Running in the dark

[Mummy23]

Ok, so today is v hot and v sunny and this seems a little out of context, but...

I started C25K in March, never thought I’d make it... graduated in May, have lost almost 2 Stone and cannot now imagine not running 😀

I did my first Park Run last week and loved it. I usually run early morning (6am), but happy to go in the evening. Mostly I need to fit around 3 children and a husband! I don’t mind running in the rain, sun, cold, hail, heat.... but I’ve never run in the dark! I start work full time in September (from 3 days a week). HOW AM I GOING TO FIT IN MY RUNNING??? I’m feeling really stressed about it! My job won’t allow for lunchtime running, so it will have to be before or after work and it will be dark! (I usually run on pavements, but there are very few streetlights)

Any and all suggestions welcomed, especially from those of you who have already run through the winter!! I don’t want that to end my journey!

Thank you in advance!

[Jell6 Graduate10]

I wear a head torch.(petzl tikka)

A BTR high visibility reflective safety vest. I got it off Amazon, it is an adjustable strappy thing that fastens around your waist, you don't know it's on.

Also flashing armbands.

I generally go out around 05.45, you need to see, and be seen.

Personally, I prefer winter running, it does take longer to get ready though, layers, hat, sometimes gloves.......🤩

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

I joined a gym so I could use the treadmill in truly inclement weather. Not sure if that’s a possibility for you? Some people even buy their own.

Other than that, wearing a headtorch is a good idea, or picking a street lit route maybe? I’m fortunate in that I can run in the daytime, but I see plenty of runners running in the dark so it’s definitely doable. 😀

[Julia187 Graduate10]

I get up at 5am to do my runs during the week, I run on the streets but wore a reflective jacket thing when it was dark that I picked up really cheap from Sports Direct, this coming winter I'll have to invest in some lights too.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

I still run after work, head torch and reflective gear and choose your route to minimise traffic interation. No need for winter to bring things to a halt 👍🏻😁

[Stephen_UK Graduate10]

Hello Mummy23. I was also wondering about this (particularly regarding winter runs), and there was a discussion about it here:

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

Worth a look as there were some useful suggestions and tips.

[Headmaster5]

I think it’s about taking any opportunity to run you can and asking your family to help or get involved. I work away a lot but now take my running shoes and try to squeeze runs in early or after work. My youngest comes for what he calls ‘super fast running’ in the park with me - he’s a good sprint coach (but I have more stamina these days so can run for longer than him!) oh, and Santa brought me a head torch for Christmas!

[Mummy23 Graduate10 in reply to Headmaster5]

Thank you for this.... I wrote my post quite some time ago now....it’s funny how things change! I run at least 3x per week...rain, dark, hail, wind, early morning, after work, lunchtime, park run.... us runners are a different breed I’ve decided! I have a chest light (borrowed my sons head torch, but didn’t get on with it!) and a couple of ridiculous luminous coloured tops (so I can BE seen, not to help ME see!) I took all my running ‘gear’ to Spain last year and ran ON HOLIDAY!!! Who knew?! A year ago I couldn’t run for a bus, now I’ve conquered 10K and have signed up for a half marathon in September! The weather and daylight are clearly not going to stop me! Once upon a time I would have questioned how I would ever ‘have time’ to run.... now there is always time...even with 3 children, a husband and a full time job! I guess I sit on the couch less than I used to 🤣🤣

Each month I sign up to ‘race at your pace’ which also keeps me motivated...and I can’t help but smile at my growing collection of medals 😁 Determined to get all 12 months this year so I get my ‘bonus medal’ with my ‘actual number of miles run this year’ engraved on it!

Keep enjoying your journey, I’m loving mine!