Really nervous about running in the dark!

[Kempy_84_kels]

I’m probably being really silly, but I’m really nervous about running in the dark. I run first thing in the morning, in the countryside (ish) and pass one or two people on my run each time. I’m finding myself stalling going for my run as I don’t wanna run in the darker mornings! Tips please guys! X

[nowster Graduate]

Head torch and high visibility colours, for a start.

[msmuffintop]

agree with the head torch and visibility colors and also reflective tape

[J111eth]

I live in the country and have started to think about running in the dark, a bit apprehensive but just I’ll just try it and see how it goes

[Kempy_84_kels in reply to J111eth]

I think I may switch from mornings to evenings as more people around in evenings. X

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

let someone know when you are going and about how long you will be out for then let them know when you are back, when i did things on my own my friend insisted i text her where i was going and that i was home, it was reassuring

[Kempy_84_kels in reply to SueAppleRun]

I like that idea. Thank you x

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Kempy_84_kels]

After i found myself on my own I did a bit of online dating and my best friend was sure I’d be unsafe so i text her where i was going then let her know i was home so she could sleep easy, then i met Willow and she stopped worrying

[nowster Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

If you have a recent Android phone, the Safety app has a Safety Check feature which automatically sends your location to nominated contacts after a set time.

I second the advice to let someone know you're going out, where and for how long, then checking in when you get back.

[Ant50 Graduate]

For last winter I bought a chest torch which is good as it doesn’t bounce around as much as a head torch, I also bought some 3M reflective tape to stick on some of my running tops etc, as the country lanes I run on are very dark. I also recently bought new shoes and I decided to buy some with lots of reflective detail on them, given the dark nights/mornings are coming. Obviously apart from being seen, make sure you keep an eye out for puddles and pot holes (if road running) as they tend to sneak up on you in the dark ! Take care !

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

I wish I could give you tips but insane as you - possibly worse!

I’m scared of my own shadow 🙈

Gonna have to give some serious thought to it very soon tho as nights are drawing in ..

👍

[nowster Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

Although most of my kit is dark coloured, there are reflective bits. The lightweight waterproof jacket has reflective dots. I've also ordered a vivid yellow running top. And for the cold, I have various running tights and trousers.

[Ant50 Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

Tinytears60 - are you able to run with anyone else to stop those shadows being so scary ? Don’t want you to slow down on your running efforts !

[nowster Graduate in reply to Ant50]

I can understand her fears. If I guess right, she's somewhere in Scouse land. If you stop for a breather in some places there you'd find yourself without shoes, propped up on bricks. 🤪🤣

[Kempy_84_kels in reply to nowster]

That’s hilarious! I’m in Epsom Surrey! I think I just need to grow a pair and get some reflective gear. Change my route a bit to stay on roads rather than the country park, and back walkways. I will miss seeing the horses each run, and will now be looking at cars!😩

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to Ant50]

Awww no worries - I do gave options to run with someone... I will definitely stay safe and carry on running 👏👏👍

[SmilelikeImeanIt Graduate]

You can also get small reflective patches with lights - mountain warehouse had them on sale for about £5 a pair. They are magnetic and easy to attach. Think sale ends today but these were in Clearance so you might still be able to get.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

There are a lot of elements here:

Firstly, is your area generally safe? If so, that doesn't change just because the seasons do.

Secondly, can you make a more steetlit route?

Hi-viz gear is a must for darker days, be bright, be seen, at all times if possible.

Head or chest torches are brilliant to light your way but they can blind oncomers (which can be useful)

Carry a personal alarm if you're really worried. Also share your Google location with your hubby so they can see where you are if you like. There's also family tracking apps like life360 which gives you what you need on the free version.

Finally... try to consider this a lesson in self confidence. If there really is a need to be worried, address it... what can you do? Would a self defence course make you feel more confident?

I practice shouting (really loud) out in my truck where no one is around. In reality our biggest problem is reacting with freezing up, learning to react in a loud and confident manner is the first step. I've done some martial arts but I also know my best defences are my voice, my nails and teeth. We're animals at heart....(and that should really scare them!). I go out for anything up to 7 hours at a time, alone. I used to worry but in reality (touch wood) I've had nothing to worry about.

Finally, running in starlight, moonlight, dusk and pre-dawn is beautiful, don't miss out! 👍🏻😉

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Some great tips - thanks so much 🙏🏻

[PandaCory Graduate]

Yep, lots of hi-vis. I started C25K in January this year, so I'll be going back to the dark. In many ways I prefer it,mainly because it's much quieter. Good advice from others about telling people your route. I've never needed a torch because I run in well lit streets, but definitely something to consider if you're in a darker area. Good luck!

