Starting W3 tonight but nights are getting dark...

Completed W2 last week and starting W3 tonight - I usually go along the canal near my home but it's getting darker much earlier now and eventually its not going to be possible to do the canal run after work safely. Am not very confident of running in public so running on the main road is my idea of a nightmare. It's also quite dark when my alarm goes off as well so morning runs are out as are lunchtimes. So what do I do to keep up the programme when running areas and light are sparse?

[Natalie01 Graduate]

I think the only thing to do is get over your worries about what other people think. I have found most people just ignore you but a smile is almost always greeted with a smile back. I'm a good few stone overweight and probably look a right sight but i don't care, at least i'm doing something about it! And it mig even encourage someone else to have a go.

[aubloomiel Graduate]

I started week 3 today and am encountering the same "problem"..but then I just thought..what the heck...and ran along the road for a bit until I reached the park - have to get used to road running I guess. I'm quite sure people are used to the sight. And noone will think anything bad - why would they? And even if there are some remarks (children can be mean) - you've got your earplugs in!

Or you could get a dog and take it on evening runs.

[Hidden]

I also run the canal but in late afternoon. The problem i have is that come the winter the banks are like a muddy swimming pool so i too will be running the dreaded roads. I'm just hoping that by then i will be able to class myself as a proper runner and wont care what people think. I've just started wk5 r1 tonight and loving it but couldn't have got this far without this brilliant forum. Enjoy your running.x

[Hidden]

Thanks for the replies guys, didn't do the run last night as it was getting rather murky when I got home and I figure I only have a 20 minute window now outside before it gets too dark. However I'm going to do it tonight and drag my other half with me for company - he is much fitter than me but I guess he can jog ahead and catch up with me later! Will have to resign myself to road running at some point I guess!

[liquoricet]

I've the same problem. My plan is a long Sunday run, a 20-30min run in the day when I'm childless for an hour and a 5k (ish) road run. I did I last week and it was OK. It's a big road and there were other far better runners (think I got lapped by someone doing 10k) but I just went for it and had no comments.

[theriddler]

Couple of suggestions:

- Ignore what people think and go on the roads

- Possibly do a lunchtime run at work somewhere?

- Join a gym and use a treadmill

- Are there any recreation grounds nearby which have a floodlit track?

Edit:

In the few times I've been to a local rec ground (I usually use the gym), I've had one comment - this was from an old guy walking his dog, who told me to keep going (I was on a walking section at the time). He meant it in good humour so I smiled politely and continued wheezing and puffing my way round.

[Natalie01 Graduate]

Ha Ha, this happened to me, some old fella with an overweight dog said "come on you're supposed to be running" when i was on a walk bit but, i am rather proud that instead of sticking up two fingers which i really wanted to do i just smiled serenely which gave me much more satisfaction! Rise above......!