Shining a light on running in the dark

[beardymcbearderson]

Hi all. As I start week 9 it’s becoming increasing clear that the nights are drawing in. Not a problem for this week and me completing Couch to 5k,l but, as I push beyond the program, my post work runs are going to be in total darkness before long.

The hi-vis gear is a given (and sorted), but I was wondering what advice you lovely folk might have when it comes to lights for running. I don’t particularly like the idea of a head lamp, but does anyone have any experience of the body mounted kind? Any top tips? Ones to avoid?

My only real stipulation is that I quite like being able to feed myself and pay my mortgage so I’d rather not pay through the nose for a new piece of kit!😊

Thanking you all in advance

[Cath075 Graduate]

Have you a Decathlon near by? I’m sure they have one, that’s kind on the purse

[beardymcbearderson in reply to Cath075]

Thanks for the tip. I don’t have one near me, but I’ve seen their website; I’ll take a look.

[JaoJao]

This is a really good thread. The nights are drawing in 😢.

I am considering switching up my running schedule. My midweek runs tend to me in the evenings after work, I am looking at running at lunchtimes by my office and an early morning run on the days I might work from home. I do not want to run in the dark if I can help it and it’s just a safety concern.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I just run in quiet residential streets in the dark & save frolicking across fields for the weekend. 😃

Having said that, I did once have a wonderful run on the beach in the dark ( within shouting distance of the prom)... & there was only me & the seabirds there! 😃

[LUHAN Graduate]

Really interesting thread. I do only run on lit streets anyway but I still feel anxious about going out in the dark x

[beardymcbearderson]

Thanks so far everyone. I live in a smallish village with nothing much other than country lanes running in and out. Whilst the roads in the village are lit to a degree, there are a lot of darker areas. I’m not concerned particularly about my safety in the way I think you may be alluding, but I’d like to think I’m a considerate runner. There are loads of older dog walkers where I live and I’d hate to be responsible for frightening the life out of them or their lovely pups. Not to mention it will severely reduce the chances of me tripping over curbs etc.

A decent light solution will also mean that I can head out onto those lanes as I push my self further