 
 
 
Who runs in the dark?Saturday, November 05, 2011
Houston, we have a problem. I am buried in work. I like to work, so this is not all bad. But it's not leaving a lot of time for exercise. And when I get home at 8:00 p.m., tired and hungry, the last thing I want to do is exercise. I just want some dinner, maybe a glass of wine, and an hour or two to decompress before bed. So I tell myself every day I'll tear myself away from the office at lunchtime for a much-needed river run. It will ease the stress. Remove this permanent knot that's settled in my left shoulder. But every day, I'm under some deadline or other and just don't have an hour to spare in the middle of the day. There's only one solution, and I'm looking for inspiration. 
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LMB100
1/15/2012 8:38PM
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I totally missed this one. Did you ever figure it out? I love running in the dark! As long as I'm in my own neighborhood where things are familiar and I feel safe. I wouldn't trail run, although I've seen people wearing headlamps on the trail. I just don't feel confident there in the dark. I also love morning workouts, once I can tear myself out of bed. Yes, leaving the purring kitty and the snuggly puppies is difficult, and I'll admit it -- sometimes I cave and just stay in bed. The key is what Blondie said... just turn your brain off and do it. Don't think, just do, is my mantra for morning workouts. But once I get going, I often don't want to stop. It's easier in the summer, even if it is dark out, just because it's warmer. Of course, you don't really have that issue where you live. Hmm... maybe I should move to Texas! Report Inappropriate Comment |
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JLITT62
12/5/2011 10:36AM
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It can be really hard to leave the warm, purring kitties. But I love to watch the sun rise as I run! Must admit I haven't done it in a long time, tho. Get everything ready the night before . . . lay out your outfit, your shoes & any snacks you might need. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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IPA-RAY
12/5/2011 8:46AM
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I run in the dark occasionally. I use a headlamp (except when it is a clear night and a full moon) and run on rails-to-trails routes so I avoid the risk of traffic. In the past, there was a time when I ran with a group doing 1 kilometer loops around a school at 9:00 p.m. That was less fun. Since you are a woman, you need to keep safety in mind by either running in a safe area or with someone. 
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IFDEEVARUNS2
12/5/2011 8:39AM
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I run in the dark with m y training group, and occasionally by myself during the week. It's usually after work, and I use a headlamp. Make sure you're visible, that the area is safe, and that there are others around.
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TEDDYBABE
12/4/2011 10:14PM
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I run many times after dark. Have my little head lamp and its actually quite relaxing. WE live in the country here, so its watch out for critters instead of autos, etc. Hope you are able to work out a schedule.
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THECHAUFFEUR
12/3/2011 5:31PM
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I just started running in the dark this past week. I'd always made excuses about it before because there aren't many sidewalks where I live so I worry about cars, but I finally decided that I needed to get the exercise. It's either dark in the morning when I get up or getting dark when I get home, so I've been running in the evening. Just make sure you take a flashlight with you (I set a countdown timer on my phone then use the flashlight on my phone) so you're more visible. Try to wear lighter colors and if you have it, something reflective. Also, I'd recommend not listening to headphones if you're running in the dark so you can hear cars coming, if you're running on the streets. Running in the dark is not my favorite, but it's not too bad either. At some point you just have to make it work I guess, so don't be afraid to do it if you can't squeeze out time for a midday workout. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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VTORIA3
11/14/2011 3:51PM
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If you don't have a big dog to take with you (sorry to slight the kitties), then find a place to run where there are others to hook up and run with. I recently went walking in the dark. There are so few streetlights in my neighborhood. I was scared thinking someone could jump out from a garbage can or a parked car or bushes. Why put one in harm's way to be in the wrong place at the right time. I won't do that again. All that said, I love walking in the morning before I can muster up any of the day's excuses. With a crazy busy schedule like you have, give the best time of day to you and take care of yourself with a morning run. It will keep you relaxed most of the day no matter what the stressors are. And at night, decompress without guilt and enjoy that glass of wine. 
