I am happy to say that day 2 of getting up at 5:00 am to get my run in before week was a success. While I was definitely more tired, I knew once again I really didn’t have much of an option.
This morning I had a workout planned. The original idea was to get up and run to a road about .75 miles from the house that is reasonably lit to do my intervals. I was all set and ready to go, and then the moment I woke up I got scared.
There is something about running in the very early and dark hours of the morning by myself that scares me. I don’t mind it once a little light begins to peak through, but those hours between 5:00 – 6:00 AM I am still not comfortable with.
When I woke up yesterday I realized that if for some reason I started to go out there and chickened out, I wouldn’t end up having the time to do the workout I had on tap. I had limited time, so I opted run on the treadmill. Again.
My goal is to try it this morning when I have an easy run scheduled. That way if I need to turn around and come back it isn’t really that big of a deal. We will see how that goes!
I have all the right precautions taken:
- No music
- Found a lit area
- Even a security station on the road
- Wes has already checked it out and feels it is safe
However, for some reason I still can’t shake it.
Early morning runners – do you ever feel safe running in the dark of the morning?
I guess specifically I am curious about the females. My husband has no problem running when it is dark out, but I am always on much higher alert than he is.
Back to the workout! I quickly jotted down on the first piece of paper I could find a break down of all my paces and treadmill conversions. I had a ladder interval workout today and since I know it was 5:00 AM the less I have to remember the better.
Sorry for the grainy photo, it was early and there wasn’t good light.
My workout was: 400, 800, 1200, 1600, 1200, 800, and 400 meter intervals. I did a 400 meter recovery between each of them. Since I was using the treadmill it forced me to stick to the paces I had set. It wasn’t easy, but I got it done!
With the 1.5 mile warm up and then 1.25 mile cool down (had to cut it short for time) I total just a tiny bit over 8.5 miles. Not bad to have completed before 6:30!
I have decided I don’t really like doing workouts on treadmills. Sure there are positives, this was the quickest 8.5 miles have ever gone a treadmill but for some reason I feel like it is easier. The treadmill forces me to go the pace, and it’s pretty hard to just quit running when the treadmill is going that fast to me.
I know that I still got the workout in, but I almost felt like I had help. Treadmills are just a part of training. Some days due to time of day, rain or other bad weather it just has to be that way. I still got the workout in, and that is what matters!
Do you like doing workouts on treadmills?
Morning female runners – do you ever worry for safety when running?
I will run at 5am, but I am always on high alert. I occasionally get nervous, but just work hard on paying attention to my surroundings. I’ve seen some runners out there with headlights.. if that would help?
I don’t mind running in the dark. I actually started running this way 10 years ago because I would go before work and I’ve run in the dark just as much as daylight if not more! I think as long as you’re being safe, it’s one of those things you just have to get used to. I actually like running in the dark in the winter and find it amusing to see how many miles I can get in before the sun comes up 🙂
I think as females, we need to be extra careful. I run in the dark but I run with my dog (a lab that weighs 80 pounds), pepper spray and I only run on well lit streets that have the morning commuters traffic. Never on the unlit roads in my neighborhood. For years I ran only on a treadmill because of this but then wanted to venture out so I took extra precautions. My husband very much worries about me and I have to be fully aware of my surroundings. Just be safe and follow your gut.
I run in the dark all school year long. I am a teacher, so summer = later runs. I HIGHLY recommend a cool gadget from L.L. Bean. It’s a small flashlight designed for dog walking actually. It has three options for lighting. If you click the button once, it throws a light beam in front of you. Twice, it adds a beam further ahead and three times adds a blinking light in the back. It’s super light and comfortable! I am always nearby friendly homes, so I guess I feel safe otherwise. There’s always an escape route if I felt threatened. It’s never happened. It’s a sorry commentary that we really DO have to worry as women. Not only in the dark early mornings, but always. Stay safe, ladies!
I remember way back in our first apartment Lisa tried to go on a run with me one time (in spite of her joint issues … young love 🙂 ), got a half mile out and said ‘it is cold, dark and scary, I’m going home!’
