Running in the dark

[1stV45]

I run 4 times a week, without fail, with a couple of gym classes in my days off. It's what keeps me sane.

Over the first lockdown I ran almost everyday, lovely light mornings and evenings, really enjoying being out in the woods.

During winter, my midweek runs are usually with a club, but no longer.

I'm not generally nervous, I'm perfectly happy to run in the woods on my own, which many of my running friends aren't but round the streets of my not particularly nice area after dark in my own?

It's strange, I don't think if myself as anxious about these things but I'm really not looking forward to this, how do I overcome it?

I don’t know, I prefer running in the dark but I go early in the morning as I definitely wouldn’t be arsed after work and would struggle for time too.
I feel better running under the cover of darkness to be honest, I’m rubbish at it though so don’t feel self conscious when no ones about
Could you drive somewhere with bright street lights and where it may be a bit busier? What time do you go, there are people out and about until at least 8/9 here. After that it really tails off but if you went before it got too quiet might you feel better?

I light myself up like a Christmas tree, and I have an attack alarm anyway. I have a much smaller range at night than in the day. My neighbourhood is quiet and dooey.

I used to love running at night- very safe area, well Lit streets and probably quite naive to be honest.
These days I don't enjoy it as much as I can't switch off because I find I have to stay much more aware.
Get some clothes with good reflective strips, head lamp if it's unlit/rough underfoot, use a tracking app with a friend so someone knows where you are. Whistles are good too.

Depends how fast you are?

@Sparklfairy

Depends how fast you are?

Why? I'm pretty fast for a 50yo woman but I'm not going to beat an averagely fit young man over 10 (or 100) yards.

Do you feel ok walking there in the dark? If not, maybe you need to run elsewhere or in daylight. If so, why is running different?

I like running in the dark just stick to well lit streets rather than darker quieter places like parks .
Be careful and just have your wits about you for example if someone did approach you would you be seen that sort of thing .

No I don't walk there in the dark either and TBF neither does anyone else. It's not a "good" area.

How do I run elsewhere in daylight? I'm at work from 8am-5pm with a 30 min lunch break and no shower facilities even if I had time to use them.

Me being seen makes me safer from traffic but it doesn't help against other risks?

If it's a safety issue, can you find a running buddy?

We shall be allowed to meet one other person outdoors this lockdown,

I haven't been out much recently for exactly this reason, it's dark, and there are a lot of acorns round here so it's treacherous underfoot! I have a housing estate (which I drive up to) I'm happy to run through which is well lit, I think I'm going to end up doing the same route until the clocks change again which is a bit boring.

Just chucking out suggestions. Home treadmill (admittedly not sure how good)? Or replace with a cycle ride? Drive to somewhere better? Look up crime in your area. There is a database somewhere.

I run in the dark in the woods in the morning but wouldn't do so at night.

Thats not very logical is it.

I have a large dog with me so am confident no one is going to sneak up on me. Any chance of borrowing someones, lots of people with active breeds would love someone to do the second walk on a dark winter night.

As PP said, take a phone, lights/strips to be visible to traffic, tell someone where you're going and take an attack alarm or similar.

I know you're you feel.

But, the only times I've been bothered when running through some streets around here is summer evenings when groups of youths are hanging out together.

In winter no one is around so I'm happier to run through those streets knowing no one will shout "run Forrest run" to fits of laughter from their mates

I stick to the main roads that have more car traffic and Street lamps (but still feel nervous sometimes).

Could you drive somewhere nicer to run? Or find a running buddy? I get what you mean though - I run with headphones normally but feel very vulnerable when it’s dark

Find a running buddy from your running club?

I always tell someone where I’m going (and route) and let them know when I’m back.
I wear reflective clothing and a torch hat. No street lights here.

The world just isn't a safe place anymore unfortunately. Run straight after work at 5pm when the streets are busy and stay away from parks . Stick to well lit busy streets, not much fun I admit but your safety needs to be your number 1 priority. Save your trail runs for daylight hours at the weekend.

I say that as someone living very much in the country, it's just not safe and opportunist can strike it what appears to be a safe area.

Or get a treadmill which is what I also use in the winter.

Can you run home from work? Or part of the way?

I like the running buddy suggestion - especially if you were part of a club it could be easier to find someone for each of your running days

I was thinking this last night, I went at 5pm and stuck to busy roads but it wasn’t the most pleasant run.
I was thinking what women could do with is a lockdown winter buddy system. Could you start a Facebook group for female runners in your area to buddy up together to run in the dark?

I second borrowing a dog, I used to run with my mates dog at night and I've never felt safer. He was the softest, sweetest guy ever but looked scary af and I think even a gang of hardened criminals with knives would have ran the other way

I’d mix it up a bit and find somewhere well lit / with passing traffic that you could do effort sessions. A mile or so to a hill or bridge and then hard up/over and recovery. Repeat for 20-30 minutes then back home. Or along a main road do lampost intervals . The passing traffic and street lights should make you feel less vulnerable and you’ll get a great workout. If you want some ideas for ‘in town’ efforts then just pm me and I’ll give you some of our club sessions. Then you do a lovely long run in the daylight at the weekend.

I’d also second asking at the running club / facebook group if anyone is looking for a buddy.

Finally, I think Strava has a live track option, so someone can see where you are.