This morning, after finishing up a shorter run, I realized that I suck at running in the dark. It’s not that I’m scared to run in the dark (although I used to be) or that I run slower (I actually run faster) it’s just that I am totally unprepared for anything that could happen.
Take today for instance. It was chilly when I woke up so I put on my running tights (black no reflector stripes), a long sleeved tech shirt (also black with dark purple panels), and my running shoes (blue, red, and black with no reflector stripes). With me I took my watch, my keys, and my iPod. I didn’t have any identification or my iPhone with me and Ian was fast asleep at home with no knowledge of what route I’d run.
Now I am usually totally fine and nothing strange happens to me but I’m not sure it’s worth taking that chance anymore… weird and scary things have been known to happen to runners. Plus, when I’m running in the morning most stores and businesses are not open, if I’m uncomfortable or feeling nervous there is really no where for me to go.
Here are some basic things that can be done to improve the safety of your early morning/evening run?
- Try to run in well-lit areas as much as possible. In Chicago, most parts of the Lake Shore path are pretty well-lit. If you’re running on streets make sure to run against traffic.
- Be visible- this means wear a reflector vest/headlamp at all times. Also wear brightly colored clothes.
- Always carry identification and a cellphone.
- Vary your routes and/or run with a buddy.
- Listen to your instincts, if it doesn’t feel safe to run in a certain area don’t run there.
In terms of how I plan to make my morning runs safer, I’m going to finally purchase a Road ID so that I always have identification and emergency contact information with me whenever I’m running or cycling. Also, I think my mom might also have an old reflector vest that I can steal. I like to run early even during the winter and given that my running jacket is black, having a neon vest might be a good idea.
Do you run in the dark? How do you make sure you feel safe?
This week has been mentally exhausting. I’m not more tired than usual but feel wiped out by the end of the day. What gives? Hopefully the weekend will reinvigorate me!
Given that by my mind has felt like mush, I haven’t wanted to cook much of late; however, I’ve still managed to pull together some pretty tasty AND easy-to-make meals! Food success!
On Wednesday I wanted something carby and toasted some gf waffles and topped them with almond butter, banana slices, strawberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It only took about 5 minutes to throw together and tasted awesome!
I also made Emily’s Black Bean Quinoa. I didn’t have enough mushrooms left so I used the ones that I did have and then added a bunch of dino kale. It was so good with a drizzle of hot sauce!
After my midweek long run on Thursday I tried something a little different, an avocado smoothie. I blended 1/2 an avocado with less than a quarter of a banana, 1/2 scoop protein powder, almond milk, and a drizzle of honey. You could just barely taste the avocado and it was super creamy. Along with a brown rice cake with almond butter and banana slices, the smoothie held me over for a looong time.
This morning all I wanted was a bowl of oats. I cooked 1/2 cup oats with 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tsp chia seeds, 1/2 packet Amazing Grass Chai powder, 1/2 banana, some blueberries, and frozen strawberries. Topped with peanut butter this was a delicious breakfast.
Luckily, lunches have consisted of leftovers and fruit. I love when packing a lunch is so easy!
What are your favorite quick and tasty meals?
Running in the dark can be so exciting, but you do have to take those extra precautions, like you said! I wore a vest and ligh this morning, as well as shorts with a reflective stripe and a brightly colored top. I also had a Road ID on, and my phone with me. I failed to send my husband a Glympse (from the ap) so he could track me… I need to make sure I do that every time I run by myself!
kilax recently posted..Friday Question #207 [2]
I’d never heard of Glympse but I looked it up and just downloaded it. What a great app to use while running- thanks for telling me about it!
You know I love you when I read your entire post despite the lack of pictures-you know I can’t read posts unless there are pics but I READ EVERY SINGLE WORD!
yes please be careful in the dark-this was a great reminder post. I don’t need anything happening to you, Dumbledore’s Army wouldn’t quite work with just 2 people.
I’m intrigued by that smoothie and am going to steal that idea.
kelsey recently posted..FRIDAY!
It was really good for recovery with a lot of fat and protein. Plus it tastes good!
