We’re approaching that time again: winter jackets are hauled out of hibernation, dusty thermostats are called into action, and kettle manufacturers up and down the country begin to rub their hands with glee. In other words, as any Game of Thrones fan knows, winter is coming.
But, if the thought of foggy breath, burning lungs and freezing fingers is enough to have you turning to the treadmill, believe us when we say the colder days have a saving grace: darker nights.
Because if you thought running in the day was fun, here are 5 reasons you should look forward to running in the dark…
1) It’s exhilarating
Safety is, of course, paramount when running in the dark. But once you’ve got your headtorch on (more on these here) and reflective kit, there’s nothing better than heading out into the great unknown. With less visual distractions, you can focus on the joy of the run. Lights flash past, people stare in bemusement, and, although you’re probably going no quicker than normal, it feels like you’re flying.
2) You can improve your technique
With less to take your mind off the run at hand, running in the dark means you can really focus on every nuance of your technique. How’s that knee lift? Are you running tall? Is your cadence quick enough?
3) You’ll feel like a warrior
As you sprint past your local pub at night, you might be unable to hear what your mates are shouting at you, but rest assured that it’s probably something along the lines of, “Wow, what an athlete.” And running in the dark makes you feel like one, too, because while everyone else is indoors, you’re running regardless – embracing the conditions and powering on. What a man!
4) It’s the perfect stress-relief
The beauty of later sunrises and earlier sunsets is that a bit of peace and quiet is much more accessible. In winter, getting up early or going for a run after work offers a sense of solitude that you simply can’t get any other time of the year. Put simply, running in the dark is the best form of escapism there is.
5) It can make old routes feel new
If you’re bored of the same old 5K loop, or you live in the middle of nowhere and your options are limited to a couple of dusty paths, running in the dark offers a whole new perspective. You’ll notice different sights, sounds and smells, and running, as a result, will feel exciting again.
