Running in the cold/ Running in the dark

[elementofblank]

Now that it's December and daylight savings (in the US) it's too dark to run after work. However, I hate the treadmill. Do any of you have:

Tips for running safely in the dark? Do you still listen to music? What gear do you use to be seen?

Tips for getting your butt outside in the freezing cold, especially in the morning? I'm especially exhausted lately, and this is a problem.

Thanks

[weightlessrunner]

Bright coloured clothes. Anything with a reflective strip is great because cars will be able to see you so you don't get run over.

Listening to music is a funny one. I personally do but I've also had several near misses in terms of being run over by a car so probably not the smartest of ideas.

Getting out there in the cold? There is no tip. You just do.

[JEANNE]

Amanda~ wear layers, head lamp, yes- reflective wear (even a dorky vest!), yak trax if you run in snow/ice

I listen to music, its a must. I set my alarm (though with starving, I rarely sleep let alone oversleep!!!!!!) to get up super early.

Also, like Nike says "just do it". I just have to do it. Like brushing my teeth, have to run. Its only the first 10 minutes or so, the first mile and half and then...... its all goooooooooood!!

Good luck! Be safe, be safe.

[KoH.]

just think, the sooner you run, the sooner you'll be warm from the exercise.
i generally prefer to run in the dark.. i don't wear anything that will get me seen. but run where there's lights and houses, NEVER in dark alleys or where you can't scream for help or knock someones door.

[Girlinterruptedallthetime]

Like others have said wear things that you can be seen in. Also wear some kind of light on you (on your head or a red one on your back) Also carry a whistle of some kind in case something happens that you can get attention of some kind. Also make sure that you cover your legs.... people tend to wear shorts and cover there top.... however if you don't want any leg problems you need to cover your legs so your muscles don't have any problems. My PT told me how a lot of people don't do that and tend to pull muscles in there legs or they tend to hurt more. So yeah thats what I would do on top of what others have said.

[cestlavie]

Have a cup of tea or coffee before you go out, it'll make you feel warmer on the inside so when you go out you're not COMPLETELY freezing.

[rivaa]

Yeah--this is rly hard for me bc. the cold weather is RUINING my runs.. does anyone know smwhere to find CHEAP thermal yoga-ish pants/ leggings??

[CanadianBeaver]

I would recommend not listening to music or only listening in one ear so you can hear people/cars around you.
Cheapest place to get clothes is the thrift store, just wash before you wear. I completely agree with wearing at least something bright or reflective so you are visible.
As for actually getting out there I find a cup of warm tea and then just talking yourself into walking for 5mins or around the block or something. Once you're out it's far more likely that you will keep going.
Hope this helped!

[CometCat]

If you're running alongside a trafficked road, I wouldn't recommend listening to music. At least not so loud that you can't hear it if cars are coming. It always startles me when that happens to me!
Also, wear bright clothes! A thin white jacket, and reflective bands are the best!

[Disordered]

A pair of normal tights or Nylons under normal running pants works awesome for an extra layer of warmth. Plus they're wicking and give a layer of protection over feet, too!

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