Running in the dark & cold, tips for shorter days ☾ 🥶

Who knows that feeling, it´s getting cold, the cozy mood kicks in, and suddenly your warm blanket looks way more inviting that your running shoes.

When the clocks roll back and daylight disappears earlier every day, we might hang up our running shoes until spring. It´s dark already, maybe not the best idea to go for a run, right?

Well, last winter I was training for a spring marathon and let me tell you, I ran in the dark and in some of the coldest temperatures Berlin could throw at me. There are a few things I really wish I had known before I started those dark, freezing training sessions.

Here are some tips for shorter days:

• Reflective gear and a lamp

Visibility becomes your top priority. Arming yourself with a good headlamp, handheld light or waistmounted lamp makes the difference. Drivers can see you and you can see where you are going. Reflective clothing or a vest is a must.

• choose well lit routes

If possible, plan your runs where there are streetlights or even head to a running track.

• Dress for the weather

Winter running gear doesn´t need to be fancy, but it does need to be functional. Layer up!

Windproof outer shell, gloves, a hat are non negotiable.

• Find your motivation

When it´s dark and cold, motivation doesn´t just appear, you have to create it. Something that helped me a lot was joining running clubs. Commit to be fit 🙂

so.. why should we even bother running in the dark and cold?

Because you learn to run when it´s not easy. You build your toughness. You train your mind just as much as your body, but running in winter shouldn´t be underestimated. It´s demanding.

Next time it´s dark and cold and you are tempted to stay inside, remember: those are the runs that make you stronger 😉