morning run in boxing

[man]

is it a myth and if not, what is the thing?
why is running at 5am better or is it more
about self discipline resulting in better
overall lifestyle?

thnx.

[JCS]

There seems to be a study or opinion that backs up nearly anything.. but I have previously read that doing cardio first thing in the morning has a unique impact on hormones which causes a greater percentage of fat to be burnt vs. other macros (protein, carbs). Some would argue that performance is hindered without having a meal first, though... and I agree. Also, a boxer training for a fight is usually in a weight loss mode.. potentially putting muscle at risk.

[man]

There seems to be a study or opinion that backs up nearly anything.. but I have previously read that doing cardio first thing in the morning has a unique impact on hormones which causes a greater percentage of fat to be burnt vs. other macros (protein, carbs). Some would argue that performance is hindered without having a meal first, though... and I agree. Also, a boxer training for a fight is usually in a weight loss mode.. potentially putting muscle at risk.

but i guess that doesn't play much of a role in a
training camp, at least i guess fat loss cannot be
an objective a few weeks before a fight - neglecting
the inevitable exception like duran or hatton. i
would be surprised if the morning run was motivated
by more fat burning ...

[JCS]

There seems to be a study or opinion that backs up nearly anything.. but I have previously read that doing cardio first thing in the morning has a unique impact on hormones which causes a greater percentage of fat to be burnt vs. other macros (protein, carbs). Some would argue that performance is hindered without having a meal first, though... and I agree. Also, a boxer training for a fight is usually in a weight loss mode.. potentially putting muscle at risk.

but i guess that doesn't play much of a role in a
training camp, at least i guess fat loss cannot be
an objective a few weeks before a fight - neglecting
the inevitable exception like duran or hatton. i
would be surprised if the morning run was motivated
by more fat burning ...

Maybe it's got something to do with just... getting it out of the way, first thing?

[Deadendgeneration]

Don't know about back home, but if you live somewhere hot then for 9 months of the year it's the safest time to run. I go out at 5:30am for my distance runs and can go about a minute a mile faster than if I go out in the late evening.

[punchoutsb]

Also if you're in a bigger city, less traffic and exhaust.

[Tony1244]

I've often heard morning workouts are better and burn more calories for the average Joe. Also, if I was a trainer, I'd think a 5 AM run would discourage late night drinking and partying more than a "Run whenever you want," policy.

[Gregk]

There seems to be a study or opinion that backs up nearly anything.. but I have previously read that doing cardio first thing in the morning has a unique impact on hormones which causes a greater percentage of fat to be burnt vs. other macros (protein, carbs). Some would argue that performance is hindered without having a meal first, though... and I agree. Also, a boxer training for a fight is usually in a weight loss mode.. potentially putting muscle at risk.

but i guess that doesn't play much of a role in a
training camp, at least i guess fat loss cannot be
an objective a few weeks before a fight - neglecting
the inevitable exception like duran or hatton. i
would be surprised if the morning run was motivated
by more fat burning ...

Running in a fasted state (i.e. no food since yesterday's supper) will burn more fat. It will also 'teach' you body to use fat as fuel more efficiently. Accordingly, you will have more energy to draw on late in a fight (or whatever sporting event you're participating in).

Many triathletes an runners use this approach.

[dominik]

I've often heard morning workouts are better and burn more calories for the average Joe. Also, if I was a trainer, I'd think a 5 AM run would discourage late night drinking and partying more than a "Run whenever you want," policy.

this is very important. throughout history many boxers had problems with discipline and alcohol. the morning run probably helps the fighters structuring their day and getting enough sleep.

[The Insider]

I hear its psychological.

Your up early running........your opponent isn't.

[Sklar]

Running in a fasted state (i.e. no food since yesterday's supper) will burn more fat. It will also 'teach' you body to use fat as fuel more efficiently. Accordingly, you will have more energy to draw on late in a fight (or whatever sporting event you're participating in).

Many triathletes an runners use this approach.

I share this school of thought.

In addition, I've always got a psychological boost from doing a long steady run, or brisk walk, in the mornings. It wakens me up and seems to energize me.

More intense training - boxing specifics, strength training, sprints - require proper fuelling and are, therefore, better suited to later in the day IMO.

[gee]

is it a myth and if not, what is the thing?
why is running at 5am better or is it more
about self discipline resulting in better
overall lifestyle?

thnx.

Your metabolism isn't always the same over the course of a day. Usually it peaks around morning time if you sleep at night. Running at the morning has positive effects of burning more fat and usually recovering better.
Cardio workouts usually don't have the long-term effects like weight training (well, there are different approaches of cardio training, but let's leave them out right now...). Training in the morning does help this issue and helps burning fat. In addition to that you eat after the run and not before which helps to get weight off.
If you prefer to run later you can get similar results, but you should have some time between your last meal and your workout and should do some weight training to stimulate your muscles.

Self discipline and overall lifestyle are side effects of some good early morning workouts.

