Safe running in the dark

I have to run in the country with no street lights. Not the safest, but I just try to be very aware of my surroundings and I am always thinking about in which direction I would run if someone comes after me. ha ha . I always take my phone with me, but I like the idea of a pocket knife!!

I, too, have recently started the C25k program. While my neighborhood itself is pretty safe, the city that I live in is not one that I am willing to test for safety. (It doesn't help that hardly anyone keeps street lights/house lights on.)

I've found that if it's dark outside, I go to the gym to do my running on a treadmill. I'm not sure if this is an option for you, but this is just what I do to feel safe.

Also, while we're on this thread -- does anyone have any recommendations for a self-defense class/book/video/tool?

Personal preference would be to stay away from the trails. I run at 5:00am so it is dark. I run my neighborhood. And my husband always knows my route. Also keep my GPS turned on for my phone, just in case.

In my opinion, the neighborhood thing is the safest route. That way if someone does come after you, you've got a bunch of neighbors there to help and you're closer to home. On the trails, the closest thing you've got to you is your car...
you ever heard of how Bundy got a hold of some of his victims? Yeah...

And hey, we're all a little paranoid - no worries! :drinker:

Recommend avoid the trails. I am starting to think trails can be a bad idea for solo runners in general, no matter the time of day. But depending on where you live it's possible something larger (and non-human) could be hanging around, and dawn/dusk are bad times for these. After stumbling on a few rattlesnakes while I was a few miles out from civilization I decided I wouldn't go so far off alone by myself on a trail anymore.

Do you work somewhere where you can change? Or have a gym membership where you can shower during the day? I am lucky in that my gym at work has showers, so during the winter when I don't have enough daylight (a couple weeks away now with the time change) I'll run during the day at work on my lunch. I also know quite a few men and women though who don't actually shower after working out at lunch so maybe you could get away with that too, I sweat too much

This is usually my MO for running when it's dark (and now that it's dark till 7am and gets dark at 6 I have no choice):

1. Wear reflective clothing and headlamp.
2. I make sure that someone knows my route and where I'll be
3. I use a endomondo app so it maps my run
4. I carry a personal alarm and pepperspray
5. I try to be aware of my surroundings and don't make my times/routes too predictable.
6. I try and not use headphones but sometimes music is the only thing that gets me through, so I'm guilty of this.
7. I've taken self defense (krav magna) although the first thing you learn is that you can be overpowered if you aren't aware of your surroundings, so me being guilty of #6 negates this training to a point.
8. Take a dog with you if you have one.

I am not a runner but I briskly walk my dog every morning at 6 am. It is pitch black for almost half the year at that hour so I am well versed in exercising in the dark! I also live in a woodsy suburb with no street lights and no sidewalks.

1. I always wear a reflective coat (or vest). Mine is yellow with reflective piping that glow when car lights hit it. If you wear all dark colors you may as well be invisible to cars. Even if you wear light colors, have one piece of reflective clothing. As someone mentioned above, there is one winner in a car vs. pedestrian accident and it isn't you.

2. I always used a headlamp (I am also a hiker so I have that kind of gear, specifically I use a Black Diamond Spot Headlamp) either on my head or held in my hand like a flashlight. I have since got a new retractable leash for my dog that has an LED front facing light and a blinking red one in the back so I am now even more noticeable. Obviously you won't have that option if you don't have a dog!

3. My husband knows the routine when I leave and when I am due back so he would be quickly aware if something happened (injury or foul play).

4. NEVER wear headphones for car safety and attacker safety- be aware of your surroundings. The good news is not many people- cars or otherwise- are on the road that early in the morning.

I have been doing this for about 5 years and have gotten quite used to walking in the dark. I feel as prepared as I can be and honestly, my biggest concern is running into a large wild animal, like a bear, LOL.

I am out in the country (meaning no street lights at all). It's pitch black down the road and for a country road, it seems to have lots of trucks and cars driving by way too fast. I usually run after work - which is quickly approaching twilight hours. I've opted for lighter colored clothes and have a velco arm band that has reflective material as well as some LEDs in the band. It flashes while I run to alert drivers. I've also seen pedometers with flashlights and sirens built into them. I also run with my phone (it has my c25k app) so I'm always gps tracked and have the ability to call for help if needed.

I am in the dark now a lot (in Oregon), if it's dark (because I am usually out at 9:00 pm) I drive to the High School track there are always people there and I feel safe. If it's dark in the morning when I leave the house I, like you tend to stay on the sidewalks in my neighborhood as I know them well.

i run with my mom and/or our dog. i think someone that has other people around is a good idea and mixing up the routine cant hurt.

I just bought a Road ID bracelet (http://www.roadid.com) because if something DID happen while I was out running, at least helping hands will know who I am and who to contact (and that I have no known allergies!). I like that it is also reflective. One more piece of brightness on the road will never hurt.

I would definitely go for your Option 1) if running alone so that you can knock on a door or turn into someone's front door way as if you are returning home if you feel you are being followed.

I would definitely leave the pocket knife at home because 1) if you are being attacked you will forget you have it or have to be prepared to use it or 2) you will try to use it and have it used on you by the attacker. Better option is to carry an attack alarm which in the early hours of the morning would bring someone's attention.

Better still, Option 3) get someone else to run with you and go running in 1) or 2).

It's not just women who are vulnerable when out alone. Men are just as open to attack.

Pocket knife will do nothing for you. Just saying.

Due to my schedule the only time I am able to walk is late at night by the time I am done everything else that has to be done once the kids are in bed. We live in a pretty small town but full of university students so our route is the main road for the night walks, my boyfriend knows the route and the time it takes me to walk it. If I am more than 10 minutes late without calling he will try calling and with no answer he comes out looking. I am guilty of using my headphones as well because I need motivation at that time at night to get out and do something. I also take at least 2 of our dogs with me while walking and most people tend to keep their distance, it also makes me fell less nervous about the headphones as they don't let anyone sneak up on us.