I'm part-way through the programme still but I've got into a good routine of going for runs before work. It's usually around 7:30am that I start my run but with the dark nights and mornings drawing in, I was just looking for advice about either extra kit I might need or general tips. I just don't want this good habit I've formed to be disrupted and the times I've tried running after work haven't been as enjoyable.
I run in the sportsfield which is luckily only a 2-minute walk away but it's pretty secluded. It would feel safe enough to go there I think but there's no additional lighting so I'd expect it to be pretty dark. The only other route I haven't tried is much the same and I suspect much slippier with all the leaves that will soon be falling.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂
Written by
Pnegirl
Graduate
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I dont have any advice, but interested to see the responses as I have been wondering the same! I run at the same time as you, the walk down to where I run will be very dark so I’ve been trying to think of what to do 🤔
Not that it’s likely anything bad will occur, statistically, but you might feel safer running in plain sight of other people rather than in a secluded place.
Then you’ll need to see and be seen, reflective clothing or belt, torch, that sort of thing.
Tell someone when and where you’re going, and when you’ll be back, if possible.
I always suggest changing the time because wherever I’ve worked there have been facilities for showers and changing clothes, so why not run before lunch? Some places even have regular lunchtime running groups.
Hi Ian5K, my clothing already has some strips of reflective material but I'm not sure that will be enough for the alternative route I mentioned. Thanks for that suggestion as it'll be something I have to consider.
At the moment I'm still remote working from home but am pretty much glued to my desk 9-to-5 (6 sometimes) and hey presto, at that time it'll be dark again lol. I might be able to take a proper lunch break perhaps at least one or two days a week though (I'm a lecturer at a uni so lunch breaks are a bit of a myth haha). Thanks for the advice! 😁
Safety has to be considered when running, from many aspects. Firstly if running on roads, even pavements if you are going to have to cross roads, then make sure you can be seen. Wear colourful clothing and in the dark use either headtorch with front and rear lamps, a bodylamp front and back or at least wear highly reflective or fluorescent clothing. If running on roads with no pavement, run on the side of the road so that you are facing oncoming traffic ( the right hand side in the UK), except possibly on the inside of blind bends, when it may be safer to be on the outside of the bend. If you have headphones/earbuds then make sure the volume is down when running on roads, so you can hear traffic. Consider taking one earbud out. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back, if possible. I always carry a phone in a waist belt, even for a 5k across the fields, because on some of my Devon routes you could lie injured for a week before being found. You never know when you might twist an ankle or discover the secret of the universe.
Run where you feel safe, carry an alarm, if it makes you feel safer, or use an app enabling your loved ones to track you.
Thanks for asking the question, Pnegirl. I’m the same, except just 2 weeks in and need to keep the good habit going, so any advice for darker, colder, possibly wet times would be great! Looking forward to seeing the responses. Thanks
Yes, it's been on my mind as I'm surprised how much I like going for a run in the morning (I've NEVER been a morning person lol). Glad it's not just me so hope any advice helps 🙂
These are great, and you don't know you are wearing them. I also wear a head torch, and add some extra lights onto the straps that I have linked. Then again I run on lanes , you can't be too visible 🔦🔦
Ooo thanks Jell6! I looked into torches as I saw someone mention chest torches but I wondered how comfortable they would be to wear. You're absolutely right about being as visible as possible 🙂
Good question as it’s on most newbies minds 👍 also interesting how determined we are to keep going and find solutions for this ‘new thing we’ve found’ 😂😂
I go out around 6:00 am ( I was quite self conscious in the early weeks and had no ‘Cloak of Invisibilty’’ 😂🤷🏼♀️ ) but even this morning had to wait to around 6:30 am . I haven’t bought anything but will need to soon.
I will need to change routes too as in winter even the ‘hardy golfers ‘ won’t be around so early .
However that’s something I’ve been thinking I need to do anyway just to accommodate the longer runs .
Also for motivation and to avoid boredom ( my route is coastal and scenic but not in the dark)
So I’ve been ‘googling’ my neighbourhood to find alternatives .
I have also decided to try out my local (‘ish) Jog Scotland group .
Most unlike me to be joining anything ! , but it might encourage me and if I get to the ‘holy grail ‘ of 25 mins it would provide the opportunity to join a couple of runs at my level . The group is currently doing a C25K with some newbies that I could maybe merge into .
It's great to see how many people seem to be wondering the same thing and like you say, it shows that we're determined to carry on! That group sounds really good and I'm sure it'll add some comradery to the run. Sounds like we're at a similar stage as I've got my 25 minutes run this week too. Good luck with yours 🙂
That's great, thanks Sandra 39! Do you find the chest touch comfortable when you wear it? I'm not sure if I'd give some of my neighbours a fright as they might think someone's wandering around the backs of their houses with a torch haha! 🙂
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