Pounding the pavement at night is an entirely different beast from running during the day, but the mental and emotional benefits are arguably even greater when the world feels open and quiet and you don't have the stress of racing to get ready for work after. As with day runs, there are important safety precautions to bear in mind. Before you even think about running after dark, pay special attention to the following:
Know Your Route(s)
Now is not the time to take up trail running or even veer off your familiar routes. Knowing every turn and pothole will significantly reduce your risk of injury. That said, running the same route every night may catch the attention of a creeper, so keep a few possibilities in your rotation and change it up.
Bring a Buddy
After a long day at work, a fitness date with your bestie is an excellent motivator (hey, even if you're an evening person, getting out the door is still hard). It's also an excellent safety precaution, so the more the merrier. If your friends a) think you're crazy, or b) prefer to work out in the a.m., join a running group.
Stay Alert
One of the biggest benefits and challenges associated with night running is staying present. Paying attention to where your feet are landing, who is around, and nearby traffic means no headphones — at all. And as much as possible, save thoughts about everything you have to look forward to after (pizza! a bath!) until you get home.
Identify Yourself
Always carry an ID, bring your cellphone, wear bright clothes, and run against traffic. Even better? Do the same for your day runs, too; good ideas are 24/7!
