Hi everyone, now that winter is approaching and it’s a lot darker at night, I’m having trouble finding time to run.
I’m at uni full time so I’m not free until 5-6 in the evening and very loath to get up extra early (pre-6:30).
Any tips for running in the dark? I have bright clothing but running round a city by myself with headphones in doesn’t make me feel very safe...
Any help welcome!
Thank you.
Xx
I'd be interested to hear what others say about this. I've had to choose completely different routes. I onky ever ran in the park/woods before. My plan was that I would join a gym and use a treadmill. I did the first bit, but actually bringing myself to use the treadmill is just impossible. I'm certain I'll hate it and just won't try. I also intended to join a local running club, so I can run with others, but they said I needed to wait for the C25k person to return from the IC, which was just before W5R3. 4 weeks after graduation I'm now able to run 7k...the trouble is, they run a very hilly 8k, so I'm trying to get to 10k so I can ask again join them. My plans haven't quite worked out.
Sorry I haven't been much help. I'm sure others will be able to advise you better to keep you running through winter. Happy running! ☺
Thank you! I thought about the gym but unfortunately I’m a student and our gym membership is pretty extortionate for someone who’d only go 3 times a week... I’m trying to run in the middle of the day but it definitely messes up my work!
I’m investing in a head torch as I certainly have felt my runs stifled by the darker evenings and the fact I work full time and so can’t go for runs at other times. Searching on this forum I discovered that some use one called Gamma which is relatively inexpensive compared to some. Will see when it arrives if it helps. Also I try and stick to main routes when it’s dark and will let my other half where I’m going to be extra safe. Strangely I find running earlier in the morning more unnerving than later in the evening.
Worth looking into pay as you go gyms or even some freebies!
I joined a running club. Not just for the dark, but for the encouragement to go out on wet / windy nights.
If I hadn’t done that, I would run in well lit, not quiet areas & leave the headphones at home. Make sure you don’t just have hi-vis, but reflective too - it’s as important (if not more!) to be seen as to see & car headlights will pick up the reflectors).
Thanks for the advice, I’m looking at that - I often see them out and about at the same time anyway 
Pepper spray, a hand held siren alarm, hi viz clothing, etc.
Sorta joking there, I have only ran at night once or twice, and it was always under streetlights and in a quiet town (and not at the weekend) and with other people.
Sports direct have head torches at £4 each or 2 for £6. Just got myself one for my 5am runs
I bought a chest torch from Decathlon. It also has a flashing red light on the back. Lights the path ahead brilliantly. My half marathon running friend borrowed it and was amazed. All her group want one now.
It has straps round your chest and over one shoulder. Far more comfortable than a head torch. Cost £30. If you spend that you have to run to get your money's worth. Beware cheaper inferior models.
Regarding safety, I stick to main roads with traffic so there's always plenty going on and no mugging opportunities. Statistically it is of course EXTREMELY unlikely that anything will happen to us. For me, it's the whole getting changed and running after a hard day at the office mental thing. Always easy to think up excuses when it's cold, dark and wet rather than a balmy summer's evening. We must run!
I say it’s the dark that stops me but I bet the cold and wet are making a difference too! Hopefully I get the hang of it soon!
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