do you run in the dark?

[chickens01]

as the dark evenings are drawing in i was just wondering about running in the dark. So far it i have done all my running in daylight and am now thinking about safety especially if running alone on a winters evening home from work. It is the only opportunity i really get during the week to run unless i have a day off.

[Twizzle53 Graduate]

I've got the same problem Chickens. I leave for work at 6:10am and get home about 5:15 -5:30pm. It's already dark in the morning on my way to work and it won't be long before it's dark on the way home too. I have got a reflective jacket with one of those flashing lights fitted into it but I'm still not too sure about running in the dark. I was toying with the idea of going to the gym just to use the treadmill on weekdays.

[susan22 Graduate]

I have been running in the dark for the last few weeks. I only run on well lit pavements where there are quite a few cars passing.

[runsandknits Graduate]

My hubby is a marathon runner and gets up at 5am to run most mornings (I just turn over and snuggle back under the covers - mad man!) and he has reflectie stripes on his trousers, reflective tops/jackets depending on time of year, reflective hat, and runs with a head torch on country lanes. Gives me the heebie jeebies a bit, but he claims its really safe and peaceful!

[Tati Graduate]

Yes. I always have right from the start as the only time I can do it most days is once the kids are asleep, so always about 8.30 or later once I've got everything sorted. I live in the city so no issue about street lighting or having to run on roads though.

[loulou51 Graduate]

My son runs through our woods during the lighter months but in the winter he runs the country lanes in our village. Like runsandknit's hubby he wears lots of reflective clothing, I came upon him one evening in my car and he lit up like a Christmas tree from a very long distance away. I feel much happier now I've seen how visible he is but he also tells me his route and I know how long it takes him. I'm running in our woods at 6am with a torch, it is a bit dark but I am hoping that I know the path well enough! The only thing I might meet is the odd deer.

[deekay64 Graduate]

I understand your concerns. I have to run in the dark with working full time and I really look forward to my weekend (daylight) run. I'd say common sense things to consider would be stick to well lit streets which are occupied and have plenty of passing cars, turn your music down if using earphones. Remain alert to anyone you come across (I've developed quite a radar), let someone know you're going out and how long you'll be and if you don't have a planned route use a tracker that someone else has access to. I use Endomondo and have friends who also use the app who can see my route as I'm running it even. I've been doing it for over a year and apart from not hearing a silent cyclist come up behind me and pass very close I haven't had any scares ( in any case I think he got more of a fright ha ha )

[Lippie]

I run at 5.10 am on our lit streets. It's not really so bad. I saw the stars yesterday morning! X

[birdistheword Graduate]

I have a feeling I will forever debate between morning or evening runs, most evenings I get home at 7 ish but I also live in an area with well lit quiet ish streets but also have a park nearby, this morning I've just run around the streets because I'm starting later today.

I need to buy some reflective gear and work on the safety concisous boyfriend.. I'll let you know if I get out in the evenings but I would also go with being alert and sticking to lit streets that you know and letting people know where you're going x

[Hidden]

Reflective clothing, head torch / lights and common sense is all you need to run in the dark. It's actually probably way more dangerous to run at dawn and dusk when some drivers don't have their lights on, or during the day when the low winter sun can shine in people's faces when they're driving, making it more difficult to spot runners.

[chickens01 Graduate]

thanks everyone i think you've all helped me make my mind up and once my joints are pain free again i shall don a reflective bag,bib and purchase a headlight to wear, i'm quite looking forward to it now