Running tips please for running in dark

[Me_time]

As the day light hours are slowly getting shorter now, I would like to get some tips for running after sunset.

Yesterday after work as I started my consolidation run, it was already getting dark and by the time I finished it had gone completely dark and most of the people in the park had left. It did feel a bit scary and I almost did not do my post run stretches.

It will start getting darker even sooner soonish. I am glad I started the c25k in Summer so I could complete it when the weather was good and plenty of daylight till 9pm or even 10pm. How do I continue it in Autumn/winter with days getting shorter, colder, wetter, stormier..

Any safety tips u follow that you wouldnot mind sharing will be much appreciated. I mostly run with my sister but I do run on my own as well.

Do u change location of ur runs when days get shorter and u have to run after work? I usually run in parks.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This FAQ Post about winter running gives pointers about clothing as well as being seen. healthunlocked.com/couchto5... There is safety advice in the guide to the plan.

[Me_time Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks IannodaTruffe , i will go through the link

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Me_time , if you want practical advice about running in the dark, then it boils down to see and be seen. Get a head torch or chest torch, with a back light if you can. Wear light-coloured clothing in reflective materials or with reflective strips, add flashing armbands if you like.

As for rain, I do have a breathable jacket, but mostly I wear my usual running clothes and just get wet. If it's colder, I add layers.

If it's about feeling safe, then that's a different matter. I vary my routes all the time because I'd get bored otherwise. I like running at dusk because i'm not a morning person, and I always run solo, in the countryside and often on forest trails. I figure that if there's nobody around, it's impossible for anyone to harm me.

So no, I don't change the location of my runs for that reason. However, I don't run in the forest in high winds because I don't want to be hit by a falling tree or debris, of which there's a lot about. Similarly I won't run in either forest or open countryside in a thunderstorm when there's lightning about.

If the park you usually run in is a known and proven meeting place for drug dealers, sex offenders, gangs with knives and guns, and other criminals after dark, then yes, I personally would avoid it. To me that's managing an actual risk. If there's no evidence of unpleasant dealings and it's simply that there are fewer people there, then I personally would carry on. That's my approach to managing perceived risk.

You don't say what other options you might have, if you decide that the risk of running in your usual park is one you don't wish to take. Could you get up early and run before work? Run at lunchtime? Run on a treadmill in a gym? Run with someone else all the time? None of those options would suit me, but many people find they work well.

I hope you find the best solution for you.

[Me_time Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Hi Cmoi thank you for replying. I like running in parks and have been running in different parks. I start work early, its normally dark in winters at that time so running in the morning will be the same.I am not a gym person, prefer to exercise outdoors. Lunch time run is not an option as it will require longer break.

Practical safety precautions is what I am thinking..being visible so I dont get run over, minimising risk of becoming a victim of crime. May be pounding the paves could be an option..busy roads with well lit footpaths.

My sister runs with me but sometimes our timings dont match so we run by ourselves too.

[nowster Graduate]

As others have said: see and be seen. Wear bright contrasting colours (eg. yellow with black). Carry lights and reflectors. Bring your phone.

My daytime routes often include sections on canal towpaths. For late evenings I prefer to run on pavements alongside main roads with streetlights. The main reason for this change is my concern about how soon I would be discovered if I had an accident.

The towpath I use has a steady stream of walkers during the daytime but is deserted at night. The roads always have steady but light traffic in the evening.

[Me_time Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thanks nowster . Looks like running on pavements alongside busy roads will be my only option on the nights I am running alone. I do carry my phone with me always. Streets and parks are pretty safe most of the time but there have been a few incidents of joggers being attacked in early or late hours mainly. Add cold and rain to the mix, there wont be many people out and about. So thinking a bit ahead on how to be prepared for the approaching season/conditions.