[Kempy_84_kels]

Thanks all for your helpful advice.

[Maz1103 Graduate]

I am exactly the same. I usually run in the morning and it's quiet and unlit. Even last week when it was light but misty I was looking over my shoulder. I can do a weekend run a little later in the morning now it's cooler but I am going to have to get used to going in the afternoon too after work I think. Then when it's dark at 4pm I will have to go to areas with streetlights.

[Angelalou Graduate]

I'm the same, we normally run as a family but lately we have split our times. We run in the forest and generally I always feel safe but something about the dark and shadows...too many movies... I have bought a personal alarm. I have a dog with me but shes not very scary. My old rescue Staffy tended to keep people at a distance 🤭.

[Ian5K Graduate]

I’m assuming you go out to work otherwise you’d run during the daylight hours. Any chance you could run during lunch breaks? If your work place has showers, a lot do these days.

[jwillmac Graduate]

I'm not scared about the dark from the running point of view, but I'm sight impaired so I always run in the daylight as I have no vision at all in low light conditions. Currently I always send my husband my route before I go , how long I should be and he can track my phone , all already mentioned. I would love to run in dark conditions, perhaps i should invest in a chest torch ! Enjoy your runs no matter how you go about it .

[Run46 Graduate]

Not silly at all, I was worried last year as working full time Monday to Friday it meant two of my weekly runs would be in the dark. I bought a body torch and though it took a bit of getting used to I did get used to it and also accepted that I had to slow down to be more sure of my footing. If I wanted a longer or faster run then those were saved for the weekend.

It is a bit daunting to start with, but you'll get there...obviously if you're rural you'll have to find a route/time where you feel safer too 😏

[Run5000m Graduate]

I'm a bit unsure about the winter, but I always run in the morning and I think at least it's getting lighter not going darker and people are driving to work. I usually go out at 6.30am ish and am finished by 7.30. I have bought high vis/reflective stuff so am hoping I will be ok. I dont want to be a fair weather runner but may go to the gym instead if I feel too uncomfortable .

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

I love running alone up in the woods in the dark. I have a head torch and reflective patches. I may lack imagination but the thought that there may be someone about wanting to do me harm doesn’t even occur. I am probably at least as crazy as anyone I am likely to encounter! My old Garmin 35 and worn out iPhone are worthless, so no rich pickings. Nobody would be interested in accosting a 68 year old bloke anyway!

I had a chuckle last week. I ran up behind a group in the pouring rain (broad daylight) and just said “excuse me please” and they jumped a mile; said I was a ninja🙃.

I have bought a black top; I like the idea🤣

I think you have a feel for whether a place is safe or not; the real risk for someone like me is a fall or health mishap. Phone and running plan for Mrs BC are required. Different for others I know.

[sarahgjersey]

Look around for a running club or start one and run after work with colleagues

[anacatoliama Graduate]

I started running in the dark recently as I was struggling to fit it in alongside work and my toddler. I live in a village in the countryside with no streetlights but agree with sticking to roadside paths as it's likely to be a more even surface. I run holding a torch as I prefer being able to choose where I direct the light.

I was also quite apprehensive at the thought but when I got out there I loved it - so quiet and still. There's something about the darkness that strips away all the distractions, it's like it's just you and the ground and nothing else. I hope you surprise yourself and find that you love it too!

[Humblebee]

I think it depends on why you don't want to run, is it the dark or who you may encounter? Many useful tips for the dark and safety from everyone I stopped running last year and instead started cycling. I got really freaked out when a man started very obviously taking photos of me when I was running, he did it on more than one occasion and I just stopped going. Cycling on the road on common routes makes me feel better and maybe I would make a faster get away. Surprisingly, cycling means I can still run a bit, not as well as before but maybe I can retake it up next summer.

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate]

Hiya I understand why you're nervous. I live very rural, no pavements, no street lights at all, just miles of country lanes. Sometimes a car. My other half doesn't like me going out when it's really dark but I don't have anyone to run with and unfortunately my dogs are nearly 12 and just can't run very far now. So I'm intending to do the route I do but shorter and maybe double back a few times. Plenty of reflective clothes, panic alarm (although no one would hear anyway!) and small torch, probably no music so I can clearly hear and see everything!! Good luck!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😆