Running in the dark.

[slouise]

Loving this program, run 3 week 2 tomorrow. My only problem so far is I don't like running on my own in the dark and have to do this for mid week runs. Does this bother anyone else?

[Hidden]

Hi I didn't start c25k until the clocks changed because I didn't want anyone to see me running in day light. I run in well lit areas in the early evening so don't mind running in the dark. Are you sticking to safe areas? I wouldn't like to run in deserted areas or parks etc after dark. I am looking forward to running in better weather and lighter nights now as I'm getting sick of the cold and wet

[Beek Graduate]

I have only run in the dark once with the running club. I was not very keen on it because it was difficult to see your footfall and I did not enjoy that. I do wear a set of little red LCD lights in the dark - or in the fog for that matter and I would not run in the dark on my own.

The longer days are coming soon! I was longing for the cold (maybe not the wet) but now it's here I'll be glad to see the back of it. Hope I remember that in the heat of summer!

I found that popping on a very thin wind proof jacket stops me getting too cold on the walk home afterwards.

Keep safe and ENJOY!

[Ray801 Graduate]

Hi, I have always walked my dogs in the dark this time of year so did not worry about running in the dark. I live in the countryside and run on some dodgy road surfaces which I know well. I use a Pretzel head torch which gives me a good range and a yellow reflective jacket. I don't have any pavement or street lighting so I have to be aware of traffic such as it is, mostly on the bends.

[Fattytumtum Graduate]

A necessary evil for completing this programme in winter. I started in October and graduated in December (at least I could look at the Xmas lights) . I just made sure I stuck to the lit streets, also make sure someone at home or a friend knows your route and how long you should be. The upside of the dark nights are the weekend runs in the park or down the riverbank are awesome. Good luck

[DH164 Graduate]

I much prefer outside,, too hot in the gym for me I find now. I do go out in the dark on my own but around local streets where there is always traffic and houses and it is on the edge of a fairly large town.

I wouldn't like to go down country lanes in the dark with or without head lamp!

but then, me , I'm a townie!

[weighty80 Graduate]

I love running in the dark - not going to get too much more of it for a while come the next few months...

In the actual dark, remember that reflective clothing/accessories are more important than bright clothing or lights, at least when it comes to being visible to cars - if you're a driver, you'll probably realise this already. Fluorescent clothing comes into it's own in twilight, though reflective still wins if you're under sodium streetlights, provided cars are still using their lights. Needless to say, I do all three - flourescent, reflective and lighting.

Check out this little head torch... alpkit.com/products/gamma - £15, free delivery.

It's got a red light at the back, choices of colours and brightnesses at the front, and plenty bright enough for light off-roading - brighter than my Petzel Tikka. I have one in the post.

Stay safe - I'm off for a run. In the dark.

[thinlizzyIwish123 Graduate]

I run in the dark. Keep to lit up areas, main streets. I don't run near parks. I always let my hubby know my route and roughly what time I'll be back and that seems to work OK. Sometimes I'm out for 5.30am and he stays awake until I get home bless him. He's realising that I'm serious about losing weight and running as a hobby.

[kutch70 Graduate]

Hi, I'm up to wk 5 and only run in the dark for fear of people seeing me struggle!. But I only run on well lit streets and pavements. Looking forward to when I'm brave enough to do it in daylight!!

[slouise]

Hi thanks for all the replies.

I live on the edge of town near some woods but I've been avoiding these and running in the streets. I don't suppose it'll be long before the evenings start to lighten.

Off for run 3 week2 later today, looking forward to starting week 3.

[makmurthly]

Hi

I'm on exactly the same part as you W2r3. My week day runs are both in the dark and I run up a forestry track near where I live. I take my dogs with me and have a good head torch. I'm not worried about the dark or being on my own but having done the same run today in daylight its certainly easier when you can see a bit further ahead.

[Hidden]

I am lucky in that I have time to run during the day when it is light. I normally go about 8 a.m. just after I've walked the dog. I wouldn't like to run in the dark. It might be worth checking out your area to see if there is a 'Running Sisters' group nearby (assuming you are a woman). Just Google 'Running Sisters' - you should be able to get information on your nearest group from their website. Otherwise, have you considered putting an ad in a local newsagent's window to see if there are any others who would welcome some company during the dark mornings/evenings. Good luck with the rest of your programme. Best wishes.