Runners are creatures of habit. Whether it’s a standing sunrise loop or a late-day stress reliever, your training schedule likely follows a rhythm. But have you ever wondered if that rhythm actually matters for performance or injury risk? Turns out, it does. When you run affects more than just your calendar it influences energy metabolism, sleep quality, tissue stiffness, and even injury risk. So let’s break down what the science says, and what you can do with it. The Science