“Running in the dark, learning to embrace the dark side”.
(Pinterest quote)
I wanted to use a clever quote to highlight the new Walk into the Future adventure that happens when we switch from Daylight Savings time. Most of us understand the time falls back in America every fall. This occurred for us on November 1, 2020. Some people like the time change and others hate it. I was never too concerned with the time changes—still do not understand why we continue to do this but make the clock adjustments like everyone else.
My concern as a running tourist is my weekday runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays are done in the dark. I routinely leave work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and head out for my weekday runs as part of my normal training routine. Nothing spectacular with this process prior to the time change but now I leave work and it is dark when I head out for my runs.
I have been telling people I work with how I combat running in the dark but do not believe they fully understand what it takes to remain safe and be seen when running this time of the year.
I take my running program seriously and cannot imagine not running during the week. My way to combat the darkness is to invest in reflective gear to ensure I remain safe when out for my runs. My runs prior to moving to Fort Pierce were all done during the day—all my weekly runs were completed during the day—mostly in the mornings prior to the Florida heat kicked in during the summer. My winter runs could be done a little later but were still completed with plenty of daylight available.
My move to Fort Pierce and daily work schedule make weekday runs after work a better option to maintain my mileage. I still leverage the weekend runs to get my long runs in but need the weekday runs to build up my base miles and keep me focused on race days.
I invested in reflective gear to keep me visible and safe when I run in the dark. My first investment was to get reflective bands I wear on my legs. These bands can be seen when illuminated by light and ensure I can be seen when it is dark outside. I like to ensure an extra level of visibility so invested in a fluorescent and reflective running vest. I did not use this vest much when I lived in Tallahassee but wanted to make sure I had it when needed. This vest is one of my best purchases I have ever made from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Was able to get it on sale and it gives me the confidence to continue to run even when it is dark outside.
I jokingly tell people the vest makes me glow in the dark, but it is true. The yellow run vest stands out and has two reflective strips as an added feature. Both strips can be seen when lights bounce off them. My goal when running in the darkness is to remain safe and ensure everyone can see me.
I have decided to adjust my running routes with the time change to minimize how many intersections I must cross. My Tuesday and Thursday runs have been cut down to no more than 4 miles since this distance keeps me out of traffic and I avoid driveways where people could back out and not see me. Scaling back on my miles during the week means I must increase my weekend miles to make up for the reduction. I believe this is a fair trade off to keep me running and safe.
I have decided to embrace the darkness safely and keep on running! 😊
How has the time change impacted your weekly routines? What adjustments have you made to keep Walking into the Future?
“Stars cannot shine without darkness”.
(Pinterest quote)
Walk Into the Future 