Stay safe on night runs
WITH the depths of winter upon us, let’s face it, by the time we knock off there’s very little daylight left. So rather than shelving your running till November, here’s some of my top tips for running at night.
Dress the part
Running at night is all about staying visible, so ditch your usual all-black ninja attire and opt for bright, obvious colours. If running after dark is a frequent part of your routine, think about investing in some light reflective apparel to make sure you really stand out. Anything shiny is good – so treat yourself to any leggings, shoes or jackets that have reflective panels to make sure others see you coming.
Stay aware
I understand it’s easy to get lost in the rhythm of your run and get completely in the zone – but keeping your wits about you is a must when jogging after hours. Remember that you’re relying completely on all of your senses, so try to remain aware of your surroundings by taking in the sights and smells and everything around you as you go.
Ditch the beats
Resist the temptation to chuck your headphones in and blast your favourite tunes. This might be your normal pump-up routine but will also act as a serious distraction and can potentially put you in danger. I’m always telling my clients to instead focus on your breathing internally, this will give you a greater sense of rhythm and body awareness.
Play it safe
I know I’m always talking about the importance of mixing it up – but in this case it’s essential to find a safe, well-lit route that you know well and stick to it. Try to find a well-populated area that you know well and where there are plenty of people around.
Strength in numbers When it comes to running after dark, there’s definitely strength in numbers and there’s nothing quite like having a buddy or two by your side to help you feel safe. An added bonus is that they’ll keep you accountable and help keep that motivation flame burning.
Join the team
Instead of your usual “point A to point B run”, visit your local oval during footy training – this way you’ll feel completely safe with plenty of people around. Try out some interval training and sprint repeats to get your heart rate up and blood pumping.
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