If the idea of getting up at the crack of dawn and squeezing in a run before work or class fills you with dread, we get it – not all of us are morning people! If you are still keen on getting out there, perhaps running in the evening is for you. Check out our advice and guide to making the most of running at night.

Those of us who exercise or attend a gym class after work can definitely agree, you can wash off the stress of the work day with a good workout, and running should be no different, if you’ve had a really tough day in the office or a stressful drive home, getting out there and running might help to get your mind focused again. By relaxing your mind, you might also find that your sleep improves too.

Find the best time to run for you.

Keep track of sunset times based on where you live, with a recommendation that you run before sunset if you don’t feel overly comfortable running in lower lit areas. If possible – run with a friend or small group to keep safe together.

Wear reflective and safe running gear

Let yourself be seen by other road users, motorists and runners whilst you’re running at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing and accessories. Check out our reflective xPand no tie shoe laces which add a pop to your running shoes as an extra bit of reflection. Be sure to pick up reflective running clothing.

It’s also recommended that you wear a headlamp if you can, especially in more rural areas.

Make sure you pre plan

Pre plan your route in advance and make sure that you know the area. Routes that you might take on a Saturday morning might not be overly safe to run at night – especially areas with little to no street lighting or guided pathway. It’s recommended if you’re planning a night run to stick to well lit routes like main roads especially if you’re planning to run alone. We would also advise to let people know that you’re heading out too, by sharing your location with a family member – why not pop some tech like an apple airtag into your pocket too for extra security.

In case the inevitable happens and you do get stranded somewhere, wearing a running belt, with some basics like a topped up travel card and spare money to help get you home in case you have no phone signal. When you pre-plan your route, make sure you’re acutely aware of where the nearest public transport points are (like train stations or tram stops). Don’t forget to make sure your phone is fully charged.

Consider investing in running shoes that are designed for night running

Some running shoes will offer reflective details on the upper to help support and get your feet seen when you’re running at night. Whether you’re shopping for women’s running shoes or men’s running shoes, we highly recommend that you book yourself in for a myfit3d appointment instore and chat with our fit technicians who will be able to get you fitted for a specific pair of reflective running shoes.

So remember, if you’re planning to run at night, be safe, pre plan and make sure you are wearing the right kit. See you out there!