Running at night – why is it worth it and how to prepare for it?

Looking out of your apartment window late at night, you may probably occasionally notice joggers doing a workout. Especially in cities, a lot of people choose to do their training late at night. Coming back from work, they still have to take care of household chores, and only in the evening do they have time for themselves. 

What’s more, that’s when there are far fewer people, silence, quiet, and the absence of the often annoying sun. This is why runners opt for late-night workouts. Evening versus morning running is completely different. The thing with running regardless of the season is that you either like it or you don’t. It all depends on personal preference and our body. 

Some people believe that running after dark is simply dangerous. However, in autumn and winter, both the morning and afternoon are already dark. If you want to learn why you should run in the evening and how to prepare for it, keep reading!

Running at night – why is it worth trying?

Probably many people are not convinced to run at such a late hour. However, maybe the few advantages of running that I’m about to present will convince you to try this sport after dark. Here are a few of them:

• the most popular trails will be empty – you don’t like crowds, and want to run along popular trails? That won’t be a problem at night. At this time, most people are already resting after a long day or getting ready for bed. You – running at a late hour – can count on empty trails and more space for yourself. 
• you’ll find it easier to relax – you no longer have a day full of responsibilities ahead of you. Now you can just relax and think that a bath, your favorite TV series, and a bed await you when you return. What’s more, you will also shed all the stress that has accumulated during the day. This will have a good effect on your sleep. 
• you will feel more confident – you don’t have to worry if someone is looking at you. You will be able to focus only on running. 
• summer and better temperature – during hot summer days, the temperature will finally drop after sunset and you will be able to run freely and comfortably. The sun will no longer bother you. 
• your body will be ready for the effort – your muscles are warmed up after a long day and therefore you can sometimes run even better in the evening than in the morning.

Remember, however, that such night workouts must not be very demanding. It is better to do a light jog or a shorter workout. All this is because due to the intense training and stimulation of your body, you may have trouble falling asleep. A sleepless night will not be good for your body. 

What should your training be and what should you do to get a good night’s sleep? 

• even if you love to run late at night, try to go for a workout earlier. Preferably a few hours before you go to bed to calm your body. 
• don’t train very intensely. Opt for a shorter and lighter workout than in the morning or afternoon. 
• after your workout, do your best to calm your body. You can take a shower, watch your favorite TV series, do yoga or meditate. These techniques are good, but may not work. 

Therefore, be careful when you run at night. Not only do you need to be alert and watch out for all the dangers, but you also need to make your training so that you fall asleep at night.

Night run – how to prepare for it?

Plan a safe route

It can be dangerous at night. Therefore, you should only choose running paths that you know have good light. Always run where you know you will have access to light from road lamps. Moreover, try not to run on the side of the road. Although you will probably have reflective clothing on, an oncoming car may not see you and tragedy may happen. 

Choose routes that even in the evening are frequented by walkers and night runners. This will keep you safe and in case of emergency, you will have someone to ask for help. 

Choose routes that you have run many times before. This will ensure that obstacles that come your way will not be a problem. Avoid routes that do not have a straight surface – it is much easier to get injured (hills, branches, holes).

Take a running buddy with you

Some people are afraid to run in the evening. Even if you choose popular routes there may not be a living soul there. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a friend with you on an evening run who is also fascinated by this physical activity. Running together will certainly be safer and more enjoyable. It’s always nice to have someone familiar next to you when it’s dark and there’s no one around. 

Find a partner. Especially if you are a woman. You never know what kind of dangerous situation you will encounter. I’m not talking about a dog, but another human being. At night, suspicious people like to get active and are just waiting for such an opportunity. You certainly don’t want to run away at the speed of light from such an attacker. 

Go for a run with another person at night. You will feel much safer.

Be prepared for night run – be visible 

Good visibility, especially at night, is essential. You should be visible not only on the road where cars are driving but also on the jogging streets. Other runners are running there, too, who should be able to see you well. 

Therefore, you should equip yourself with the right clothes and gadgets that will allow you to be more visible on the road when running at night. 

What should be in the equipment of every runner who wants to start running at night? Check it out! 

Running outfits 

For running at night, you should choose sports clothes in bright colors. This will make you more visible after dark. Moreover, choose models that have more than one fluorescence. This is what makes you safer – especially when you are running on the side of the road and cars are coming from the opposite direction.

Reflection 

Not every sports outfit has additional reflections. This is because they are usually designed for running when it’s still bright and the sun is shining. Therefore, try to choose clothes that have reflective elements sewn into them. If they don’t have them, and you don’t want to spend money on a night outfit buy special reflective armbands. You can put them around your arms, forearms, and on your legs. This will make you safer. 

The most important places for reflectors are – torso, arms, legs, and shoes. Never too many of them 😉

Headlamp 

You run at night in the countryside therefore it will be useful. In the city, it is not so necessary, because all the paths for runners have route lamps. 

It is a gadget that you put on your head. It is very useful because you will always have a light where you look. The most important thing is that the product is lightweight and fits well on the head. You certainly do not want to correct the headlamp on your head now and then during training. By doing so, you will lose the right pace of running and also be distracted.

On the market, you will also find models that have a small red light built into the back of your head. This will allow you to be visible not only from the front but also ensure your visibility from behind. 

Small flashlight 

“Do I need a small flashlight since it has a headlamp?”

Yes. You should have one just in case your primary light source suddenly stops working. This will help you continue to get home safely. You can even take extra batteries with you – just in case. Forewarned is forearmed. 

What else should you keep in mind when running at night?

First – know how to use a flashlight well. What does it mean? That it does not blind passersby and cars that are coming from the opposite direction. Always check carefully if it is safe on the street. Don’t just look, but listen, sometimes a car may be driving without lights and not be well visible on the road. Never lose your vigilance.

That’s all in this article. Hopefully, you now know how you should prepare well when you want to run at night. The most important thing is to be cautious and even more alert on the route than when you run in the morning. Take care of all the elements and choose running paths that are well-lit and safe. Good luck!