Monday, January 10, 2011

Dark and early running

Running in the morning especially when its cold and dark is tough and scary. It is hard to get out of bed and once you do, then it's tough to get out the door because of the temperature.

This morning it was especially cold outside. I made sure to bundle up before I headed out.


It is really hard to smile when you have only been awake for about 15 minutes and you are standing outside in the snow trying to take a picture.


I set out into the dark with my headlamp, reflective vest and little red light (clipped on to my vest). Wearing these things and light colored clothing is important so that drivers can see me. Not too many cars pass me that early in the morning and most of them see me early enough to get over which is nice.

At times the wind was brutally cold but I just kept going. I had so many layers on that I couldn't get to my watch to look at my time. Running in the dark is good because it forces you to slow down which is great for an easy run.

It felt great to get out and run in the morning so I don't have the workout hanging over my head all day! Wearing the headlamp really helps so that I don't fall or trip on anything but that doesn't mean I don't get scared from random noises! Running in the dark takes some getting used to but it is definitely worth it for the peace and quiet!

Do you get scared during dark morning runs? What safety precautions do you take to make sure you are seen on a run?

21 comments:

No Longer Using said...

yes! i am scared of the dark!!!! i have visions of people with knives jumping out from behind trees.

my solution= stay away from rural if possible. i go on main streets when it is dark out. that way i also get street lamps.

way to start your week off!

Laura said...

I do get a bit wigged out sometimes..I read way too many horror novels.
I always tell my hubs where I am running..just.in.case...
awesome job!

Lisa's Yarns said...

As always, I am impressed with your discipline! I can get up and run at that time in the summer - but the winter is a whole other story!!

I did get a little nervous on early morning runs this summer towards the end of the summer when it was dark... I wasn't afraid of something happening, I was more so afraid that I wuoldnt' see something on the running path and woudl trip and fall or something like that! I found that my pace was worse in the dark!

Anonymous said...

brrrrr. i usually don't get all creeped out in the mornings for my runs. it's when i'm out when the sun SETS that i get scuuuuuured. it's totally a mental thing.

misszippy said...

You're so right--well worth getting out there and getting it done! Most of my early a.m. dark runs are with friends, so that makes it not so creepy. But when solo, I'm uber aware of my surroundings b/c it is a bit scary.

Brian said...

Most of my runs are in the evening after dark. I've had a few close calls with cars, so I'm very cautious. I wear reflective gear and try to stick to routes where I can stay on sidewalks and away from busy intersections. Stay safe out there!

Kate said...

That is dedication! A COLD, DARK, EARLY run on a Monday morning ... nice work!

I love running in the dark! It's the cold that gets me so I don't do it often ... by the time it's warm enough (for me) to run outside, it's light out in the mornings and evenings. Oh well!

Marlene said...

Look at you all bundled!! Awesome job getting out there. Bed is tooo cozy in the mornings lately.

I have an EARLY (4:30AM) run planned for Friday... I better start figuring out what I am going to wear to stay warm AND safe!

Amber said...

I run a couple of mornings a week with my neighbour so having a running buddy definitely makes me feel safer. Though we were honked at last Tuesday morning and told we were really hard to see on the side of the road despite all the reflective stuff on our clothing. It was a weirdly dark morning though..

Suzy said...

Way to get out there and run despite the temp and darkness.

Fruit Fly said...

I feel REALLY comfortable running in the dark. 75% of my runs are in the dark, but mine are at night versus the morning.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around 18º... feels like 9º!! Yikes!! Kudos to you!

Christine said...

I'm getting super scared in the dark (mornings and nights). I'm soo impressed when people can go for runs during the dark. I wish I wouldn't be such a chicken and get the run our of the way in the morning.

Anonymous said...

i leave for work when its dark and come back when its dark and i do not dare to run before or after work in the dark. wayyy to scared.

good for u for getting out there!

Amy said...

Good for you! I have only run in the dark with my running group, but headlamps and a reflective vest are essential, especially when the roads are narrowed with snow!

Nicole said...

yay for getting out there! im scared of the dark and think of scary things & usually end up freaking myself out! no dark running for me!

Angela said...

You are so much braver that I ever could be. I do like to get up and run before work but I try to make sure I stay on the sidewalks. I had a very scary moment last week with two dogs roaming the area and one was really vicous that has made me really more nervous about running in the early morning. Plus I really hate cold weather.

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

I love getting the workout done in the morning for the same reason of not having it hang over my head all day! GOOD FOR YOU TO GET OUT AND RUN IN THAT WEATHER!! YOU ARE MY HERO!!

Joanne said...

Good for you. As cold as it was, you did it.
I run with my German Shepherd since I'm an early morning runner as well. Reflective vests, head lights, a reflective collar for the dog - we do it all. What a pain. It takes ages to get dressed for your run then AGES to take it all off again.
Can't wait for Spring! (a bit premature but hey...still dreaming).

Molly said...

I do get nervous in the dark, even when I'm walking my dog!!! you are seriously so good at getting those morning runs in!!!

Anonymous said...

I am so scared in the dark running. I always hear or see things that aren't there! I know, I am a baby!

RunToTheFinish said...

oddly morning runs do not scare me at all, but the same level of dark at night does scare me