But we all know that won’t happen 🙂
If you follow me on Twitter or DailyMile, you may have noticed that I have been a champion of getting to the gym at 6am before I head into work. Granted, I’ve only been doing it for two weeks now, but I like to think the pattern is starting to stick. Now, the larger question is: why in the world am I doing that?!
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| Leaving the gym yesterday morning at 7am after doing 800 repeats! |
Yes, my iPhone photos are terrible. Sorry ’bout that.
There are two reasons that I’m pulling myself out of bed in the pitch black and stumbling to my coffee maker at 5am. First of all, I get wicked lazy at the end of the day and just prefer to get my workout in before lunch time. I know it will happen that way and then I’m allowed to wallow on the couch and read a book all evening. Swear, it’s a good plan!
You know what the second reason is though? These days, I’m kind of nervous to run outside before dawn. There. I’ve said it. Know what else? It pisses me off!
I’m not someone that is typically scared of the dark and in the past, I’ve really enjoyed running pre-dawn or post-dusk because I find those hours peaceful. The world is calm and clean and quiet before the sun rises and I love hearing the sound of my feet (and Tally breathing!) echo throughout the silent mornings. However, I’ve noticed that my desire for outdoor morning runs has subsided since the sun rises later and later, and it took me a bit to realize that I am actually scared to be alone out there.
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| Pre-dawn walk with Tals….and a friend on Saturday morning |
Y’all, there are some serious crazies running around the country lately, and in particular, there seems to be a surplus in Colorado. I feel like we’ve experienced far too many tragedies in the past few years and it is starting to take its toll on my mental game. Don’t know what I’m referring to? Remember the Aurora theater shooting in July? That was like 45 minutes from my town. However, even more recently is the abduction and subsequent murder of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway. Her body was found 10 minutes from the trail that I frequently run with Tally. Obviously, I haven’t gone running alone there in the past few weeks.
At first I was embarrassed to admit that I was scared to be out there alone in the dark. I mean, I have lived in a tent, faced some insane lunatic in the backwoods of Arkansas, been held up at knife point on a train in France, and bribed my way into Cambodia (to name a few!) I enjoy camping or hiking in the mountains alone or with Tals, and have always considered myself to be very independent.
However, it’s different now. Running in the dark by myself is freaking me out, and I am largely blaming the Ridgeway tragedy. The sick bastard who killed the poor little girl is still out there, and the entire crime scene is less than 15 minutes from my house. In short, I am not comfortable alone. And until I am? I have a standing date at 6am with the treadmill at 24Hour Fitness!
46 Comments
It is the smart thing to do, I always say training is always better in numbers. I borderline refuse to ride alone, even in the daylight, I always ride with someone, safety in numbers, with a group of people, outside people are less likely to mess with you.
Wow, I didn’t realize you were so close, that would sure as hell freak me out too! Sorry you have to deal with that :(. I carry pepper spray in the dark, it really helps my peace of mind.
I haven’t run in the dark or on trails since they found her, either. It’s just too creepy, and so sad. There is definitely something going on in CO that has given me the heebie-geebies. I ran in the morning darkness all winter last year.. this year, not so much.
Oh goodness. I saw your post in Fitfluential running and am definitely scared of running in the dark because of the crazies, but I don’t have all those things within minutes of my house. You really do have a good reason to be more hesitant. I hate that we have to worry about stuff like that. I’m almost wondering if I would run faster in the dark because I’d be so afraid something was going to get me. Yikes.
The worst part about running alone in the dark (w/ or w/o crazies) is the fact you are left alone w/ youf imagination! Every sound becomes worst case scenario!
Also, Twitter tells me there is another crazy on the loose…something about murder and arson!
Yes! Apparently 4 women and a guy were found dead in a bar on S. Colorado Blvd. They think it was a homicide, followed by arson to act as a cover up. WTF?!
Heard a snippet of the news on the radio tonight – another attempted abduction in Littleton and a runner nearly attacked in Loveland?! Scary! :S
I don’t run alone in the dark either! Not only do I feel creeped out by potential people harming me, I’m also nervous about falling somewhere in the dark. I stick to a treadmill if I’m solo during the week.
That all does hit a bit too close to home. I don’t usually run in the dark, but I did last night and I was mildly panicked. People just don’t see you, no matter how much reflective garb you have on. I was kind of freaked out last night because I still don’t know all the streets in my new neighborhood and got lost in the dark. The street lights aren’t very bright and I couldn’t read the signs. After running into a spider web and making a few wrong turns that added 2 miles to my run, it was completely dark when I got in.
