Recently I got to participate in a 195 mile relay with a group of 11 other people. It was my first year doing this so I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was more fun than I thought it was going to be, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. One of my favorite parts of this relay was the run I got to do at night. Well, technically it was morning - 2:30 a.m., but it was the most fun I’ve had on a run in a long time. Besides a few other runners, I was out there alone. I saw tons of stars, the air was crisp, and there was a slight mist that helped keep me cool.
Awhile back, I posted a few tips for exercising in the dark and I’m going to add to that:
- Identify yourself: you know the adage: hope for the best, plan for the worst. You hope that nothing will happen to you on your run or walk but in the case that something does, wear an ID bracelet (Road ID makes a good bracelet) with all the important info on it:
- Your name
- An emergency contact’s phone number
- Medical diagnosis that would be important for responders to know
- Allergies
- Vary your route: Changing up your route can help make you a harder target to any individuals that may have bad intentions. However, because I tend to get lost easily, I usually rotate between three different routes and do them backward so I know where I’m going but I’m still somewhat unpredictable.
- Carry your cell phone: I purchased a small running belt that can fit my cell phone, my keys, and a few dollars to take on my runs. I haven’t had to use my phone yet, but I find it comforting to know I have it if needed. For the last time, no, this belt is not fanny pack!
- Ditch your buds: Your ear buds that is. Running in the dark is so much fun I haven’t ever wanted to listen to music but even if I wanted to, I don’t think I would. Keep your ears open to other people, cyclists, animals and cars.
- Light up: Although you should be running in a well lit area there may be some spots where it’s pretty dark, this is where a headlamp can come in handy. I bought a small one from a sporting goods store in town for about $10 and it works very well.
- Invest in a vest! I recall a dark time in my younger years of wearing vests with all of my outfits- crocheted, floral, plaid- you name it, I probably wore it. However, for the sake of exercising in the dark I’d stick with reflective vests. And for the record, those vests were very fashionable in my youth.
While I doubt I’ll be running at 2:30 a.m. again on my own, I will be running in the early morning and as we get into fall that means I will be preparing for darker conditions. Have you ever done other activities in the dark? If so what and if not, would you?