Training for winter races, in the dark?

everyfrog
everyfrog Posts: 4 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi all,

I'm planning on running (my second!) half marathon in Seattle Dec 1 and then another in Charleston, SC in January. However, I live in Seattle where we pretty much have six hours of light now through March (a wee bit of an exaggeration but I'm not too off).

I need to keep up my runs 2-3 times a week and I'm not crazy about doing it in the dark - any suggestions on how to deal with this? I work in an office where no one blinks an eye when I go out for a run at lunch, even if i leave early and come back in a little late, but there are also days when that's not possible. And it'd be nice to spread out my workouts among the morning and evenings too.

I also cross train with spin classes, boot camps and swimming.

Summer was so so glorious when I could cram in my five-mile runs at 5:30 a.m. and watch the sun rise over the mountains ... * sigh *...

Tiffany

Replies

  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    At least we are back to daylight savings time. Head lamp and reflective vest. :laugh:
  • PinkCoconut
    PinkCoconut Posts: 655 Member
    I've trained for plenty of races during the winter months when I was working outside of my home so I know the feeling!

    It's really not too bad, just make sure YOU can be seen! Make sure your pants, jacket, shoes, hat and gloves all have reflective tape on them if they don't have them built in (you can get reflective tape even at the dollar store). I also got cheap blinker (I think you can also get it at the dollar store) that I attached to the back of my jacket that would flash while I ran.

    I would take the headphones OFF if you normally run with them so you can hear traffic and make sure YOU are vigilant and know what's going on around you.

    Does that help?

    Feel free to friend me if you have more questions!
  • everyfrog
    everyfrog Posts: 4 Member
    Those are good ideas, thanks! I think I'm more afraid of tripping on the pavement than I am about people not seeing me... but it WOULD be fun to decorate a running outfit with reflective tape... that would be kinda hilarious actually.
  • PinkCoconut
    PinkCoconut Posts: 655 Member
    Just make sure to pick up your feet, if your path is well-lit with street lamps you shouldn't have an issue! :) Just keep your wits about you!
  • pixelheap
    pixelheap Posts: 14
    I run in the dark all of the time. Just have to keep your eyes open and keep one earbud out to make sure you hear everything.
  • AwesomeSquirrel
    AwesomeSquirrel Posts: 644 Member
    I run primarily on the dark either early morning around 5am or in the evenings after work. Living in Scotland it gets pretty dark.

    - Head torch on your forehead to see what's going on up ahed. (I've got this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/adjustable-padded-section-comfort-position/dp/B001CCIVHO/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1383680859&sr=1-5&keywords=head+torch it comes cheap and has served me well)
    - Blinking light on your back (you can get cheap clip ons from a variety of retailers including £-stores, I have an orange one form Nathan)
    - Hi-viz top. I prefer to get my windbreakers and softshells in a fluorescent colour form the get go, but if you are not adverse to a wearing a reflective vest those are cheap and easy to come by.

    In terms of treacherous surfaces which I'm guessing might also become an issue, I have special shoes for ice, snow and general slippiness, Icebugs. Awesome stuff. Other manufacturers carry similar, read the reviews. Mine have kept me running in both Scotland and Scandinavia for the years during the winters.

    Personally I don't do treadmill - partly because I don't have a gym membership, a gym located conveniently for 5am workouts or any desire to emulate a hamster but if convenient for you that certainly would be an option. Reasonably priced 24/7 gyms do exist but do check the policy on cardio equipment (eg. max 20 minutes) before you sign up.
  • jsedlacko
    jsedlacko Posts: 1
    I have a headlamp, but don't wear it on my head, I actually wrap the band around my hand and use it as a flashlight and shine it on the pavement in front of me. You can also run in some of the towns in your city...there are usually street lamps and sidewalks in most towns, which make it much easier to navigate. As suggested earlier, make sure that you have reflective wear on...every little bit helps.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Why not do your week day runs on a treadmill and head outside on the weekend? I've run at dusk before, and it was fine, but this winter, I'll be training indoors during the week and heading outside only on weekends.

Categories