Spring Back into Fitness ..
Spring is right around the corner, which means longer days and nicer weather. The long days of Spring and Summer are opportunistic for getting fit in the outdoors. Cool nights with more accommodating temperatures offer runners the option to get in some distance in the dark, while avoiding scorching daytime heat. Training once the sun has set does take getting used to, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Nothing can compare to the escapism of the blissful silence, when bombing down lanes with just the comfort of your own moving bubble of light. Exhilarating, peaceful and addictive.
With huge numbers of us now working from home now due to COVID-19, it is more necessary than ever to get out of the confines of your workspace. With a lot of daily responsibilities to still balance, training at night might be the only time to effectively do so. However, working out at dusk and night is different to working out in daylight. It is important for everyone to use common sense and practice safety. Be alert, Be prepared and most important Be Aware.
So, whatever your motivation for evening training, you should take a few precautions when training at night:
1. Bring your phone along
Your phone is not just good at taking Instagramable pictures, it is also imperative to have in the event of an emergency. Adding a GPS tracking App is easy and an effective way to staying safe. Additionally, ensure your phone battery is fully charged.
2. Make plans with a training buddy
If going out with someone is not possible, share your plans. Let someone know you are out and about training or leave a note just in case something unexpected happens.
3. Protect yourself
Carry appropriate lightweight gear, such as bear spray or loud whistles to scare off predators. At night when vision is dimmed, you will be relying more heavily on hearing to maintain awareness of your surroundings, so it’s best if you leave your headphones at home.
4. Invest in the right safety gear
That means clothing AND accessories. You should also avoid wearing an all-black kit, opting for at least one brightly colored item which can help you to be easily seen by traffic. In addition to brightly colored gear, it’s a good idea to use light up accessories. For instance, attaching flashing or blinking safety lights allow you to stand out more than your typical static reflective materials.
5. Scout your route
Check out where you plan to exercise in daylight to identify potential hazards, since they will be harder to spot at night. In all, its best to head out for a few daytime runs in this new area to gather all the intel you can.
In many respects, working out at night is like many other outdoor activities you need to prepare for. If you think ahead and take these few precautionary steps, you will be set up for success and can head out more confidently.
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