I started running in March and ran The Royal Parks Half Marathon last month (my first experience of a half marathon). I really enjoyed running during the summer after work when the evenings were light. However, all running has now stopped because of the lack of daylight. I refuse to join a gym, so the only other option is night running. I live in the countryside - there's no street lighting.
Does anyone have any advice about night running? Is it possible with a head torch? My only slight concern is that there is more risk of injury (e.g., twisted ankle).
Comments
Miles
Night running with a headtorch - even off road on fells and trails - is fantastic fun and once you've done it you'll wonder why you ever doubted it.
Get a good headtorch (the Alpkit gamma is a popular/good value choice) and get out there.
When running in the dark I tend to pay more attention to the ground ahead, rather than looking around at cows and sunsets as I run.
Agreed, its lots of fun! I thought running with a headtorch might be annoying but its no different to having a sweat band on. Also make sure you have some reflective clothing so you can be seen from behind - especially if you are running along poorly lit roads.
Or you could get a pair of rather fetching flashing armbands, if you want to create the world's smallest mobile rave They are about £4 a pair online
I once came to a screeching crapping-myself halt on the towpath, in the darkest part, down by the river and the dense woods. Two large and round green eyes were tracking me. They were completely unblinking, and fixed on me.
Then I realized that they were the reflectors on a bicycle chained to the railings
Might be able to get back out in the woods then
I've got one of the Duracell headtorches - tried a few before settling on this one. Don't even bother with the wind up ones - I thought I'd save a fortune on batteries but it was so awkward and unwieldy to wear.
There are also a few organised night runs, Miles which are good fun. I did the skeleton Run in Loughborough recently which was good fun and you don't notice the hills so much at night! (No really! )
- have you been speaking to some of my running buddies up here in Sheffield? Its not true what they say about me (well, most of its not )
I ran last night for the first time in the dark. Great fun. It was a very clear mild night with a full moon and a group of us ran 10km around a local forest. I'm totally hooked.
I'd bought one of the LED headtorches from Dealextreme and it was great. The battery pack fitted into my back pocket and it was very bright even on the lower setting. I'd thought that the headband would be annoying, but it didn't bother me at all.
Blimey Neal H - you sound more lit up that Blackpool during the illuminations.
Redjeep - yes, its is strangely addictive.
be careful of deer at this time of year if running in the dark - it's rutting season
5am is the best time to run....