As the nights draw in time for the Safety Tips on Running in the Dark.
Be Seen – Get your hi viz on. You can also use reflective arm bands / head lights but nothing beats a full on reflective top. SE Fitness tabards are just £5.
Be Aware – Run looking ahead and aware of your surroundings. Headphones should not be worn. Look out for cars reversing off drives and if a car pulls up at an intersection run behind it rather than in front.
Pavement Hazards – Watch out for pavement hazards such as bins and parked cars. Give each other plenty of room when the pavement narrows.
Road Safety – As you tire it can be tempting to assume the person in front has checked the road and to just follow! You are responsible for your own safety. Use pedestrian crossings where possible.
Run with a Group – The advantage of joining SE Fitness evening runs is the safety in numbers. If you do choose to go out on your own then plan your route, choose well lit popular areas. Vary the times and routes you run.
Carry your Phone – Carry your phone or In Case of Emergency details with you
Perhaps it’s also worth remembering what we enjoy about pounding the pavements at night! It’s cooler for a start and no insects. Many runners prefer pavements to trails during the winter months as it provides a chance to really stretch the legs and work on speed. For those of you working office hours if you want to run there’s really no choice but to get out there! The beauty is that although you might only see the light of day through your office / factory / hospital window at least if you get out for a run you still get to step out into the elements and feel the touch of the wind on your face.
A night time run can, of course, be something really special – a heavy harvest moon, a sprinkling of stars, twinkling Christmas lights so many little treats that only those brave enough to step outside ever experience.
Of course much of the satisfaction of a night time run comes after it is over. There’s every chance it will feel like the last thing you want to do but you did it anyway. You saw the temptation of the sofa / glass of wine / biscuit tin but you faced that temptation down and won! Great feeling!