Running in the dark?

[CompluterSaysNo]

I completed c25k last year and started parkrun in April.

Last winter I ran at the weekends and on the treadmill but I quit the gym in June as prices went up and I couldn't justify the extra expense.

I was running 4 times a week over summer but am only managing twice a week at the moment as I can't face going out at 6.30am in the dark and cold.

Should I buy a head-torch and just brave it? Or stick with the weekend runs and do home gym indoors during the week?

I mainly run for fun and health (physical and mental) so not planning to do any races. So I know I can just do what I like!

Just wondering what do others do in winter - do you run in the dark? If so what are your kit recommendations for warmth and safety

Thanks!

Honestly, get yourself a decent headtorch and brave it. That's what I did and am out at 5.30 every morning whatever the season and weather. (Unless it's stormy or icy) but don't get a crap one. I also do it only for fun and mental health.

@Shellyash How far do you run?

Running at night is actually quite nice. Get a head torch and maybe a hi vis vest or gilet. I need this to avoid been run over by the mountain bikers and PT groups and other runners (I run off-road). Reflective gloves are good as well.

Do you work full time 5 days a week, none from home?

I used to, and ran twice at weekends and started work late and ran once during the week, walked on other days and did a little yoga as and when.

I wasn’t one for getting up super early or exercising at night though: if you are the gym might still be decent value for the winter months.

I live somewhere with poor street lighting and didn’t and still don’t feel safe running in the dark, primarily risk of tripping/falling, or being a victim of crime.

I did run circa 3 miles, but tend to fast walk now as knees complain a bit, so 2.5 miles. Not many street lights where I am.

I'm currently doing the C25K with a running club. They recommend lights like these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FNQVM372?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apan_dp_3QMKBPX327P8G5DX284P&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apan_dp_3QMKBPX327P8G5DX284P&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_apan_dp_3QMKBPX327P8G5DX284P&titleSource=true

I would never have imagined a running club would be a place I could fit in but they are a friendly bunch and have safety procedures with logging in and out runs so I would also consider throwing one of the is one running near you

Chest light much better than head torch for comfort and wear high vis as well. It can be very therapeutic running in the dark. For safety if I’m on my own I stick to the roads and only go off road with my running club.

I run outdoors between 5:00-6:00am every morning. I have a hi-viz gillet for over my ordinary running attire. I don’t have a torch or head light as I stick to street lit areas when it’s dark. I run in all weathers except ice - dark pavements and black ice are a lethal combination (I might try to sneak a run in during my lunch break or switch it up and go on my exercise bike instead on those days).

Get a good headtorch. I have a Silva, USB rechargeable with a back-light. I'd recommend a hi-vis top too.

I run at 6pm-ish in winter. I have a pretty safe 2 mile route along a main residential road and town centre. Enough people and cars coming and going so I don't feel isolated but I'm not having to dodge anyone.

Gilet! That's the word I was looking for.

I actually prefer my dark winter runs.

Get a treadmill for home gym??

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I usually run in the park but now feel inspired to give an early run a try tomorrow morning and be prepared to give up if it's too terrible...

I run in dark on the streets, so have street lights. I don’t use a headtorch, but have fluorescent accessories.

I also run in lunch break when I’m wfh, and use that to do more off road routes.

I’m out at 6am twice a week. I’m on pavement’s with street lights around the village so don’t bother with a head torch. Hi-vis gilet over a long sleeve top is usually plenty for warmth. My hands get very cold so will start out with gloves and they usually end up in a pocket. I like a headband to cover my ears when it gets bitter.

I like chest torches- head torches can end up lighting a fog of your own breath steam.
The light is handy for the gaps and dull patches between street lamps.

The nice thing about being out at 6.30 now and for the next few months is that the light changes so much whilst you’re out. I struggle in mid December when it’s dark when I set off and just a bit less dark when I get back

Thanks to everyone for sharing! I went out for a short run at 6.30 this morning. Was definitely overdressed and could have done with some extra light. (Will check out the head torch and chest torch posted!)

I'm really glad I did it and wouldn't have done it without the encouragement from those of you who do!!!

Will see how much of winter I can run through!

Happy trails and thanks again

Great update!

Great update OP! Another early morning runner here - out most mornings before the sun comes up. We're definitely into headtorch season now.

Last year I didn’t even have a torch. I just wore light coloured clothes and stuck to where the street lights were. That was my first year running through the winter. I am a much stronger runner now for not giving up over the winter as I used to.

this year I have brought a body light with a white light at the front and a red one at the back and a whole host of luminous clothing. I have also joined a club and now do most dark runs with company.

is the a social running group you could join?

This type of thing is absolutely brilliant for running in the dark. It won't help you see where you're going, but you'll light up like Blackpool as soon as car headlights are pointed at you. The photo doesn't really show how good they are. I have a set from Sweaty Betty and a much cheaper set from Decathlon (both a few years old) and they do the same job.

@CompluterSaysNoI’ve discovered that Adidas have a great range of winter running gear, much of which is reflective. Loads of it is discounted on the Sports Direct website. I’m not sure if you’ve shopped with them before so beware that not only do you pay £4.99 for postage but the same again for returns. You can return to store but then they give you a credit note rather than a refund.

Good job on getting out. I regularly run round my local streets in the dark. I have a lumefit chest light from Amazon. I avoid anywhere without houses and stick more to main roads. I usually just wear one earbud so I can hear what going on around me.

You could look at Proviz for high-vis running gear.

I have a hi-vis running bib as well which has white lights on the front and red on the back and cost me £5 from my local garden centre! It is to be seen, not to see though, and I need a head- or chesttorch as well.