There’s no shame in being safe! You have to look out for your safety, and sadly people can’t always be trusted.
Running in the dark can be frightening. I had a few moments that scared me shitless a couple years back that forced me indoors to the treadmill. I finally recovered and realized I wasn’t going to let an experience take away one of the joys of my life. I LOVE running in the morning, in the dark. It’s peaceful and “my” time. Unfortunately none of my pups can run long distances so I’m on my own. I do have to say, I definitely run a bit faster when I run in the dark =)
See, the sad thing is that I usually love it! I love running pre-dawn or hiking pre-dawn and it’s always been my happy time…and now crazies are ruining it for me. Argh.
I don’t recall you ever loving runs with Tals….you always talk about how rambunctious she is!!
When I run by myself, I always have my zapper with me. It will bring a grown man down to the grown on contact. You should go get you one at Academy.
No, she is out of control and sucks! 🙂 But, I’m trying to be more safe about things so she has been tagging along. I know she’ll attack anyone that tries to hurt me, so I try to tolerate her misbehaving!
P.S. Us good lookin’ women can never be too careful! 🙂
I am with you 100%! As a newly single woman I’m making an effort to be extra cautious while running alone now – I’m actually going to show my mom how to log into runkeeper so if I ever disappear mid-run they can see where I was at!
Not a huge fan of running in the dark either. That is in part why I got a treadmill. Better safe than sorry.
I would love a treadmill! Unfortunately, I live in a 2nd floor apartment so I don’t have the space and I’d like to keep my neighbors happy, but one day!
This is getting some good comments. I agree, you can never be too careful. If you have an opportunity, find a nice little group. I run on thursday nights in a headlamp trail group.
Its super fun to get out on the trails with a group, at night, and everyone feels safe!
I’ve thought about doing group runs, but haven’t yet. I actually like the solitude of running so I’m not sure what I’d think about a group environment. Only one way to find out though!
Like you I am nervous of running in the darm but if I have to, I normally stay on well trafficked areas with lots of street lights. When that is not an option I either as a buddy to come with me, or take my dog or hit the gym and run on the treadmill. But you are right, so many crazies! There is another blog where the author was running and found some human bone remains in the trail (she even took a picture). Scary!
Human bones?? THAT IS NOT OKAY!
Thank you…that’s what I said. As I told her, I would not be running that trail anymore. Yikes!
Totally legit — I prefer my morning workouts too, but I just can’t stand the thought of getting out the door before 7 to run. WAY TOO DARK. Funny thing is, last winter I did. Often. And now I’m just totally freaked out by the events of the last year to do it.
But I haaaaaaaate the treadmill. What’s a girl to do?
I hate the treadmill too, but I’ve just learned to cope I guess. My runs are never as good but it is what it is, right?
I am scared to run in the dark alone. I train 3x a week with my run group so that definitely helps, but I am not real keen about running alone in the dark. I am with you!
wow. held by knife point. that must’ve been scary! I hate running at night by myself too. I tried running with my dog once… which is probably good for him because he has so much energy… but he was all over the place I was scared I would step on him!
Ha, yeah, the knife deal definitely breaks my top 10 scariest life experiences thus far. I’ll share the story at some point 🙂
Yikes, that would freak me out too – to be honest, after the recent runner abductions/murders that have been in the news, I was freaked out to run by myself for a while. I’m counting down the days til my Bia sport watch comes, but for now, my GoSportID and phone are always on me, and I leave my route and expected return time with someone before each run!
I backed Bia and I’m definitely going to look into it when they come up for purchase. I love that security feature!
I run in the dark when I need to. I don’t have a particular love for it but it is what it is. I’m a little bit freaked out and usually feel better to have Sprocket with me but (Sprocket’s also kinda lazy and isn’t a good running partner for anything over about 3 miles even though he’ll run at 18 MPH behind the quad for that far nooooo problem; apparently I’m just too slow for him).
The funniest part of this is that my dog is scared of the dark too. We were running at night sometime this summer and he was VERY AFRAID of a traffic cone in the middle of the road. Like wiggled out of his collar to hide behind me afraid.
Tals does that too! There is a statue by my house of some local hero, and every time we go by it in the dark, Tals thinks it is some giant man and totally loses her cool! It cracks me up every time, and sometimes I’ll extend her leash so she gets all close and starts climbing on it, barking her face off. Freaking hysterical 🙂
Hey I don’t blame you…with the type of drivers that are out there and creepy people it can be freaky. I am lucky being a dude, I tend to just hold a confident appearance and most smart creepers leave me alone (not worth trying to take down someone that looks like he can kick your but, even though I have never fought in my life). But cars freak me out, I don’t trust the drivers!