I thought about you when I was writing my post this morning, “kelsey’s not going to like all these words…”
This post was very helpful! I’m moving to Chicago soon and I’ve been worried about running, since I always run early in the morning when it’s still dark. I hadn’t heard of the Road ID, that’s a great idea!
I can’t say I’ve ever felt unsafe in Chicago in the morning. I’ve definitely had moments where I felt uneasy or a little nervous but generally I’m comfortable. That being said it only takes one time to have something bad happen…
i get so freaked out when i’m running in the dark! just another excuse for me to stick to the old standby and run inside. i get especially nervous now that i live alone because there’s no one there to notice if i don’t come home for a while. my favorite quick and tasty meals are pretty much all breakfast foods – whipping up omelets or egg sandwiches. or i just make turkey paninis, which have been a quick and tasty favorite of late. pretty much all my meals have been quick now that i’m thinking about it. i need to get my cooking but in gear!
molly @ heart, sole & cereal recently posted..an egg-cellent day
I’d be more concerned about it if I lived alone! When I was in college sometimes I’d be the only person in our college house during the summer and then I’d call or text my mom before leaving and when I got back so that someone would know if I didn’t make it home for whatever reason.
I get very scared running at night but this post is very helpful! I have a road id and I wear it all the time when I run. Just be very careful though because there is a man in his late 50′s early 60′s who has been punching, grabbing, and pushing male and female runners on the path from navy pier to the museum campus. My favorite quick and tasty meals are 1/2 cup of black beans, 1 tablespoon of hummus, and cucumbers for dinner. Quick easy and simple!
Christina recently posted..GIRAFFES!
Thanks for the heads up!
I never, ever run in the dark (well, with the exception of that awful 5K last Saturday haha) and unless I find several running buddies, I don’t think any amount of precaution would make me feel comfortable enough to go out when the sun’s not up. I always take my phone with me and wear my Road ID, though, regardless of how bright/dark it is. I’d love to believe that I’m perfectly safe on all my runs, but you never know what could happen (either as a result of someone else doing something or as a result of your body giving out on you), and I’d much rather be overprepared than underprepared for something like that.
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted..Thursday Things
I totally agree with you! How is your foot doing?
Just saw this, but it’s doing SOOO much better. I’m going to test it out on a short and easy run this afternoon. Thanks for asking!
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted..Thursday Things
I rarely run by myself in the dark since I figure there is safety in numbers! But I always wear reflective arm and ankle bands even when I run with a group at night/early morning and I’ll start adding my headlamp shortly. I also have a Road ID (I actually have two. One for running and one for biking). And I take my phone if I’m running alone.
Erin recently posted..Posture Perfect Pilates
Where can you buy reflective arm/ankle bands? That sounds like a nice alternative/compliment to a vest!
I HIGHLY recommend wearing reflective gear when running in the dark. I’ve driven super early and it’s impossible to see people until you are really close. Unless the driver is someone like me who thinks about runners being out there, they probably aren’t paying attention. I have a neon green top that I tend to toss on top if it’s dark when I’m heading out, although since I plan to run more this winter than
I did last year I’m definitely going to look into a reflective vest as well. Haha I’d rather look like a freak than get hit by a car!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted..Blog Love
My thoughts exactly! Better safe than sorry!
Good advice! I’ve avoided running in the dark for a long long time already, but with the shortening days it’s basically inevitable. I’m really paranoid and am actually very nervous/afraid to run by my lonesome at night! I guess I’ll have to figure something out…
I definitely recommend buying the Road ID! I own one and feel more at ease when running with it.
Irina @ Chocolatea Time recently posted..2012 I Run Chicago 8K Race
I may start running right after work once winter hits. I think it’ll probably be the warmest then and hopefully it will still be light out!
I run in the dark all the time. I like it. Hardcore, ya know? But I am stupid, stupid, stupid. The fleece I where is black, gloves are black, tights are black. Oh, Emily, you are so stupid. No reflective gear, no ID, no roommate. I DO always run with my phone. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I have this really good light-up velcro wrist band thing but it needs a new battery.
Emily recently posted..Job update
At least you bring your phone and that velcro wrist thingy sounds cool, do you remember where you got it?