Darkness isn't so bad after all. The gremlins have lost their status.

[1903]

I will invest in a runners torch now because I know I'll use it: Yesterday evening I did my first dark run and I can honestly say I enjoyed it. (Head or body torch that is the question- will a head band get in the way of my Bluetooth headphones?) I took my, very supportive, other half out with me, on his bike. I'll let him off soonish- but then again I might keep encouraging him go out for a while though. After all it is good for him

This running malarkey has lots of feel-good drum roll moments.

Hurdles jumped and goals achieved so far: Getting started, not stopping, leaving my garden, wearing headphones outside, telling people I'm running, going into a real running shop to get a gait check and buy shoes, surviving Julie, losing Laura, running on paths (oh I forgot how hard that one was) and now, drum roll, running in the dark. Plus I've run 5K fifteen times since October 6th- still rather slowly. The next hurdles/goals are running with people and running a bit further or maybe faster- oh and I must buy some leggings it might get too cold for shorts soon.

And check this one: I am no longer referring to 'gremlins'. I won't let those little... 'insert swear word of choice'..... take the credit for anything. They all lost! Even the really tiresome one who always suggested I might prefer walking the rest of the way home. I ramble no more!

[janey38 Graduate]

🏃 another tick in the box xx

[Millsie-J Graduate]

What a fantastic post, thank you 1903 . Happy running😃🏃🏼‍♀️

[Hidden]

Well done ! Go Forest Go !!

[OldPossum]

What an excellent list of achievements 😀 Running in the dark was one of my post graduation gremlins - also overcome👏 I have a chest torch as I've never liked the idea of something strapped to my head and I've got on very well with it.

[mooning Graduate]

Another vote in favour of a chest torch (my preference: decathlon.co.uk/run-light-i.... It makes the world of difference. I've developed a love of running in the dark - (call it an overactive imagination) but I like to think that people who see me running in the dark go: 'there's a real runner, out whatever the weather'. Silly, I know, but keeps my confidence up.

[RainbowC Graduate]

My chest torch arrived yesterday - not only does it have the expected white light on the front, but it also has a red light on the back which I'm extra-pleased about!

[Scruffy64 Graduate]

I have a Decathlon Run Light too, and it's brilliant. It charges fairly quickly and lasts for many runs. I feel safe when I run in the dark with it, and as RainbowC says there is a flashing red light at the back as well as white LED light at the front with 3 different intensity settings. It weighs very little and I don't really notice it. A great alternative if you don't like things on or around your head - I have a head torch, but the strap gets very soggy!

[1903 Graduate in reply to Scruffy64]

That soggy strap comment made me think and I've ordered the Decathlon Run Light. Thank you!

[Lon70 Graduate]

Fabulous progress. Very inspiring. Enjoy your winter runs

[spinrek Graduate]

Aargh it says that torch is unavailable now 😞

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Love the last bit. You rock!!