Running in the dark can seem like a daunting prospect. As the daylight hours diminish, so might our motivation to get out there and run. But let me convince you of the many benefits of winter running. Five reasons to embrace the darkness…

1) Firstly, running in the dark can be quite thrilling. Some of my fastest run times have been fuelled by that fight or flight adrenaline rush, imagining that I am being chased through the night. There is something quite instinctual that makes us run faster in the dark, and I’m sure it isn’t entirely fear!

2) Secondly, running outside when the temperature drops also uses more fuel, so your body will be working harder and burning more calories for the same number of miles – win win!

3) The anonymity of the darkness means that no one will see your grimacing sweaty face as you attempt to tackle a hill climb. Nor will they see your mismatched compression socks and slightly sagging running tights combo.

4) You will gain huge amounts of kudos from the running community, as you are no longer some summer fair-weather runner, but a proper hardy tough lass (or lad) and you will feel somewhat empowered by this. Even if some people will still consider your night running pursuits somewhat strange.

5) Lastly, as I have discovered more recently, there are loads of ‘Dark Skies’ races. These events provide an experience of the beauty of the night sky in areas without light pollution, supported and marshalled. A truly different experience if you are up for something memorable, or need some motivation to keep running in the winter months. I signed up for the Yorkshire Dark Skies 20 mile event (and also managed to talk a friend into doing it with me, as long as I drive home afterwards while she snoozes). This is a trail run in one of the most beautiful areas of the Yorkshire Dales, which I acknowledge is not without irony, given the run is in the dark. Maybe when I am still out there at sunrise, I can fully appreciate its breath-taking beauty.

Tips for Running in the dark

With the right preparation, hopefully your experience of running in the dark will be exhilarating, rather than fearful sprint back home. There are a couple of issues that are worth considering before you tie up (and double knot) your laces to set off…

Visibility – a running torch is essential. There are a few choices on the market. My own personal preference is for the chest rather than the head torch. I find that the chest position impacts less on how I run and offers a wider beam to light up the path ahead. Just make sure to charge it up fully before you set off! Some elements of reflective clothing are also important, for cars and bikes to see you. If you are running with your canine friend, make sure that they have reflective gear on too. My aptly named Border Collie, Spook, has an awesome reflective and waterproof harness, which illuminates bright white (in contrast to the filth, which becomes more apparent when we return home).

Safety – if you are a little fearful of running in the dark, then find a friend to run with, or join your local running club. I tend to run in the early morning if I am running alone. The early morning walkers/runners seem more friendly than the evening crew for some reason. I also find the dog can provide some reassuring company, although picking up poo in the dark can be tricky!

You can also share your live location with a friend or family using WhatsApp so they can also track your run.
Winter also brings the issue of ice, black ice being the most likely to result in a painful fall. This tends to improve the later in the day you can leave it. But it is always best to check the temperature before
you run. Days of rain followed by minus temperatures may require you to seek out a treadmill instead.

Route – unless you are running a route that you know incredibly well, it is probably best to stick to roads and well-marked paths in the beginning. I love running off road, but in the darkness, it isn’t always easy to decipher a tree root, bog or boulder. It also probably isn’t the best time to go exploring, unless you are very experienced at doing so.

Confidence – like most things, the more you do it, the more confident you will feel, soon it will feel as natural as running in daylight.

So, go on – get ‘beamed up’, get running and Take Back the Night!

 

This article also featured in Trail Running Magazine ISSUE 66 FEB/MAR 2022