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LHIEBEL
11/7/2011 7:28PM
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The best workout plan I can stick to is running in the morning before work--the dark doesn't bother me because I have done it for so long--plus there are lots of runners and bikers in my neighborhood so there are a lot of people out early in the morning so I feel safer--once you are in the habit--you will feel weird if you don't run in the morning!
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BELLALUCIA
11/7/2011 5:06PM
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Fit in just ten minutes if u can to walk briskly. Simple steps.
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BADASSBLONDIE
11/7/2011 2:38PM
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I can only workout in the mornings or at lunch. Night working out NEVER works for me. I do streaks. It makes me get up b/c I don't wanna break it. I've also taught Mike how to convince me to get up in the morning, which excuses to ignore, etc.... And the feeling of disappointment I feel whenI get back *into* bed frequently makes it hard to fall back asleep. BUt honestly, I have to turn my brain off, and just foucs on one thing at a time. Go to the bathroom, feed the cats, get on workout clothes, get in car (if swimming) or outside (if running) and just. do. it. Maybe promise yourself "just" 15 minutes and then see how you feel after. I bet you'll wanna keep going. xoxo Report Inappropriate Comment |
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VAMANOS
11/6/2011 6:50PM
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I don't run, and I no longer have to do my workouts before the sun comes up, but back when I started SP I did. I walked in a local park just before dawn, and felt safe enough as there were other exercisers out there with me. However, if it's going to be full dark, definitely get some gear that will allow you to be seen. To the others' suggestions, I'd add pepper spray and a whistle. Kudos to you for working on a solution to this, as it's absolutely necessary when you have a stress-filled vocation such as yours. As far as getting out of a warm bed full of purring kitties, I'm not sure I could do that under any circumstances, lol. But, I don't HAVE any purring kitties  and anything else that would otherwise keep me in bed, ahem, gets out of it himself to go to work heh heh.
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SLFRISBEY
11/6/2011 2:58PM
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I did it once (the dark AM wog) and wogged around the track at a park around my apartment. Sadly I ended up waking a homeless colony who then decided to watch me wog around the track until I felt uncomfortable enough to go home. Not a great idea I decided especially since I went alone and didn't wake the hubs to tell him I was leaving. If I want to workout in the morning I have to use the treadmill at the office gym since it's the safest option. I want to find a gym with an indoor track though!
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WANT_POWER
11/6/2011 2:57AM
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My sister does. She's been training for a full marathon and needed to run earlier and earlier in the AM to get long runs in. Don't think this will help you- she got a dog. A big one. It's a bubbalah, but you can't tell from looking at it. Another idea would be a running buddy or small group. That way none of you are alone... I see that a lot of people run solo in the dark. I guess it depends on your level of comfort/safety... Report Inappropriate Comment |
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CSROBERTSON621
11/5/2011 10:54PM
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I have the same problem with work keeping me at the office late. I have tried running in the morning, but I am just not a morning person. Mostly (at least at this time of year), I end up working out on my treadmill. Does motivate me to get in my outdoor runs on the weekend -- the treadmill has the very great drawback of being deadly boring! But I do see people (women included) out running as I'm walking home from work at 8 or 9 -- I guess it's a matter of making sure you stay visible and keep to safe, relatively well-lit areas. I live in Georgetown in Washington DC, so I am always concerned about the uneven brick sidewalks, which are challenge enough when it's light out! I much prefer the parks, but would be too nervous to be out there running at night. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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LISAINMS
11/5/2011 10:46PM
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What Maggie said. With exceptions. It's more like 6am, I have no eye candy and I like my coffee un-frou-frou'd. I learned really fast that I have to get my workout in first thing before the day sucks the life out of me. Besides... it starts my day off with time for me that no one will interrupt!
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DONNA0256
11/5/2011 7:40PM
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Sorry, cna't help you out with the running ideas, but I do get up early to do some type of workout before work. Usually yoga, sometimes Jillian Michaels but anything to get my body loosened up for the day. I sit at a desk all day and really ache if I don't get to exercise! Keep searching, you'll find what works for you!
