Running in the cold & the dark - HELP!

[hilsry]

Hi all

I'm still going! I'm on week 13 now and did my first ParkRun on Saturday! I was really nervous as it was the first time I'd run with people and the first time I'd run an unfamiliar course (I was 200 miles away from home) but I did it in 32.09 and was delighted with myself.

I've just been out for my evening run and I'm really struggling running in the dark - I just can't seem to find any motivation and every step seems like a slog! With my work schedule and the increasingly early dark nights I can't really avoid a night run or 2 a week so any advice that you have on how I can make it a little more pleasant would be much appreciated. I have a head torch and am sufficiently wrapped up but it's just miserable - there are no street lights where I live or run; I'm considering getting in the car and driving to the local town but that defeats the object to me!

I also struggle with my breathing much more when I'm running in the cold so any advice on this point too would be much appreciated.

Happy running!

[stormwarden Graduate]

Do you have a dog or could you borrow a neighbour's dog to run with if it's safe around your area? High vis vest for you and the dog. Otherwise leap in to your car and go somewhere lit up, maybe combine it with a trip out to buy some groceries so the car trip has a purpose.

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

A Buff for the cold! It's a tubular running scarf that you can pull up over your mouth. Warms the air before it hits ya lungs! x

[Pirateferret Graduate]

I second the buff! I have a high viz one with reflective stripes (its from mountain warehouse if anyones interested) and is a help. I feel the same about driving to run but might be worth trying if it makes you feel better amd safer.

[Hidden]

Buff, hi viz, borrowed dog or a short trip to somewhere lit and take your time on your running. Just keeping going is good and I was reading in Runner's World recently how 'slow' miles are 'good' miles in your training. So don't fret about maintaining your normal or happy pace, be kind to yourself and go just that bit slower. You know the speed - the one that Oldfloss describes as happy - try going happy!