I didn’t realize the added dangers of ‘running while female’ until I really got into the blogging community, but it is very serious. I definitely recommend following any and all safety guidelines.
so impressive to get in that many miles before 6:30!
Wow – good for you – running in the morning darkness never bothers me. I guess maybe it has to do with practices in the early hours years ago. Evening runs in the dark, on the other hand, make me extra alert and nervous. Given that I live in an area with ice issues during the winter, I am looking into getting clip on spikes for walking and running in the winter along with a head lamp.
Running in the dark freaks me out. It is totally a gender thing, but I think we have good reason to be cautious. When I go out in the dark alone, I always bring my dog. He’s 65lbs and quite protective of me at home, so I’m sure he’ll keep me safe. Have you considered buying pepper spray? Also, do you have Meetup in your area? You might be able to find some early morning running buddies online. Good luck!
I loved running in the dark in the town that I lived in in California! It is the safest city in the country, is well lit, and even early in the mornings there were always other runners and cars around. But in my town now I’m freaked out of running in the dark because most of the roads are secluded and wooded. I always have my phone on me just in case and try to go with a running buddy when possible so that I’m never alone. Dogs are also great running buddies! Maybe Zoe could run your shorter easy runs with you??
I do most of my running on a treadmill. I love it honestly! I do get out and out from time to time but find it more convient to run on the treadmill at the gym prior to my weight training. I also prefer it because when doing intervals or hill repeats it’s just easier for me to control (in my mind at least). I do love running trails but my husband does not like the idea of me running alone and I am more of a by myself type runner.
I don’t like running in the dark because I feel like I am going to step in a hole, or trip. But you are very smart to be cautious. Running on treadmills stink, but they are safe. Maybe see if there is a running club or meet-up in the area that you can run with… or maybe your husband would run, or ride a bike with you?
I always think it’s important to be careful. I wouldn’t want to take a chance and fall or trip, etc.
Very true!
I always have to wait until it gets light a little do to my intervals too! Or I have to go to a lighted area.
Yes I wish I could wait until 6 – that’d be perfect! The lighted area wasn’t bad, much better than I thought!
Can’t stand treadmills and try to avoid them as much as possible (I think, in just over a year, I’ve only done two treadmill runs).
I’m a female and I am an early morning, solitary runner. There are places where I don’t feel safe, and places I do. I run with no music, carry my pepper spray and let my husband know where I am. I also find it helpful to go to a place where I know other runners are getting in their morning sessions. We’re not running “together” exactly, but someone is there if I am in need of help.
I definitely leave the music at home. I don’t have pepper spray but I have considered getting it. There aren’t too many early morning runners around me, but I need to find some!
I never run in the dark. It’s just not worth it to me and I would rather take my workout to the treadmill. The treadmill is tougher for me though. I think you’re being smart!
Glad to hear that I am not the only one! 🙂 I had one outdoor and the rest on treadmills this week!
It’s not that big of a deal. Put on a light, stay visible and just do it. Or in other words, shut up and run.
Point taken! 🙂
I feel the same way. I moved about a month ago and I have yet to do my usual early morning runs because I’m too scared to do it in the dark. So I’ve had to get my runs in after work – which I hate. I usually tell myself that the criminals are all asleep at 5 a.m. so there’s nothing to be scared of – but still – it’s tough! When all else fails, the treadmill is my friend, too.
It is tough but I think the more you do it the easier it gets. Plus scoping things out ahead of time really helps!
I run in the dark regularly, and I rarely feel scared, but I take lots of precautions. I make sure my clothing has lots of reflectivity. I always carry my phone. My husband knows my regular routes, and he could always use Find My IPhone to see exactly where I am. I stick to well lit bus routes. My neighbourhood is quite safe, and there are always people out a 5am – headed to work, or running too. I wouldn’t run that early on a weekend, though, because I feel that’s when I’m more likely to run into someone that could cause trouble.