Jogging at night

I am going to try and actually jog tonight later on at around 2 am, which I know sounds stupid but im much more comfortable running when its cooler darker and there is less people, and i find my hay fever isn't as bad at night.also I have trouble sleeping at a correct time and think this could be something positive I can get out of my insomnia nights. I have a few questions if anyone could answer would be cool thanks in advance

he route im going to take is just under a mile, is there a certain time I should be aiming for like under 15 minutes

can you share any tops on improving time

and I will post on here again about how it went for me and my experience if anyone is interested

Replies

  • bjdw2
    bjdw2 Posts: 47
    Look out for scumbags. Not many witnesses around at the time of the morning. Keep safe. Take your phone.
  • will do thanks :) , the route im taking is basically a lap around my area and I hope to just make the lap bigger as my stamina increases
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Your running speed is your running speed. Assuming you're fairly new to running focus more on stamina than speed at this point, run at a comfortable pace (ie one at which you can speak in complete sentences), your breathing should be deep and relaxed - if you find yourself gasping for air you're going too fast.

    As your aerobic capacity and fitness improve your speed will also improve. If you're considering racing (even just for fun) at some point in the future you may want incorporate some speed work into your weekly workouts.

    Be consistent (try to run 3 or 4 times per week), mix up speed & distance a bit (one of your runs should - if possible - be longer and slower, this is the one that builds endurance) and increase your distances gradually. Most running injuries are a result of too much, too soon , too fast. You've got a lifetime of running ahead of you, enjoy the journey!
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    will do thanks :) , the route im taking is basically a lap around my area and I hope to just make the lap bigger as my stamina increases

    If you want to improve times, then time yourself and aim to shave a bit off each time you do it.

    As you get further into running, you'll want to split your running out a bit so that you do a longer run one day, a variable-speed type run another day (like intervals/sprints/fartlek training) and a recovery/easy run. Say M-W-F. You'll build speed and stamina with this type of routine without killing yourself and you'll be getting adequate recovery. Just make sure you eat to support the routine and get plenty of sleep!

    You might find you want to go running earlier so you get a good nights sleep once you start getting some pace and doing it more regularly. Also, it takes time to get some speed and put some miles into the legs, just keep showing up and putting in the work and you'll get there eventually.....
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Don't worry about speed. Just run at a pace that you can sustain for 15 to 30 minutes. It should be a conversational pace. I know it will be hard to find someone to talk to at 2AM, so you might have to wing it. Talking to yourself is okay too.

    Have fun.
  • PatsyFitzpatrick
    PatsyFitzpatrick Posts: 335 Member
    Sean,

    I love running at night. Back in the day of shift work I would run when I got off between midnight and ???. I agree with Carson have fun. Since you are running in your neighborhood. Share with some of the neighbors you will be out running after midnight. Know the neighbors with dogs. If they are hostile to runners ,be prepared with pepper spray or a air soft gun. ( for the dogs) Be also prepared for law-enforcement or homeowners patrolling. Get to know them if you can before you run a neighborhood. Check out running clubs most are free. And see if there is a place to run in a safer area than late night in a neighborhood. Near recreation centers often there are long side walks outside the neighborhood but close by. Or 24hr Walmarts run the perimeter close enough to be heard if you need to be heard. Also restrooms and security in the area. Lots of folks run at night try to meet up with some so you are not alone.
    I still run at night July-Sept. It is hot in Florida and rain interrupts many day runs.

    www.jeffgalloway.com has free training online from just getting started to marathons and Ultra marathons.

    Enjoy
    Patsy