[sucracristo]

there is a big difference in how it sets your metabolism for the rest of the day.
in boot camp they get you up at 4:30 and in the PT pitt by 5 and you are just
coming back from your run as the sun is coming up. after you get cleaned up
and fix up the bay you head to chow. it has a big effect on your day after.
in boxing at a high level, you usually train twice a day. you run and do lots
of exercizes in the morning, and go to the gym in the evening for more boxing
specific training. if you don't run in the morning, it messes up your schedule
later because you need to run. you don't need to run long distances but it can
help as far as obtaining baseline conditioning. once you can comfortably run
6 miles or so at a decent pace, the more time you dedicate to distance running
will give you diminshing returns. you are much better hitting the track for "ladder" work.
run 2 laps around a standard quater mile track as close as you can to 3 minutes,
then slow jog around to the other side of the track over about a minute and then
do 2 laps again in about 3 minutes, and so on. when you are accustomed to working
hard and resting like that 3 minutes on and 1 off, you can mix in sprints here and
there. also work on different jumping exercizes, like squat jumps and swtiching feet
back and forth and stepping up on a sturdy chair one leg at a time, and hop with
both feet together over a small obstacle back and forth for a minute to further strenthen
your legs and heart. work up gradually over weeks and months to the hardest stuff.
do other strength exercizes (pushups, pullups, dips, abs, etc) in the morning before the run.

[TexMex04]

I would do it as a weight loss thing. You burn fat much quicker and it also just helps you feel good throughout the day. You feel energized and not so fatigued

[polecateddy]

It's very old school and the weight loss thing is really a myth. Also repeated steady state runs aren't brilliant for the modern pro boxer who require intervals and variety. Getting up so early you're likely to have brain fog, and an increased risk of injury from not warming up properly. I think the main advantage for the average guy is having a regular routine I suppose and time management.

[giacomino]

Been running for almost 40 years. I always heard you run in the AM because you continue burning fat for hours after you run so you continue burning fat while you're active,. I do long runs (10-25 miles) in the AM mainly because it's much cooler in the South in the early morning. In the evening, it's still 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Did a 15-miler this morning and finished by 9 AM and it was already in the 80s

[polecateddy]

Been running for almost 40 years. I always heard you run in the AM because you continue burning fat for hours after you run so you continue burning fat while you're active,. I do long runs (10-25 miles) in the AM mainly because it's much cooler in the South in the early morning. In the evening, it's still 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Did a 15-miler this morning and finished by 9 AM and it was already in the 80s

There's plenty of studies around now that show what time you run doesn't effect weight loss. Effectively whatever you do balances out. There are heart rate zones and intensities that are good for burning fat though. Usually zone 2, 65-75% of max heart rate on a bike. I suppose the bottom line for a pro athlete is that to hit the necessary intensities they need fuel in the system.

[giacomino]

Been running for almost 40 years. I always heard you run in the AM because you continue burning fat for hours after you run so you continue burning fat while you're active,. I do long runs (10-25 miles) in the AM mainly because it's much cooler in the South in the early morning. In the evening, it's still 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Did a 15-miler this morning and finished by 9 AM and it was already in the 80s

There's plenty of studies around now that show what time you run doesn't effect weight loss. Effectively whatever you do balances out. There are heart rate zones and intensities that are good for burning fat though. Usually zone 2, 65-75% of max heart rate on a bike. I suppose the bottom line for a pro athlete is that to hit the necessary intensities they need fuel in the system.

Am glad it makes no difference because I can never get up early enough to run before work.

[Broomhall]

I think whatever training you do, you need to analyse what it is you are training for. If you are a Royal marine or US marine and you need to cover 10 miles in combat gear on a regular basis then then long runs in the morning are fine.

If you want to prepare for a boxing match running at any time of the day for long distances is not a good way to prepare and is also not good for muscles and joints. There are better ways to get fit for fighting and to lose weight.

[Duch]

Been running for almost 40 years. I always heard you run in the AM because you continue burning fat for hours after you run so you continue burning fat while you're active,. I do long runs (10-25 miles) in the AM mainly because it's much cooler in the South in the early morning. In the evening, it's still 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Did a 15-miler this morning and finished by 9 AM and it was already in the 80s

How much time takes you to run 10-25 miles?

[giacomino]

Been running for almost 40 years. I always heard you run in the AM because you continue burning fat for hours after you run so you continue burning fat while you're active,. I do long runs (10-25 miles) in the AM mainly because it's much cooler in the South in the early morning. In the evening, it's still 90 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Did a 15-miler this morning and finished by 9 AM and it was already in the 80s

How much time takes you to run 10-25 miles?

In training, between 1:10 and 1:20 for 10 miles.25 miles typically about 3:20ish. In my 50s now so I am not as fast as I used to be, but I enjoy long runs more than any other and usually do at least one run of 10+ miles each week on the weekends.

[JCS]

Doesn't such a long run early in the AM zap you for the remainder of the day? Do you have to nap shortly after?

[giacomino]

Doesn't such a long run early in the AM zap you for the remainder of the day? Do you have to nap shortly after?

You get used to it. I usually run long Saturday morning and drink sports drink and eat sports beans during the run, so I am refueling as I go and I typically feel back to normal after a post run snack

[Sklar]

It's very old school and the weight loss thing is really a myth. Also repeated steady state runs aren't brilliant for the modern pro boxer who require intervals and variety.
Getting up so early you're likely to have brain fog, and an increased risk of injury from not warming up properly. I think the main advantage for the average guy is having a regular routine I suppose and time management.

Just when you think you've heard it all...somebody introduces early morning 'brain fog'. No wonder boxing promoters are taking scissors to their dicks.

[polecateddy]

It's very old school and the weight loss thing is really a myth. Also repeated steady state runs aren't brilliant for the modern pro boxer who require intervals and variety.
Getting up so early you're likely to have brain fog, and an increased risk of injury from not warming up properly. I think the main advantage for the average guy is having a regular routine I suppose and time management.

Just when you think you've heard it all...somebody introduces early morning 'brain fog'. No wonder boxing promoters are taking scissors to their dicks.

I think it must be a common condition around here! Lol