Darn the time change...it's back to the treadmill. (Read 859 times)

I run my childcare program 7:30-5:30. Until today I was heading out the door right after closing, and I had time for 4 miles or so. Now it's beginning to get dark by the time I get changed. There's not enough daylight in the morning for me to run, shower, and open up. So I guess it's back to the treadmill, at least on weekdays. It's funny, because I used to do ALL my running on treadmills, and now I really just can't stand them. BOOOOORIIIIIIING! Hopefully I can find a group to run with during the week, but I'm too afraid to run alone in the dark--I'm a girl!

They have little bottles of mace that have a hand strap at my running store.

I hear ya! I started working 7:30-3:30 so I can come home when there's still light enough to run, because I live in Baltimore, and running at night in the dark = baad idea. I wish i could get up early and run in the morning, but I am so not a morning person...

Funny, I am thrilled with the time change. I run in the early morning, and now it's a bit light at the end of my run, as opposed to being pitch black the entire time. Plus i can easily get my kids to bed earlier because it's dark earlier. They can tell time, but don't seem to really notice the time. The whole evening routine is a lot easier. I guess there's no pleasing everyone ...

Last winter I somehow managed to do just about all my runs that were going to be under 40 minutes on one of those blasted things. I'm not sure how I managed to stay sane. It's usually dark by the time I have to go to work, and dark after...so yeah running in the dark is totally the way to go. Relatively safe neighborhoods, street lights, and avoiding the treacherous side-walks is how I manage it usually. Besides, I seem to run better in the cold anyway.

I'm definitely more afraid of cars than people.

I agree. The streets in my town are always super busy. I've found that early in the morning (before the high school kids are heading to class) is perfect. My fear of running in the dark has not been because of being attacked, it's mostly for the fear of being hit by a car OR the fact that I'm clumsy and I'm very likely to roll an ankle or do a face-plant onto a curb! MTA: I like having a treadmill to rely on for those hectic or bad weather days. I actually just got a new (slightly used) treadmill from my boss. My previous treadmill finally gave up the fight about a week ago and I was worried about what to do about my winter mileage.

I run at 5:30 in the dark. I'm not convinced it is any more unsafe than when it is light out. I would advise staying in a well lighted street with a reasonable amount of traffic.

I run at 5:30 in the dark. I'm not convinced it is any more unsafe than when it is light out. I would advise staying in a well lighted street with a reasonable amount of traffic.

I'm glad to hear you do that - I am going to make that part of my routine as well. You can see the headlights well enough ahead to move to the side. I LOVE the fresh air - even in the dark. I'm stuck in the hospital working 12hr shifts so I know if I can just get in the habit of getting up earlier - it will be worth it.