Certified Fitness Trainer
    Expert Answer
    There are many theories about what causes side pain but no conclusive answer. It could be due to muscle cramps, dehydration, poor posture, poor breathing or just being out of shape.
  • Question
    Can I drink water after finishing my morning walk or run? When and what should I eat after a morning run?
    Community Answer
    You can (and should) drink water. You may eat anything you want after a morning run; I suggest going with a healthy breakfast.
  • Question
    Should I go with my dog or my mom and dad?
    Community Answer
    Your dog would probably be an ideal companion, but your parents or a friend would be great, too.
  • Question
    I am shy about what the people in my neighborhood will say if I go for a morning walk. What should I do? I want to lose weight.
    Community Answer
    The people in your neighborhood will most likely not say anything. You're not doing anything wrong or strange. Many people like going for walks. Most people will not care, and if they say anything, it will most likely be encouraging or nice.
  • Question
    What is better, running slow for a long time or fast for a short time?
    Aladimma Nick Ifeanyi
    Community Answer
    Running slow for a long time. This will increase your fitness and endurance level.
  • Question
    Should I go for a morning run or walk on an empty stomach?
    Community Answer
    No. Eat a banana or an apple before starting with running.
  • Question
    How long should I wait for my morning jog after eating?
    Community Answer
    You should wait at least 30 minutes to jog after eating. Many fitness specialists will suggest that jogging on an empty stomach will help you burn more fat, however.
  • Question
    Is it okay to run while suffering from a cough?
    Community Answer
    It's probably best to get rid of that cough before you go for a run. It affects your breathing and if you're sick, you need to get some rest. Maybe do some calf raises to get your muscles working. If you do go for a run, keep it short and don't overexert yourself.
  • Question
    What time should I start my morning run and for how long?
    Community Answer
    Start when the sunlight isn't that strong. iPhone's weather app shows the time when the sun rises, so use that to your advantage. For beginners, a 20 minute run is a good place to star; you can increase as needed, to fit the time you have available.
  • Question
    What should I eat before or after a run?
    Community Answer
    Before, eat something low in fat and fiber but high in carbs so it won't last long in your stomach. After, something high in protein so you can regain muscle.
  • Question
    How can I bring a phone with me?
    Community Answer
    You can use an armband that holds your phone. The ones with a space to thread your ear phones through are the best if you like to listen to music and run.
  • Question
    Should I drink water or tea before a morning walk?
    AbigailAbernathy
    Top Answerer
    Definitely water -- and bring water with you as well. You need to hydrate before, after, and during a walk.
  • Question
    How do I walk alone and not have it be awkward?
    Community Answer
    It should not be awkward, but you could listen to music while walking.
  • Question
    Is it good to brush my teeth before going for a morning walk or run?
    Community Answer
    It's neither good nor bad to do so. Do whatever you're comfortable with. Some people prefer to brush their teeth right upon waking because of "morning breath".
  • Question
    Will jogging help me lose weight?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Jogging burns calories, and the more calories you burn, the more weight you will lose. For optimal results you should also make sure you're maintaining a healthy diet.
  • Question
    How many hours should I sleep before going on a morning run?
    Community Answer
    The standard is 8 hours for a good night's sleep. Of course, everyone's body is different. You may find you need a little more or a little less to be refreshed when you awake.
  • Question
    Is walking in the park in the morning before dawn or after dawn advisable?
    Community Answer
    You would probably be safer walking after dawn, just because it's lighter outside and there are likely to be more people around. If you're concerned, bring pepper spray with you on your walk.
  • Question
    Is there anything I should or should not do after a run?
    Community Answer
    After a run, you should always do a cool-down and stretch to avoid sore muscles. I like to lay on the floor and put my legs up the wall, too. Rehydrate and eat carbohydrates to restore your energy. Avoid eating junk food right after!
  • Question
    Am I supposed to hold the water with my hand while jogging?
    Community Answer
    You could, or you could just drink when you get back. Unless you're running very long distances, you don't need to carry a water bottle.
  • Question
    Should the pace while walking be fast, slow, or moderate?
    Community Answer
    Whatever works best for you. You could also build it up by starting with walking, then jogging, and after that sprinting. Your walk/run should be challenging but not painful.
  • Question
    If I'm already fit, should I also go for jogging and morning exercises?
    Community Answer
    It's good that you're fit, but morning walks or exercises are regularly required to be physically and mentally active.
  • Question
    When should I do yoga, after running or before ?
    tom chaney
    Community Answer
    Typically you would do it after you run, so you can stretch and cool down. But there's no rule stating you can't do it before, either. Doing yoga beforehand could help your muscles to get warmed up.
  • Question
    What food is best to eat before jogging?
    Community Answer
    Eat low fat, low fiber, high carb foods. Carbs are easy to digest, and give you time to get out earlier.
  • Question
    Can I wear slippers for my walk?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Should I do my morning walk uphill or on a straight road?
    Community Answer
    Do whatever you'd like.
  • Question
    Can I get into my car after a morning walk and switch on the air conditioner?
    Community Answer
    No. After a workout, your body has become warmer and going to air conditioning may lead the temperature of your body to fall quickly and cause you to become sick. After a workout you have to keep your body warm, so change out of your wet apparel and put a warm cloth on. When your body falls into room temperature you can sit in air conditioning.
  • Question
    What is the best time and duration for morning walk for different age groups?
    Community Answer
    Ealry in the morning when the heat of sun is less. Walk for as long as you have time or feel comfortable. The faster you walk, the more calories you'll burn.
  • Question
    Can I sleep after a morning walk or run?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
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