I know what it is like being in dangerous situations in the dark vs. daytime. My old job present that challenge all the time. If you can avoid it I say do it. You fear is healthy, meant to be there for you to avoid injury and harm…
If you can’t avoid it I would recommend caring something that will make you feel safer, best example is a whistle. Signals are good to ward off predators. Mace is good but only if you carry it with easy access. Those are my 2 cents…
I don’t like to run alone in the dark either. If I’m going to run in the dark I try to make it a group run. Nothing wrong with being aware and wanting to stay safe girl!
Darling, you are not alone and yes, I am SCARED of running in the dark and have been dealing with nagging issues of running long solo runs as well….no matter what time. Gotta say, that dog story in Runner’s World is to blame for part 2 of my fears but dark….SCARED! That is why I pull myself out of bed to hit the gym AND get to work by 6:00 am. It sucks in some ways but it is worth it in so many more. Just today I was thinking about how it was still dark post-run on my drive to work.
I’m a bit of a chicken when it comes to running in the dark, although for some reason, I classify early morning running as safer than night-time dark running (illogical, I know). You have to go with what makes you comfortable, but always keep in mind that the odds are greatly stacked in your favor. Tragedies like those you mentioned are few and far between–the publicity makes it seem different. Stay safe out there!
I won’t go for a walk/jog at night without my husband but that means we have to take our girls with us so we can make it a family event. I am a new Fitfluential ambassador and I can’t wait to learn from all the ambassadors and follow along with you.
Ya know… I love running in the dark, but I don’t know if it’s the safest thing that I can do… and I hate to say it… but it’s probably more so for women. There are some serious nut-balls out there. When I run at night, granted… I’m a guy… I let my wife know my route and when to expect me back before I ever stem out the door. And based on a few unpleasant experiences I’ve had as of late, I’m seriously thinking about running with some pepper spray. Please be careful!
I can’t blame you. You are a female and predators tend to prey on females and children. They don’t enjoy the fight of someone that they aren’t sure if they can overpower. I run at night a lot. 8 pm, 9 pm, 10 pm and as late as 11. My wife hates it. I always run with my phone in hand, but what good is that going to do if I get clubbed over the head?! I don’t live my life in fear and maybe that makes me naive, but I can’t control what people can do. However, I would not let my wife or daughter do the same things I do. Be safe! When the clocks fall back the morning runs will be much safer (or at least I’d hope).
Trust your instincts. Always. You need to be comfortable wherever you are and your safety is the most important thing. There are far too many stories, as you well know.
I feel the same way as you. I never had a problem with it until recently. Now that it is super dark, I was feeling vulnerable. We also have had a tragic murder in our small town. That made me put out a random plea to my local running club if anyone in my area was interested in running super early a couple days a week. Thankfully, I got replies and we have a standing date 3x/week to run in the dark. I feel SOOOOO much better now! Trust your instincts! It will be lighter soon enough that you can get back outside.
I don’t think its crazy at all and better safe than sorry. I absolutely do NOT run in the dark alone. Ever.
Dude I’m scared to run in the dark too. Mostly for the fear of wildlife attacking me (life in BoCo!). Hahaha, but seriously.
I could never run alone in the dark, I’m so scared!
I don’t have a dog, but when I do get one, I hope I can run with it and not just run after it!
I hardly ever run in the dark, and I always tell someone or text someone when I’m going to be biking by myself, even if it is in a populated area. And I always carry my leatherman. I think Between a Rock and a Hard Place really freaked me out! I also get paranoid about mountain lions, bears, coyotes, etc.
I don’t run in the dark so I can understand. I take Lucky if I’m running around the neighborhood. I’ve never taken him outside of the neighborhood but that’s mostly because if he were to get out I don’t want him to think it’s ok to cross the busy street where he’s likely to get hit. He and Sasha have escaped before and just ran around the neighborhood and we were able to catch them and bring them home. Sorry, that was a major tangent!
Good topic! I used to run at night in the suburbs and considered it peaceful . I live in the country now and i get too freaked out, like no one even hear me scream if some crazy creeper tried to grab me. I think the dog and pepper spray make you a lot safer, along with a bright headlight. I would suggest bringing your dog through a basic obedience class, it can really help you two become a team and teach you the handling skills to make her a fun safe running partner. I had a dog RUIN my knee bc she pulled hard as my foot hit the ground while running, so I understand how frustrating and dangerous an untrained dog can be. Having a good dog to run with, nothing compares in my mind 🙂