As fun of a run as I had yesterday I was still creeped out. I got started at 8pm, so within 45 minutes it was pitch black. I was running in the mountains on a bike trail (after doing a few on the wooded trails). I was in the middle of two mountain towns, so really I was in the middle of no where. It scared me. I became so aware of everything that I could see (which wasn't a lot). I wonder if I had a head lamp I would have felt that way. I still think I ought to invest in one. The one I've used before and liked is right around $30. Considering the problems I could have had, I think this would be a wise investment. Just thought I'd share. Last night was the scaredest (?) I've ever been on a run. :umno:
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Um... please tell me you bring a cell phone or a flare gun? I don't blame you for being scared. Trail running at night can be very hazardous, especially if you don't have a good lamp. Even then, I probably wouldn't do it unless I had no other choice. If you do run in the mountains at night, do not go by yourself. Don't you have to worry about mountain lions? I know that was one thing everyone said when I went mountain biking in Colorado... don't go by yourself and beware of the moutnain lions. I don't mean to scare you more than you are, but be cautious.
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maybe im a wimp, but i dont like running in the dark period. regardless of my location. im probably just being paranoid, but im petrified of being attacked when i run in my own neighborhood; and its by no means a rough area...
i would at least take a cell phone with me, especially if youre going to be out and about after dark in the"middle of nowhere"...
i would at least take a cell phone with me, especially if youre going to be out and about after dark in the"middle of nowhere"...
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way too dangerous, on many levels. i'd never do it again. sorry alyson, it's just too big a risk for ya.
can you go with another person?
can you go with another person?
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cell phone would be a must. I would also tell someone my anticipated time to return.
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I simply don't run in the dark. I am willing to start some of my long runs a few minutes before sunrise but even then you can tell daylight is just about ready to start. On weeknights when I do most of my runs around 6:00 to 7:00pm I will move indoors to a treadmill rather than run outside. There's just too many things to stumble on when running in the dark and I tend to be naturally clumsy so I plan my runs accordingly.
The problem with safety vests, the blinking lights and head lamps IMHO is they tend to attract some unwanted attention including drunks, teenagers and rednecks toward you so I don't wear any of that stuff although I do wear light clothing.
I do, however, run with a cell phone on me when not running in a public park with other runners at least within shouting distance.
The problem with safety vests, the blinking lights and head lamps IMHO is they tend to attract some unwanted attention including drunks, teenagers and rednecks toward you so I don't wear any of that stuff although I do wear light clothing.
I do, however, run with a cell phone on me when not running in a public park with other runners at least within shouting distance.
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Personally, I love running in the dark on summer evenings. I stay in familiar neighborhoods & off busy streets.
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I run at 5am so for most of the year, it is dark. However, I do have a group I run with and we only run on paved city roads.
There are some mountain bike riders that go out when it is pitch black like that and ride the trails with just a single headlight. They claim that it is the best and most exhilarating experience. Personally, I've never tried it, but would consider it if I had a group to ride with and some trails around here.
There are some mountain bike riders that go out when it is pitch black like that and ride the trails with just a single headlight. They claim that it is the best and most exhilarating experience. Personally, I've never tried it, but would consider it if I had a group to ride with and some trails around here.
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Women running after dark on an off the beaten path trail is a total invitation for trouble. I've read waay too many stories of weirdos that even being a guy, I wouldn't be out there. A member posted a story here once and there are plenty on other forums if you wanted to search. Really, Alyson, put safety first.
</end fatherhood instinct rant> :)
</end fatherhood instinct rant> :)
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i definately have to agree with everyone about safety. Night running is dangerous (sometimes) even in residential neighborhoods. (i just sprained my ankle doing this!)
I dont mean to keep listing what people have already said... but if anything does happen, it is more difficult to get out of a situation when it is dark and you are out of your own territory. But if you insist on running there in the dark Id say, bring a cell phone, flashlight, and pepper spray!
You're pretty brave though..... I get scared sometimes running in some of the more isolated bike trails in the day! 8O
I dont mean to keep listing what people have already said... but if anything does happen, it is more difficult to get out of a situation when it is dark and you are out of your own territory. But if you insist on running there in the dark Id say, bring a cell phone, flashlight, and pepper spray!
You're pretty brave though..... I get scared sometimes running in some of the more isolated bike trails in the day! 8O
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I agree......and it isn't even the weirdos. When I wear my safety gear...I get ignorant (and I don't mean that in a bad way) put their high beams on me or drive real close to see "what the the heck is that?" One morning it was constant and there was a guy 1/4 mile ahead of me in all black with no problems. I now go without the safety c**p on my own and my flashing stuff with a group. (if they can't figure out what 10+ objects with flashing gear on are doing.....bless their hearts and take away their drivers license)
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I don't think you should be running alone after dark in the mountains. It's an open invitation for trouble be it from injury, weirdo or critter. I know you've got some wildlife that's a little scarier than the occasional 'coon or skunk when surprised. Bears hate surprises.
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