Because of a busy work or school life, it can be hard to get out in the morning or during the day for a run. Weather can also play a part in this, as it’s not as comfortable bracing the midday heat in the summer for a workout, as it is cooler evenings.
Some are just not morning people either, so turn to night running as an alternative to suit their lifestyle and schedules much better.
Due to this, a trend of nighttime running is gaining pace. While being a far cry from a type of professional running with odds being present at any from a list of betting sites, it’s an activity with many benefits, but it also comes with some risks to be aware of.
Here are some tips to help you keep safe when running at night, including some training strategies.
Be Safe, Be Seen!
The first step in planning for night running is to make yourself visible. There are numerous ways to do this, from hi-vis reflective vests to led wristbands and headlamps. A lot of modern fitness wear also comes with reflective strips already on them, but it’s always a good idea to further boost visibility.
It is also advisable to run against the traffic. That way you can be seen more easily and allows you to look ahead at oncoming headlights and even other runners who aren’t following the unwritten rule of street running.
Always dress appropriately for the weather, especially if the temperature is going to drop considerably from the time you start a long run to its finish.
Don’t Go Solo
It is safer to go out for night runs in groups and as the adage goes, there is safety in numbers. This is very true for support and feeling less vulnerable, so try to hook up with a friend and get them on the same schedule. An alternative is to look for local running groups around town to try and meet up with if they are planning night runs.
Building further on that, don’t just run the same route every night at the same time. You will make yourself more noticeable if you do that, so shake things up with a variety of planned routes, but always stick to well-lit areas.
Inform Someone
If you are going to go solo on your night run, ensure that you have told someone the route you are planning to take, as well as the time you are heading out. It’s an extra safety measure, so people know where to find you.
It is also possible to share live locations via training apps on a smartphone and smartwatch so that the people you share the information with can always track where you are.
Stay Focused
Always be aware of your surroundings at night. It’s worth turning down the music on your earphones for this reason. While it is nice to be pumped up by your tunes, which can help with pacing and extra motivation when your legs are getting tired, it can be a distraction. Being able to hear your surroundings for animals, people and traffic is going to be an advantage in the dark.
Strategies For Night Running
Running at any time of the day requires planning, so fuel your run 1-2 hours ahead of getting started. That should be a snack or a small meal. Some people don’t like night running because it comes at the end of a long, busy work day when fatigue kicks in.
But commit to the run by having all of your running gear out and ready to go, before you even get home. Also, try to avoid just getting home and crashing on the couch, as that will make it harder to get up and get out of the door.
Thecore body temperature tends to peak between the hours of 5 and 7 in the evening, which means more energy, so there should be some fuel in the tank to get runs completed. Running at night is also a fantastic way to de-stress from the day, and reports suggest it also helps with a good night’s sleep.
Look at how you are running as well. Because of less light, try to shorten your running stride and bring up the cadence, to help avoid the risk of tripping.