Where to run as it gets darker ...?

[Tracey73]

I'm on week 2, and so far have only run in daylight hrs. I don't feel quite ready to be pounding public pavements all red faced & panting.....It's not attractive.

We (3 friends also doing it) have decided to keep this to ourselves until we are a little more confident. So far we've been running along the local guided busway pathway or the canal, both are country side. But sadly neither are lit, so we can't continue there as it gets darker. Probably sounds soft but I'd prefer right now not be spotted by my teenage sons mates whilst pavement pounding.

Where do people run as it gets darker?

Am I just being silly & overly self conscious.

Any ideas welcome ... 😊 🏃🏼‍♀️

[davelinks Graduate]

You could get head torches and hiviz and do the same routes with your friends, there's strength in numbers..😊

[Tracey73 in reply to davelinks]

Think I'll treat myself to both, Then, once I've invested in them the pavements are the future !!

Thanks for the tip 👍🏻

[SC1472 Graduate]

I think you are going to have to bite the bullet and run on the lit streets once it gets too dark, although you will have a few weeks left to get more running experience under your belt, depending on how late you run. My first, and last, half mile is along an unlit main road so I'm going to invest in either a head or chest torch.

Once you are out in public you will be surprised at how little people pay attention of you running.

[Tracey73 in reply to SC1472]

I think your right I'll just have to go for it. Like you say looking looking on the plus side, I'll be a few weeks further on & I'll be more confident by then. I've seen a local runner with a torch on her baseball cap.... that lit the floor ahead. Probably worth investing in.

Thanks for responding 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Not silly... but maybe as many have been before you, a tad too aware of being seen.

davelinks idea is a great one.. also. if it is dark.. no-one can really see you anyway!

If there are a few of you, then run the fields..head torches etc... taking it steady and slow.. Safety in numbers and let folk know where you are running too I completed C25K in the late Autumn and winter of 2015.. early morning runs.. many in the dark across tracks and fields..

You are doing this wonderfully, never feel embarrassed about any aspect of it...

[Tracey73 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much for the tips and encouragement, it really is very motivating 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tracey73]

You will be just fine.. just make sure you all stay safe

[Hidden]

You would be surprised how invisible we ninja runners are, even when we are walking. But torches and hi vis clothing are good, and seriously most folk don't recognise you unless they are really close, or you are wearing a teeshirt which says "Hi I am x's mum"!

And if you're doing that then you know the answer for improved anonymity! Honestly most folks can't see the end of their nose as they are involved in their own worlds, I've run past friends who've not seen me....

[Tracey73 in reply to Hidden]

Ninja runners ❤️ it, excited to think I may achieve my goal & become one.... thanks for the tips & support ☺️