Running at night, /jogging...

Aplaxton
Aplaxton Posts: 19
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey There,
Does anyone do their runs at night, if so, if not, why and how come?
Im contemplating getting a treadmill for at home because I dont wanna run outside and or at the gym
Thanks!


DOES ANYONE think about what others see when you run? Do you slow down when you pass another person or a vehichle?

Replies

  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    I prefer running outside because I have balance issues on the treadmill, not to mention the treadmill can be boring.

    Be careful when running outside at night, though. Make sure you carry some kind of defense with you and wear bright clothing.
  • halejr23
    halejr23 Posts: 294
    Run in higher traffic areas that are well lit.

    I cannot run inside as I get bored after 10 minutes. Running outside is a much better workout and NOT boring. Plus, who doesn't like fresh air???
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    Oh heck no.

    It's either track or outside.

    I can't do the dread mill.

    I'd rather run in rain/snow.
  • Im_NotPerfect
    Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
    I used to run in the early morning (5 AM) until around early November. I hated running in the dark. Just didn't feel safe and didn't enjoy it or look forward to it. So I switched it to evenings. And even though it's still dark, there are more people out and about, christmas lights, etc. But now that christmas light season is over, I only go out on the weekend when it's light. I just don't enjoy being out in the dark.....
  • jenndymond
    jenndymond Posts: 117 Member
    I run outside, at night and usually alone. I know. Not the safest. But I wear Hi-vis clothing, and stick to high traffic and well lit areas.
  • OkieTink
    OkieTink Posts: 285 Member
    I used to run outdoors, but since I no longer race (I just run for exercise) I do it on a treadmill. I lift in the morning, run in the evenings. It works for me.
  • sassy_sadie
    sassy_sadie Posts: 36 Member
    I run outside at night. Well, not this week, since it's -30 and that's way beyond my comfort zone. But in normal conditions, yes. I stick to busy(ish) streets. There are a lot of evening runners in my town so I'm never alone.
  • SatchGallamax
    SatchGallamax Posts: 549 Member
    I really can't stand treadmills, so I run outside, and usually after 9pm. Most of my route is lit, some of it has sidewalks, and this time of year I'm battling icy spots, but none of that seems to bother me. I take my dog, throw on some flashy lights, and really enjoy the cold air.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    I run outside.....pretty much the only thing that keeps me in are temps below -10F, ice, and driving rain. I also run in the dark a lot. I just wear a lot of high vis stuff, bright colors, a flashing light armband, and I run in areas that I know are safe/I feel comfortable in. For example, I live in a small town, so I don't mind being by myself at night. But, if I run in a nearby larger town, I run with a friend. It wouldn't be safe to run alone.
  • lacurandera1
    lacurandera1 Posts: 8,083 Member
    I run at night almost always because my schedule doesn't allow me to do it in daylight. I kind of prefer night running, it's a little more peaceful and doesn't smell as bad (fast food stench, car exhaust). I have a well lit route and I wear hi vis clothing. I thought about carrying a knife once but I'm pretty sure I would just stab myself. LOL.

    I figure...I'm running. I could probably run away from anyone who tried to screw with me. And if they were faster than me, I bet I have better stamina. As in, they'll be tired of struggling before they have me beat. I think someone would have to have a gun or a knife to best me. In which case, I'd be screwed, anyways.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I run in the dark a lot. If I run on the road I wear lights front and back so I don't get hit by a car.
  • ryblueeyes
    ryblueeyes Posts: 257 Member
    I usually run outside, in the evenings. If I run too late, I have trouble getting to sleep at a decent time. If you prefer runing at night then go for it! It's a great way to work off the stress of the day.
  • DontThinkJustRun
    DontThinkJustRun Posts: 248 Member
    I run in the early morning in the dark, almost exclusively. Have never had an issue other than getting scared of shadows. I generally run on the side walk or in the bike lane and usually against traffic. I wear a head lamp also, although not as often as I should.