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SASSYMOHO
11/5/2011 7:13PM
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Let us know how it goes if you decide to do it!!! Be safe!!!
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MAGGIENCALI
11/5/2011 5:18PM
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I do most of my running in the dark. I get up at 4:45 am and I'm out the door at 5:00. I live in a well lit neighborhood and I try to stick to mostly main streets. I look forward to weekends because I can get up later. I don't like it. But I do it anyway for several reasons; 1. I know I have some races scheduled and I need to be ready. 2. I start the day off on a good note knowing that I made time for myself to do this. 3. I enjoy the peace and quiet before the city wakes up. 4. A hot latte and even hotter eye candy waiting for me when I'm done. I hope this helps and good luck. Comment edited on: 11/5/2011 5:22:17 PM Report Inappropriate Comment |
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PAPAMIKIE
11/5/2011 4:48PM
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I do about 90 % of my running in the dark. It is actually quite pleasant, assuming you live in a safe neighbourhood. I hear a head lamp, and tall lamp, a yellow reflective jacket, a consturtion reflective vest, a white hat on top and reflecive running shoes. The lamps are primarily to be seen. I do not listen to music I want my ears hearing what is coming up behind me. I carry ID, a Cell phone, and enough money to take a cab home if needed. I do not run with a partner although for many people this is part of their plan for running in the dark. I typically run late at night or very early in the morning. I mean 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., Occasionally I will get out by 9:30 p.m. or as latae as 4:30 a.m. On rare occasions I have been know to run during the day light. Hope this helps. Good running and be careful out there. Popie Report Inappropriate Comment |
I felt like a big whiny baby earlier today because of all the back-tracking I've done on the fantastic progress I'd made. Yes, I injured my foot. But I didn't push myself to find some other form of exercise I would enjoy while I stayed off it. I had many excuses. I don't like to swim and the condo pool is tiny. I didn't want to go to the gym and lift weights. What's the point of doing crunches and push-ups at home? Blah blah blah. With no exercise, the stress and irritation had to go somewhere. Where did it go? In a bottle of wine. When I was doing cardio, I didn't want a glass of wine at night. Without cardio, I wanted two glasses every night to erase the day. Not to mention the debauchery of the weekends and consorting with unsavory characters with lots of bad habits of their own. So I undid all the progress I'd made. I let the foot injury totally derail me, and I immersed myself in unhealthy drinking, eating, and all-around laziness.
In the midst of feeling sorry for myself today for putting myself back to square one, I began catching up on blogs. I read some really terrific accounts of great progress, transformation, and stupendous achievements. You people are simply amazing. I feel so proud. And then I noticed my eyes tearing up. And my heart aching. I had missed so much. Everyone has come so far. And instead of sharing in the triumphs and perhaps having a few of my own, I let myself get sucked in to old habits and mind-twisting situations.
But there's not a damn thing I can do about the past months. I can do better from here on out. That's what I've got: what's ahead. I can whine about yesterday, or I can put my energy toward getting my fitness level back to where it was, and then continue progressing even further from there. Energy spent on whining is wasted energy. Energy spent lamenting mistakes of the past is wasted energy. I'm going to put my energy toward making better choices today, and every day from here on out. I will not let anything or anyone derail me. There may be setbacks, injuries, speed bumps, or even road blocks, but I will keep moving. And I am going to surround myself with positive people doing their very best to treat themselves well. It's contagious. Just like negativity. I choose positivity and happiness.
So after all my moping and self-recrimination, I laced up my shoes and went down to the river. I did 3.32 miles, walking only. I did C25k Saturday and Sunday, so I decided today I needed to walk and give my still tender foot a rest. Turns out I walked my three miles just a hair faster than I ran them yesterday. Go figure.
But I feel so impatient. I want to go farther. I want to go faster. I want my fitness level to be back where it was in January right now. But today, I made myself walk. And I'm not going to jump right back in and aggravate my injury. I'm making great progress. I can run again without hobbling around for two days after. I'm getting there. I felt good tonight. And tomorrow night I'll feel even better. I just keep telling myself to give it three months. In three months I'll have undone much of effects of the past months.
