18 December 2007
Running in the dark…
Posted by Julie Hurley under: Julie Hurley .
So…..I had planned to meet up at the unofficial Run Gazelle “Christmas Lights” run this evening, but childcare issues kept me from meeting the group. However, I had already made up my mind to run tonight, and planned to finish before the sun went down.
I didn’t make it.
The sky was slowly dimming as I headed out of the driveway, iPod plugged in and set in shuffle mode. I don’t know why I ever put it in shuffle. I seriously skip through at least 80 percent of the songs that I hear. I think I need some new songs. But I was too lazy and busy to put together a new playlist.
Anyway, I’m running down a two-lane 45 m.p.h. road with decently wide shoulders. Unfortunately, about half of the shoulders were covered in snow, slush, ice or a lovely mix of all three. And of course, the jerk drivers traveling that roadway were doing nowhere near 45 m.p.h… more like 55. So, as an oncoming car approaches, I hop over to the lawn side of the shoulder, trying to stay balanced while also trying to NOT step in a giant puddle. The car passes and I’m back to the street side of the shoulder. And so it goes until I turn off onto a side street with lower traffic volumes. I had thought that the biggest of my challenges tonight was over.
It’s quieter here, and I start to get a little nervous. I quickly slip my hand into my pocket and “pause” my iPod. At this point, I’m a good 10-12 minutes into my run and it’s pretty dark now. Now, I usually tell someone what route I’m planning on taking before I leave the house … but I also usually veer off onto another course, because I get bored and distracted very easily. With my iPod off, I can hear myself breathe, which to my amazement, doesn’t sound labored at all. I somehow feel more exposed to cars on this road because there is no stripe of white shoulder paint to protect me.
Of course I’m dressed in all dark colors, with no reflectors (stupid, I know - “real” running apparel is on my Christmas list!). Up ahead, there is a dark form moving staccato-like toward me. My night vision is crap, so I squint to see if this is something I should be concerned about. My heart races a bit faster as a jolt of fear and adrenaline race through my system. Then a complete sigh of relief as I spot the flashy-flash red light blinking brightly from my fellow runner’s hat. We do the nod ‘n wave at each other. Although I logically shouldn’t have anything to fear, I still turned around to make sure he wasn’t following me.
I continue on my route, now back on the 45 m.p.h. road, and it is pretty much pitch black out. I’m not really enjoying myself, even though physically it’s been a great run for me. I dodge a few more cars and then finally reach the driveway and walk into the house. Never missing a beat, my son runs up to me and yelles “Hide, Mommy, Hide!! I count!” and then runs away. Ah, hide and go seek with my son. I can’t think of a better way to cool down from my run.
I was reminded yet again why I’m doing this.
8 Comments so far...
Kristin Says:
19 December 2007 at 12:23 pm.
Julie - the sangira was GREAT!! I’m planning on running this Sunday at Reeds Lake…hope to see you there 
We live sorta close to each other…totally have to figure out a time when we can run together late at night - that is sometimes the only time I can get out and the treadmill is getting a bit old! -Kristin
Gill Schumaker Says:
19 December 2007 at 12:31 pm.
Running at night? This may save your life. Check out this web site:http://roadid.com/common/default.aspx
Coach Gill
Colleen Says:
19 December 2007 at 1:20 pm.
Way to go Jules, so proud of you and keep up the great work but be safe. No more running without the proper gear.
Steve Kelly Says:
19 December 2007 at 4:50 pm.
I just got the most obnoxious Brooks winter running suit for Christmas. Ok, I know I’m getting it for Christmas, I picked it out. It’s yellow and has piles of that reflective stuff on the jacket and pants. I invite all of you to do all you can to be seen even in the light of day! Cute about your son, my kids run from me after I exercise for a different reason…I stink!
Terry Says:
19 December 2007 at 8:14 pm.
Way to get out there and get some miles in. That drive to run in the dark, snow covered roads, and traffic you’ll have no problem running in the 5/3 riverbank run. You can get reflective arm bands at run gazelle for tempory use until you get your Christmas presents.
Terry
Deb Says:
20 December 2007 at 12:14 pm.
Be careful Julie. My favorite time to run is at 5 am. I love running in the dark. But I mostly run with my husband or friends because I’ve had a couple of scares. A few years ago, I was running down a side street and a man called out in a menacing voice from the shadows, “Que pasa ?” Talk about speed work. I never looked back …..just ran like a maniac for the next mile! Also, I wear reflective gear. Don’t count on cars seeing you. . . run defensively. Leave the Ipod home. It’s really not safe to not be fully aware of your surroundings at all times when you’re alone. It’s different in the daylight. Glad you enjoyed your run!
Deb
Nick Katsarelas Says:
26 December 2007 at 11:31 am.
Julie, you didn’t mention holding a flashlight. I think that’s mandatory gear, especially if you’re gonna run on the road. I don’t run too much in the dark, but when I did, I’d aim the flashlight forward when cars were approaching from the front, and turn it backward when cars were coming from the rear. Flashlight, light clothes, reflective vests or bands, flashing red light — you can never be too careful.
A couple of months ago I was driving to work at 6 a.m., and just narrowly missed a cyclist on the road. I never saw him until I was a few feet away. He or she didn’t have lights on the bike. You just can’t assume that motorists are going to see you. So light yourself up like a Christmas tree.
Julie Hurley Says:
27 December 2007 at 11:21 pm.
Thanks for all your replies. Nick - I will definitely try the flashlight tip the next time I get out during the dark.