    Unless you live somewhere with no sidewalks, in the ghetto, or are insanely accident prone, I don't see an issue with running in the dark.
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    I do the majority of my running in the dark...because that's when I have time to do it. Especially this time of year. If I'm on pavement I wear a reflector vest. If I'm on a trail I wear a headlamp. The only time I feel even the least bit concerned is if it's cold enough that if I had to stop for an injury that I would be in trouble. When that's the case I "loop" my course around the house as opposed to an out and back.
  • BrotherBill913
    BrotherBill913 Posts: 662 Member
    I'm not a runner< I bike a lot at night though. Schedule thing. And I have lots of lights, plus my reffelctive jacket. My son once saw me and did'nt know it was me. He later told me he would'nt of hit me cause he was scared the glowing nuclear stuff would get on his car!!! lol........
  • lacurandera1
    lacurandera1 Posts: 8,083 Member
    I just re-read your OP and saw that no one actually answered your question about slowing down. The only time I slow down is when there's a crosswalk and I'm unsure how the vehicle approaching is going to behave. As for approaching people, I stand up straighter and quicken my pace just in case they thought they were gonna abduct me or something so i look like too much of a bas@ss to do that to. LOL. retarded, but yes, i really do that. I like to think of it as the peacock defense.
  • Aplaxton
    Aplaxton Posts: 19
    I just re-read your OP and saw that no one actually answered your question about slowing down. The only time I slow down is when there's a crosswalk and I'm unsure how the vehicle approaching is going to behave. As for approaching people, I stand up straighter and quicken my pace just in case they thought they were gonna abduct me or something so i look like too much of a bas@ss to do that to. LOL. retarded, but yes, i really do that. I like to think of it as the peacock defense.

    I just feel so out of place even walking out my door to go for a jog/run. How did you start? how did you all start?
  • czmmom
    czmmom Posts: 236 Member
    I prefer running outside, but I like to run during the daytime. My neighborhood is really dark and there are narrow roads where neighbors drive too fast on. I don't feel comfortable running in the dark.

    I do slow down to pass people - just enough to make sure I can pass safely.

    I was never worried about how I looked while running. My whole neighborhood is really active so we all just look silly together I guess. :laugh:
    I have never been one to worry about what other people think. I love the benefits of running too much to not run. I started with a c25k app. I started on the treadmill, but quickly moved it to outside.
  • jallenjax
    jallenjax Posts: 23 Member
    Running on concrete or asphalt kills my legs. I stick to the treadmill.
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    I work graveyard 11pm-7am including weekends. It's rarely busy on the weekends so I'll go outside and jog a couple of miles. I work at a Naval base so little traffic, no crazies I need to worry about other than the occasional drunk sailor stumbling about, plus there's a track that I use and a 8 story garage building with stairs that I tackle as well.
  • stubbysticks
    stubbysticks Posts: 1,275 Member
    I just re-read your OP and saw that no one actually answered your question about slowing down. The only time I slow down is when there's a crosswalk and I'm unsure how the vehicle approaching is going to behave. As for approaching people, I stand up straighter and quicken my pace just in case they thought they were gonna abduct me or something so i look like too much of a bas@ss to do that to. LOL. retarded, but yes, i really do that. I like to think of it as the peacock defense.

    I just feel so out of place even walking out my door to go for a jog/run. How did you start? how did you all start?
    First, I don't run a whole lot in the dark because A) I have a gym membership so there's an alternative & B) safety, though I've done it. A girlfriend of mine got me a really cool wrist light for Xmas that I use when I do: http://www.keepdoggiesafe.com/lighted-slaplight-niteize.html but if I get to a point where I do more night-time running I'd probably invest in a headlamp. I've also seen folks wear reflective vests like utility workers wear, which is a great idea.

    By "out of place" I suspect you mean that you feel self-conscious about how you look when you run, is that correct? You wouldn't be alone. I haven't met one person who didn't feel the same way when they first started. So I challenge you to evaluate what YOU think when you see other people run. Do you judge them? Do you criticize their form or appearance in some way?