Patience, grasshopper. Patience. Patience and persistence. I'll get there.
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BTINTERNET
10/19/2011 12:49PM
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Way to go Pam!! You're right on! I've had some backslide too, so we can face the next three months looking forward together! :-) *big hugs* Report Inappropriate Comment |
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VTORIA3
10/13/2011 5:05AM
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A fracture can be such a de-railment -- I've had a couple of foot stress fractures -- so I can understand your frustration. You are smart to take it slow and progress as your foot gets stronger. Attitude is everything, and you got it goin' on. Love your spark background tile by the way.  Comment edited on: 10/13/2011 5:04:59 AM Report Inappropriate Comment |
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BETHV10
10/11/2011 4:19PM
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I've gone back to some old and bad habits as well over the last few months and I don't have a bad foot to blame it on. I had some family problems that derailed me because I let them. Obviously getting heavier didn't help the family problems and I know that..... but we all make mistakes. I'll we can do is get back on the horse and try!
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LISAINMS
10/11/2011 4:10PM
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Whining is so yesterday. Cue Rocky Theme Song. Pam's back in da house!
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WILLIAMV3
10/11/2011 1:23PM
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Keeping looking ahead. You can't change your past but you can change your future. Go girl!!! I believe in you. 
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BADASSBLONDIE
10/11/2011 12:04PM
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You're fantastic!!!!!! Love this!!!! Especially this: "And I'm not going to jump right back in and aggravate my injury." Good work, lady. :D
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THERESACHANGED
10/11/2011 9:11AM
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Excellent blog! And, your words are especially resonating with me. I have backtracked a bit also and am struggling to get my mojo back. You're in a great place -
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CAROLCRC
10/11/2011 8:46AM
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Slow and steady wins the race... learning how to come back carefully from an injury, and how not to get derailed when you are hurting is very, very difficult. I've re-injured myself multiple times in the last 3 years because I couldn't master this! Sounds like you are moving in the right direction. Your positive attitude is what will keep you on the right track. HUGS! Report Inappropriate Comment |
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ERIN4771
10/11/2011 7:36AM
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we all get derailed from time to time, it happens...injuries are a pain in the *ss, and it sucks when you are having such great success, then, to have to stop a routine you have gotten used to is hard...the point is, you are back, we are here for you, thru the good and the bad, and it's time to just keep swimming my friend.... 
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GIANTMICROBE
10/11/2011 7:20AM
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It's not how hard you fall. It's how high you bounce.
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ANAJAK
10/11/2011 5:15AM
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Spamacious. I love you. You are back and ready to go baby. We so got this in the bag
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SASSYMOHO
10/11/2011 4:58AM
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I'm super proud of you for remembering that you are worth this and for taking care of yourself.
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WANT_POWER
10/11/2011 4:52AM
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You got this! It is wonderful to have you back with us again. Slow baby steps still get us where we want to be, it just takes a little longer. Unfortunately injuries happen and you are doing the right thing listening to your body and walking when you need to. FYI, my walking was also as fast as my running. LOL not a great statement on my running... Report Inappropriate Comment |
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CATWOOMAN
10/10/2011 11:54PM
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You can take your injury and either use it as a learning experience/moment or you can whine.  You're taking the bull by the horn and putting yourself first, not whining and getting back on track!  You are such a motivator yourself, it is GREAT to have you back.   
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MAGGIENCALI
10/10/2011 10:50PM
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Awww, just having you back brings a smile to my face. Wasn't it Confucious who said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" or something like that. You have already taken one big, courageous step towards achieving what you have set out to do and you can do it. I know you can.
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HEALTHYASHLEY
10/10/2011 10:21PM
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You can do it Pam! This isn't irreparable.
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REENIE131
10/10/2011 10:13PM
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Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Keep going! You can do it!
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Great going on consistency....hope you are feeling 100 percent soon.
