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

[uncle_wiggy]

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!

[mrrun Graduate]

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 Graduate 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 Graduate 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 Graduate 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 Graduate]

Jog in the morning instead?

[uncle_wiggy Graduate 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 Graduate]

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 Graduate 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 Graduate]

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 Administrator Graduate]

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 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

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

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

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

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

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

[SANDI_runs Graduate]

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 Graduate 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 Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Yay, Sandi, almost spring! 😅😅

[Jay66UK Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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 Graduate]

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 😉