Don't Go Down with the Sun

There’s something about running outside that—as cheesy as it sounds—feeds the soul.

Even when it’s the hardest, slowest, shortest run of your life, you still feel better than staying home, browsing Pinterest. Even better still, is when we get on a roll and squeeze in a workout every day of the week.

But let’s be honest: there is not enough daylight to get everything done. Sometimes running outside makes the sunset cut, but more often we don’t have time until the sun has gone down.

Cue the scary shadows, stranger danger, and the epic scenes from Taken. We’ve been trained since elementary school to be afraid of the dark. Sure, it’s important to be cautious. But that doesn’t mean we should be afraid!

Whether you’re a regular night runner or you’re still afraid of the dark, here is how you can keep night running safe.  

Brag about it: It’s intimidating to run with someone else and it can be hard to find someone at your own pace. When can’t find someone to run with, be sure you tell someone you’re headed out. It sounds like mom advice, but tell a friend, a neighbor, a boyfriend…anyone really. Tell them where you’re running and around when you should be back.

Leave your headphones at home: Being in the dark already puts you at a disadvantage; don’t make yourself more vulnerable by blocking out the sound around you. Even with the volume down, having your headphones in makes you more likely to be approached because you seem distracted. Plus, it can mess with your pace and hinder that awesome workout you had planned. For the sake of your workout and your safety, keep the headphone at home.

Go neon: When it comes to athletic clothes we all tend to choose black. It’s slimming, it hides sweat, and for those reasons I’m a big fan… during the day. At night throw on a colorful headband, that lime green tank you only ever wore to EDC last summer, and a cool pair of kicks . You don’t have to spend $80 on a Brooks neon running jacket and you don’t have to become reflective. It’s more important that you’re bright enough to be seen.

In the end, the most important thing is to mindful of your surroundings. Try your best to be seen, trust your gut, and if all else fails take a trip to the gym!