Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Night runnin', night runnin'.

With apologies to the Bee Gees* . . .

Night runnin', night runnin'.
We know how to do it.
Gimme that night runnin', night runnin'
We know how to show it.

Since the time change, I've been night runnin'. Running in the pitch dark. I know, I know. It's only been since Sunday but here's the thing: Last year, I avoided dark runs and took refuge in the fluorescent safety of my basement treadmill. This year, I'm toughing it out. Running in the dark. And when it gets colder, I'll run in the cold, too. No wimping out this season!

And so far, so good. There is something almost soothing about running in the dark. There are fewer people out and about, for one thing. No lawn mowers. No dogs. Fewer cars in the neighborhood. When I'm running, there's little to distract me. I hear my breathing and the rhythm of my foot steps.

Sure, the fire hydrants still appear to be serial killers squatting on the side of the road, just waiting for me to get close enough so they can drag me into the woods. And, I'm considering getting a headlamp to avoid mistaking everyday objects for murders. But, overall, my night runs have been peaceful.

So, dark I can handle. Can I handle the cold? That will be the real test. Maybe we'll have a mild winter? In upstate New York? Not likely . . . but a girl can dream!

We'll see how it goes. For now, enjoy a little night runnin', everyone! Night runnin', night runnin' . . .

~ Felice

* For the real thing:


(When will someone bring the medallion-over-white-turtleneck look back?)


29 comments:

Manderz said...

It sure is scary out there @ night! Especially with all the spooky halloween decorations LOL. Keep safe!

Molly said...

the headlamp is a great idea...love the Bee Gee's, I had a lunchbox with them on it back in the day.

Marlene said...

Ahh, night running. At least we can adjust to the dark now before it gets super cold. Be tough!

Pining for Pinterest said...

I have a hard time running at night because it freaks me out! We live where there are a lot of wooded areas and sometimes there are coyotes so I wait until I can see everything :-)

Jon (was) in Michigan said...

I'm really hoping for a mild one this winter. We had such a lame summer, we deserve a decent winter.

And the headlamp is so worth it. $10 at MallMart.

Jen Feeny said...

Today I ran my first morning run that it WAS light out... and it felt weird. I felt EXPOSED. LOL! :)
Good job sticking to the plan and not wussing out this training season! Get your run on!

Jen Feeny said...

Today I ran my first morning run that it WAS light out... and it felt weird. I felt EXPOSED. LOL! :)
Good job sticking to the plan and not wussing out this training season! Get your run on!

Jen Feeny said...

Today I ran my first morning run that it WAS light out... and it felt weird. I felt EXPOSED. LOL! :)
Good job sticking to the plan and not wussing out this training season! Get your run on!

Jen Feeny said...

Today I ran my first morning run that it WAS light out... and it felt weird. I felt EXPOSED. LOL! :)
Good job sticking to the plan and not wussing out this training season! Get your run on!

Jen Feeny said...

Today I ran my first morning run that it WAS light out... and it felt weird. I felt EXPOSED. LOL! :)
Good job sticking to the plan and not wussing out this training season! Get your run on!

Quix said...

Living in Austin, I just finally was able to start running outside again about a month ago, heh. It's perfect in the morning AND it's light. However, I have done some night runs (complete with my reflectors and my blinky red light). The only problem is I have to make sure to wear my contacts - during the day I'm ok with my prescription sunglasses, but for some reason I can't run with my real glasses, and I'm about 20/200 so I can't run without them. You are night running, I was... wearing my sunglasses at night...

Abby said...

A few weeks ago, my friend and I met up for a 10 PM run, because it was the only time we could fit it in. I loved it! There was something kind of novel about running around in the dark. I suppose it might get old after awhile, but for now, enjoy it :)

Lauren @ mostly i run said...

Be careful out there!

We always get stuck running loops around a community college since it's one of the few safe, well-lit places to go. At least it's a big enough campus; we can get 3-5 miles without too much repetition.

I've heard it predicted that Maryland will have a harsh winter. I have already bought more fleece, jackets and hats. I hate being cold!

Jason said...

Yeah, running in the dark can be neat. I agree with you about the soothing thing. The cold? Not so neat.

Jenn said...

I'm from Minnesota. Definitely going to be runnin' in the dark and the cold! Good luck!

Denise said...

The cold doesn't bother me but I get nervous running in the dark. I run after work and now I'm thinking I might have to change up my routine. There are too many crazies out there driving at rush hour!

Kenley said...

I really enjoyed your post. Such descriptive writing. Your writing suggests that you view movies like Saw. lol. On a serious note, glad you are getting use to the darkness. Keep Running, and Blogging about it!

Diana said...

I get jumpy at night too. Way to scary (or should I say too many scary movies as a kid)!
Great job in pushing through. I'm sure you'll love it eventually.

Katie A. said...

I am actually excited too! I am going for my first night/dark run! I always have whiimped out and hit the dreadmill, even in the mornings! If you can keep it up, I can, too!
P.S. I bought a headlamp at lunch, so excited to try it tonight!

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

Scary fire hydrants?! I think you really need a head lamp or a little flashlight, at least!

Oz Runner said...

seems like all the runs are in the dark this time of year for me...i'm with you, though, i kind of like it...my only concern is stepping in a hole or on a big rock or something because it's dark...i'm also with you on hoping it's a mild winter...hey we can dream right?

Unknown said...

I love running at night; it's so cool and quiet!

J said...

Get the headlamp! They are so cool! Lol plus it saves energy because you dont get freaked out as much by the shadows and stuff.

I am sure you can handle the cold! This will be my first outdoor running winter. Should be fun - lets hope we have a mild winter!

X-Country2 said...

Hopefully you have some reflective gear. Stay safe!

Unknown said...

Stay safe running in teh dark!

RunToTheFinish said...

once i adjusted to the cold I started to really love it

Kasey said...

if it wasn't for my running buddies there is no way I would run in the dark! that's what you need- some running friends and a head lamp! yay for you for stinking with it!

Aron said...

ekkk i hate the night dark running! there is something so different about the morning, even if its dark. less people and cars?

Lindsay said...

i'm with aron - if i gotta run in the dark i'd rather it be in the morning! one of my running friends prefers at night though - she said cause then there's actually people around to yell for help if you need it.... not so comforting either!

i wish we could get cooler temps and keep the longer daylight hours... i definitely get jumpy at everything in the dark!

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