These dark evenings are gonna take some gettin... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

133,667 members159,165 posts

These dark evenings are gonna take some getting used to....

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate
19 Replies

As there is no lighting at all along my off road routes,evening runs are going to have to be on tarmac. I went out tonight and whilst the run went OK, it just wasn't as much fun! After last weeks highs, perhaps a slightly lesser experience was inevitable! Few more k's in the bank tho 💪😊

When work /school runs allow I'll try to get out in the mornings. Not sure lunchtime runs would work, my colleagues don't need to witness this 😂.... Plus, you do have to eat!

Reckon I'm going to be looking forward to my weekend runs!

Happy running everyone, have a great week!

Written by
uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggy
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
19 Replies
mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

In the beginning l figured out the only way to run was to pencil in three runs per week at certain times and work around them. Those involved one pre-dawn run, one run during work breaks and one weekend run. I’m not, in any way, trying to influence/ruin your life, I’m only saying all is workable if you set your mind to a certain way. Pre-dawns were killers because of school runs followed by work. Afterward I worked out summink else but that’s another story. Just go for it, don’t overthink it.

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate in reply to mrrun

I know it's only an adjustment phase or planning, but it's also why I was happy to get my young running career established before encountering anything which may discourage getting out there 😊.

So what's the summink else you discovered.....? 🤔

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate in reply to uncle_wiggy

That l can run anytime, anywhere, home/away/abroad. I always carry my gear along so whenever there’s an opportunity l simply go. ;) I can’t run inside which makes it all even simpler.

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate in reply to mrrun

Running is fairly portable when you think about it! 🤔 I'm no indoor runner either.... Too many gyms have mirrors! 😕

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate

Jog in the morning instead?

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate in reply to Katnap

Hi Katnap, I should be able to get one morning run in the week, but the others are either early starts or rest days. And there's no chance of getting my weiry winter body out of bed an extra hour early on my early start days! 🛏 😴 🕔 🌒

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

Running is a roller coaster! You have good and bad times. Embrace night running though 👌🏽 Maybe try a head torch - £7 off amazon and usb rechargeable 👍🏽

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate in reply to Tasha99

Good idea Tasha99 thanks, I think it was the tarmac more than the dark, who knows, but I will look into the head torch idea.

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate

We’re all getting used to these alien runs aren’t we? Cold, dark, both. And yes it’s inevitable that they won’t all be as enjoyable. Still, we’re runners and we can deal with anything! 💪

I don’t need to contend with dark - I wouldn’t want to run where I do after dark as ‘activities’ are known to take place 😳😳😳 Shame, because it’s beautiful. But cold, oh yes. So much so that even hot little me has succumbed to long (thin) sleeves and I’ve just ordered some gloves and a buff (never worn the latter in my life - need lessons!) 🏃‍♀️😅

Happy running Wiggy. As you said, every one is more kms in those running legs! 👏👏🏃🏃👏

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

A head torch is great, especially for the off road running...the peripheral light is always there, unless you are in a UK Dark Skies area:) and you do get used to the dark!

Choose the routes you know.. and see how you go. The only thing... watch out for the wildlife... a badger and I scared each other one morning!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Oh crikey, that must have been scary OF! 😳😅

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to cheekychipmunks

Well, I am not sure who jumped higher.. the badger or myself!!!!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

To a casual observer, either/both of you jumping would have been a sight for sore eyes! 😅

SANDI_runs profile image
SANDI_runsGraduate

Running in the dark is taking time to adjust to and takes a lot more planning route wise. In the summer I could run anywhere I wanted and so chose the prettiest places to run. Now it's where is it safe for me to run on my own in the dark, which limits my options and isn't anywhere near as scenic.

I saw somewhere yesterday that it's only 156 days til the clocks "spring forwards"!

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate in reply to SANDI_runs

I'm very lucky that there's no problem locally with anywhere that feels unsafe. But like you sandi, I got used to the freedom of the scenic routes, and on grass. Weekend runs will be my treats!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate in reply to SANDI_runs

Yay, Sandi, almost spring! 😅😅

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

I went out after work last night, hi-vis, rear lit tabard and head torch. I had been dreading running in the dark but it was actually okay. My biggest fear was others judging me for running wearing lights but I was the only person daft enough to be out in the cold.

Having poped that cherry I’m not bothered what people think - I’m keeping visible to try to stay safe. I saw a runner all in black on my journey home from work...utter madness.

Dragonflies profile image
DragonfliesGraduate

Move to Sweden 🇸🇪 !!!

Every single place of human habitation has at least one “motionsspår” or “motionsslinga” which is a 2k, 3k or sometimes 5k “natural” track through a lovely wood or similar lit with electric lights the whole way! Even the big cities have these wooden areas for recreation! I am lucky enough to be working here for a couple of weeks and will have the privilege to do my consolidation runs here, first one this afternoon or tonight!

uncle_wiggy profile image
uncle_wiggyGraduate

Lucky Swedes and lucky you to be doing your consolidation runs there! I'm so sorry that I missed your graduation post a few days ago, I'd been waiting for it to pop up, and then missed it 😤... I have now read through it & replied, better late than never! Perhaps you could post a pic or two from your travels? Take care 😉

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

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...

Gonna have to take a longer break

I hate my knees. Both of them. They just do not want to cooperate with me. After another set of...

A disappointing w5r1

Went out after work yesterday, was feeling good ahead of my run, aside from being a little less...

New trail shoes...🙂

Not worn them yet. Went for Asics Fujiattacks but am now slightly worried I should have stuck with...

W2 R2 - Probably going to be a long post, some questions, some story telling and some observations. Gonna make headers.

The Mistake The mistake was that I set off very fast. Up until half way I was doing great, faster...