    Once upon a time 2 1/2 years ago, I walked into the gym I had been a member of for about a month & saw a woman running on the treadmill. I would guess she weighed upwards of 250 lbs & she was huffing & puffing along at a slow, lumbering jog. All I could think when I saw her was that she was AMAZING. And if she could do it, maybe I could too! The very next day, the gym happened to be kind of empty so I hauled my 300+ lbs *kitten* onto a treadmill & thought, what the hell, I'll give it a go. I jogged for 30 whole seconds & didn't die! Holy shyt! So I walked for 5 min to recover & jogged again for 30 seconds. Kept that up for over 30 minutes. I didn't go far & I didn't go fast, but something changed in the way I viewed myself & what I might be capable of if I let go of how I think others will perceive me.

    Each week I jogged just a little bit longer, & after a few months was brave enough to run my first 5k, which I did straight through, no walking. I kept on running, trying to get a little better all the time, & fell in love with it. In October I ran my first half marathon.

    If you want to be a runner, YOU CAN!!!
  • stubbysticks
    stubbysticks Posts: 1,275 Member
    Do you slow down when you pass another person or a vehichle?
    As someone else said, I slow down enough to pass people safely, though I'm pretty slow so I don't have the opportunity to pass people often, lol. As far as vehicles, I definitely either stop or slow down as needed to make sure they have seen me & I can get by them safely. Even if I'm shooting for a particular pace on a given day, nothing is worth compromising my safety. If I get run over, then all that race registration money is down the drain & I don't get my medal!! :laugh:
  • crunchy_runner
    crunchy_runner Posts: 23 Member
    Running in the dark isn't my first choice but I don't have a gym membership or a treadmill and running outside early in the morning or in the evening in the dark is my only option. I don't like it because I'm freaked out about being attacked and I swear everything looks like a bear or bad guy but it does make me feel better to be well lit (reflective gear and light). I also carry some runner's mace with me. I only run on the sidewalk though so I'm not too worried about cars hitting me. I do make sure I'm only running in areas where there are street lights so I'm visible.
  • greypilgrimess
    greypilgrimess Posts: 353 Member
    When I first started running I would only run in the dark because I didn't want many people to see me. It didn't take long to get over there... you realise that other people don't care, and there's no reason you should, going out running is a good thing you're doing. I much prefer it to the treadmill anyway.

    I always wear a high viz/reflector jacket and I stick to main roads with lots of lights if I'm running by myself.

    I only slow down if I'm about to cross a road, or if I need to pop on the road to pass a person on the path. I'm actually more likely to go faster if I see a person, because I want them to think I'm fit and fast, heh. I know I shouldn't care what strangers think but it's who I am.
  • Katy_V
    Katy_V Posts: 43 Member
    I didn't go far & I didn't go fast, but something changed in the way I viewed myself & what I might be capable of if I let go of how I think others will perceive me.

    Each week I jogged just a little bit longer, & after a few months was brave enough to run my first 5k, which I did straight through, no walking. I kept on running, trying to get a little better all the time, & fell in love with it. In October I ran my first half marathon.

    If you want to be a runner, YOU CAN!!!

    ^^ This! Inspiring, thanks :smile:

    OP, I started running to aid my lung health a few years ago. I was petrified of other people seeing me (and hearing me) puff and wheeze until a friend pointed out to me that everyone in the gym or on the road is there to do their OWN thing, and you're there to do yours. Sounds silly but I felt like I wasn't being "watched" so stuck at it, dropped 20lbs, felt amazing, started running outside, and quit the treadmill forever.

    Back to the original question, it's not safe to run where I live after dark and I work 7-7, so on winter evenings I do laps of the football pitch until the players go home. I do have a high viz vest too if I'm out of the city for some reason.
  • nexangelus
    nexangelus Posts: 2,080 Member
    I prefer running at night. I also take a head torch out now for dark spots. Stops me from slowing down too much.
  • rabt6f
    rabt6f Posts: 37 Member
    I love running outside the best, but I don't like running at night. I'm always concerned about safety and that's why I don't run at night (at least dark I mean). During the winter I run inside on my treadmill. It's kind of boring so I add in more DVD's also. In the spring and Summer, I'm outside as much as possible!

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