Running: how late is too late?

2

Replies

  • RiverMelSong
    RiverMelSong Posts: 456 Member
    I think it depends on where you live. I live in a dangerous neighbourhood so I don't run after dark (which makes running challenging in the winter)
  • ishepelska
    ishepelska Posts: 59 Member
    RiverMelSong wrote: »
    I think it depends on where you live. I live in a dangerous neighbourhood so I don't run after dark (which makes running challenging in the winter)

    It could improve your speed.... :smiley:

    Jokes aside, that's quite sad. Treadmill?
  • advisingwench
    advisingwench Posts: 53 Member
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Is there a time of day/night that you find inappropriate for running outside?
    Or, maybe, any other situations where you see a runner and go "why on earth is he/she doing this"? :smirk:

    I wouldn't be surprised if the people who see me running while it's still dark out think I'm nuts. Don't care... I love going before work and since it's not even starting to get light until 6am these days, darkness and a headlamp it is =)
  • ishepelska
    ishepelska Posts: 59 Member
    advisingwench wrote: »
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Is there a time of day/night that you find inappropriate for running outside?
    Or, maybe, any other situations where you see a runner and go "why on earth is he/she doing this"? :smirk:

    I wouldn't be surprised if the people who see me running while it's still dark out think I'm nuts. Don't care... I love going before work and since it's not even starting to get light until 6am these days, darkness and a headlamp it is =)
    I think running at sunrise is quite standard, as opposed to midnight. In my mind, all runners are early birds.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Of course, running in the dark is unavoidable when the sun goes down at 7, and that's when you get home. But if I see a runner after midnight, I cannot help but think it is odd to be running at such hour. No idea why, because I often feel like going for a run/walk late at night myself!

    I think it's people that run at that time of night that started the slogan - run like you stole something!

    I've run a few times about 11pm and I've gotten a few odd looks.

    Normally afternoon or early evening feel the most comfortable for me.

    I have a friend that runs at 5am and they thrive on it - my brain doesn't even function at that time, let alone my legs.

  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Is there a time of day/night that you find inappropriate for running outside?
    Or, maybe, any other situations where you see a runner and go "why on earth is he/she doing this"? :smirk:

    Saftey first. You MUST BE SEEN. Other than that, as long as you get your sleep, any time.
  • gobonas99
    gobonas99 Posts: 1,049 Member
    ishepelska wrote: »
    advisingwench wrote: »
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Is there a time of day/night that you find inappropriate for running outside?
    Or, maybe, any other situations where you see a runner and go "why on earth is he/she doing this"? :smirk:

    I wouldn't be surprised if the people who see me running while it's still dark out think I'm nuts. Don't care... I love going before work and since it's not even starting to get light until 6am these days, darkness and a headlamp it is =)
    I think running at sunrise is quite standard, as opposed to midnight. In my mind, all runners are early birds.

    You're assuming that all people work a standard 8-5/9-6 day. Not all do. For some, midnight is their 7pm....or their 5am.
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    I LOVE running at night in the dark, but my husband isn't a fan of me doing it. I have a safe cycle path to run on (rather than road or sidewalk, so no traffic), but it can be uneven footing at times (tree roots underneath), and it's not lit. It parallels a forest with awesome trails, so it's all better in daylight. If I can go, I am lit up like a Christmas tree, vest, headlamp, ankle straps, blinky light on the back of my headlamp...
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    edited September 2015
    Incidentally when I run at night my second biggest concern after vehicle traffic is being hit from behind by a cyclist. There are a lot of bikes out here through all seasons. On side walks. On paths. Around the seawall. Coming at me. Scary! Boo!

    I have a low power light facing *backwards* behind me to avoid being crunched by someone coming up from behind and I find bikes give me a nice wide berth. Reflectors are not enough: there are plenty of cyclists that ride without lights (damn them all to heck) to light up my reflectors.
  • adnamalegna
    adnamalegna Posts: 203 Member
    I LOVE running at night- I used to go when I lived in town. But being a single mom, living in the country with only one lane county roads at my disposal... not so much! And predawn? Fahgetaboutit!! LOL I already have to be up at 5 M-F to get my son up and to practice by 6. My few sleep hours are precious! haha
  • veganbettie
    veganbettie Posts: 701 Member
    I personally feel safer running early in the morning rather than late at night, i won't run past 9 PM. And I try not to run for too long before the sun comes up. I'm more worried about bad people than I am cars, I light myself up. And I live in an okay area.
  • tincanonastring
    tincanonastring Posts: 3,944 Member
    I run really late. I often don't start until 11 or 12. The kids have to get put down, the house has to get straightened, gotta prep for the next day...
  • ishepelska
    ishepelska Posts: 59 Member
    gobonas99 wrote: »
    ishepelska wrote: »
    advisingwench wrote: »
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Is there a time of day/night that you find inappropriate for running outside?
    Or, maybe, any other situations where you see a runner and go "why on earth is he/she doing this"? :smirk:

    I wouldn't be surprised if the people who see me running while it's still dark out think I'm nuts. Don't care... I love going before work and since it's not even starting to get light until 6am these days, darkness and a headlamp it is =)
    I think running at sunrise is quite standard, as opposed to midnight. In my mind, all runners are early birds.

    You're assuming that all people work a standard 8-5/9-6 day. Not all do. For some, midnight is their 7pm....or their 5am.

    For some it is, of course. Unfortunately, a majority of people, especially in big cities, work 9 to 5. Thus, a standard image of an early morning runner.
  • ishepelska
    ishepelska Posts: 59 Member
    Never thought that safety is such big issue for runners!
  • veganbettie
    veganbettie Posts: 701 Member
    why wouldn't safety be a big issue for runners? I'm confused. I mean, the likely hood that something bad would happen to you is probably pretty low, but bad stuff happens everywhere all the time....you should always use your brain and be safe.
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Is there a time of day/night that you find inappropriate for running outside?
    Or, maybe, any other situations where you see a runner and go "why on earth is he/she doing this"? :smirk:

    I am sure people say that about me when I get up at 4:30 and head out with my head lamp on.

  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    mwyvr wrote: »
    Incidentally when I run at night my second biggest concern after vehicle traffic is being hit from behind by a cyclist. There are a lot of bikes out here through all seasons. On side walks. On paths. Around the seawall. Coming at me. Scary! Boo!

    I have a low power light facing *backwards* behind me to avoid being crunched by someone coming up from behind and I find bikes give me a nice wide berth. Reflectors are not enough: there are plenty of cyclists that ride without lights (damn them all to heck) to light up my reflectors.

    Yup. this ^
    That's why I bought a second RED blinky light that goes on the back of my head. I also found a vest that has LED lights that blink within it. Every time I wear my vest, people comment and sometimes ask where I got it. It lights up like crazy, but you're right--you'd have to have a light ON it to see it...
  • ElJefeChief
    ElJefeChief Posts: 650 Member
    edited September 2015
    ishepelska wrote: »
    Is there a time of day/night that you find inappropriate for running outside?
    Or, maybe, any other situations where you see a runner and go "why on earth is he/she doing this"? :smirk:

    I don't run in the evening. Main reason is my sleep is fairly fragile, and I want to avoid ramping up my core body temperature too late into the evening (which tends to interrupt sleep onset). This is why sleep docs advise against late night exercise and late night hot showers / baths.

    I also like running in the morning because it's just a great way to start my day! :smiley:
  • texasfarmer
    texasfarmer Posts: 502 Member
    I would prefer to run in the morning at first light. I am the freshest then and not worn out from my day and that is the coolest temp wise here in Texas. Unfortunately, I keep my grandson from 5:30 to 5:30, so I am usually one of those crazies running in 90 degree weather in late afternoon. I would NOT run after dark here as it simply is not safe here due to road conditions and terrain.
  • patrikc333
    patrikc333 Posts: 436 Member
    as long as it's safe, you don't run in the middle of the motorway or in the dark, never.

    I was out once at 3 am and was actually impressed about how many commuters were out to catch a bus/train, and the reason was that I had to catch a flight at 6am, so haven't done because I'm crazy, but because it was the only time I could fit in the day something I am committed to do (and wanted to enjoy looooooooots of Italian food afterward :smile: )
  • ishepelska
    ishepelska Posts: 59 Member
    veganbettie wrote: »
    why wouldn't safety be a big issue for runners? I'm confused. I mean, the likely hood that something bad would happen to you is probably pretty low, but bad stuff happens everywhere all the time....you should always use your brain and be safe.

    I meant that I have never thought of it, not that I think it is not an issue.
  • ishepelska
    ishepelska Posts: 59 Member
    patrikc333 wrote: »
    as long as it's safe, you don't run in the middle of the motorway or in the dark, never.

    I was out once at 3 am and was actually impressed about how many commuters were out to catch a bus/train, and the reason was that I had to catch a flight at 6am, so haven't done because I'm crazy, but because it was the only time I could fit in the day something I am committed to do (and wanted to enjoy looooooooots of Italian food afterward :smile: )

    3 am! That's commitment :).
    But you see, you mentioned not "because I'm crazy", so the assumption is that running at 3 am is odd.
  • hekla90
    hekla90 Posts: 595 Member
    I won't run outside if it's dark, which sucks because I would love to run at night as I feel best then. As a small female though I'm just not going to put myself at any extra risk. I live in a nice area but no area is nice enough to quiet my paranoia lol.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    4:10 this morning. some of my clothes are reflective but I think I'll order some lights.
    though as a driver, i do not like blinking lights. i find them distracting.
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    edited September 2015
    Aside from what others have said (light/headlight, reflective clothing, avoid high-crime areas, run against traffic if you can't avoid roads,etc.), I would also suggest being cautious not just about motorists being able to see you, but also about what can see you and you can't see it. Specifically, depending on your area, you may need to be aware of bears, wolves, moose, cougars, etc. Having bear spray works for human or animal predators.

    ETA: Moose obviously wouldn't eat people, but you could inadvertently get too close to a calf or something and get charged by the cow. In that case, taking cover behind a tree works well.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    my fav time is 4 am in the dark and in the winter and in the snow
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    moyer566 wrote: »
    4:10 this morning. some of my clothes are reflective but I think I'll order some lights.
    though as a driver, i do not like blinking lights. i find them distracting.

    Maybe distracting, but you definitely notice them.
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    I love running after the sun goes down. The latest I've run so far is until 1am. Two nights ago I ran in the late evening and took an asphalt trail that went through the woods. It was so dark I couldn't see but 10 feet in front of me. I slowed down and loved every step.

  • ishepelska
    ishepelska Posts: 59 Member
    7lenny7 wrote: »
    I love running after the sun goes down. The latest I've run so far is until 1am. Two nights ago I ran in the late evening and took an asphalt trail that went through the woods. It was so dark I couldn't see but 10 feet in front of me. I slowed down and loved every step.

    I have a short trail in the ravine across from where I live. It is quite busy in early evening - most runners go there - but I would love to run there at night. But.... afraid. Who knows why.
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    Been more than once I couldn't sleep. So I laced em up at 1, 2, 3am and went for a run. Came back cleaned up, and went right to sleep. Also, cold isn't that big a deal once you get going. Sweat freezes to your face and hair, steam coming off your body once you're done.....it's a good time.
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