{"id":9978,"date":"2024-01-28T19:35:49","date_gmt":"2024-01-28T12:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9978"},"modified":"2024-01-28T19:35:49","modified_gmt":"2024-01-28T12:35:49","slug":"night-running-offers-these-7-unique-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9978","title":{"rendered":"Night Running Offers These 7 Unique Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">I<\/span>t was around mile two of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vacationraces.com\/half-marathons\/joshua-tree\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.vacationraces.com\/half-marathons\/joshua-tree\/\">Joshua Tree Half Marathon<\/a> that I started to hear animals I couldn\u2019t see. <em>Was that a horse?<\/em> I wondered (and hoped). The daylight was officially gone.<\/div>\n<p>But I realized that as spooky as night running might be, it also creates an eerie kind of magic. Lights twinkled in the valley below the hilly path I was climbing, but all around me it was pitch black, aside from the few feet of sandy trail that each runner\u2019s headlamp illuminated. With nothing else to see, all I had to focus on were my own footsteps and my breath\u2014and how I could race through the desert as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n<div class=\"\">\n<hr\/>\n<div class=\"experts-in-article noskim py-[24px] px-[40px]\">\n<p>Experts In This Article<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!ml-[18px]\">\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runningwithlife.com\/about-running-coach-amie-dworecki\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.runningwithlife.com\/about-running-coach-amie-dworecki\/\">Amie Dworecki, B.S., M.A., MBA<\/a>, Amie Dworecki, B.S., M.A., MBA, is a running coach and founder of Running With Life. <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brad-whitley-dpt\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brad-whitley-dpt\/\">Brad Whitley, DPT<\/a>, physical therapist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bespoketreatments.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.bespoketreatments.com\/\">Bespoke Treatments<\/a> in Seattle <\/li>\n<li> <a href=\"\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"><span>Marnie Kunz, CPT<\/span><sup>2<\/sup><\/a>, USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<hr\/><\/div>\n<p>Most long-distance races take place in the morning, but this half marathon starts right around sunset. Because the scenery of the course is a tad monotonous, the race organizers embrace the adrenaline rush you can get from running under the stars.<\/p>\n<p>I joined as part of a press trip sponsored by <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSFT-1154213%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nathansports.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nathansports.com\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSFT-1154213&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nathansports.com%2F\">Nathan Sports<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSSY-1095217%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.skechers.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.skechers.com\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSSY-1095217&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skechers.com%2F\">Skechers<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSFT-1154213%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fswiftwick.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/swiftwick.com\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSFT-1154213&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fswiftwick.com%2F\">Swiftwick<\/a>. The experience reminded me that even when the days are short during the winter and pushing your pace after the sun goes down becomes the norm, night running can be its own unique adventure.<\/p>\n<p>The more I looked into running at night, the more advantages I found\u2014even if you need to take a few extra safety precautions when you\u2019re lacing up.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline text-h5 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/night-running-benefits\/\" current-title=\"7 Legit Benefits of Running At Night\u2014And How To Do It Safely\" current-image=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/GettyImages-1322464890-425x285_418x278_true_70.webp\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-07-28\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/night-running-benefits\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/night-running-benefits\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/night-running-benefits\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>The perks of running at night<\/h2>\n<p>What are the main benefits of night running? Here are a few of the top reasons to get in a nocturnal workout.<\/p>\n<h3>1. The temperature is cooler<\/h3>\n<p>Earlier in the day before the Joshua Tree race, I\u2019d been cowering from the heat anytime the sun touched my skin. But once it was dark out, the desert air got so cool that my sweat-wicking T-shirt barely had any work to do.<\/p>\n<p>As it turns out, temperatures around 40\u00b0 Fahrenheit are ideal for long-distance running, largely because our hearts don\u2019t have to work quite as hard to pump our blood to cool us down, according to a May 2012 study in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22649525\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" class=\"no-underline citation\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22649525\/\"><em>PLOS One<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Even if the mercury doesn\u2019t get <em>quite<\/em> that low after dark in a hot or humid climate, night running after sunset (or, alternatively, heading out before sunrise) is clearly the way to go to nab those cooler running temperatures.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Your body\u2019s more ready to run<\/h3>\n<p>Running shortly after rolling out of bed can sometimes feel like wading through molasses. It\u2019s no surprise why: You\u2019ve just been lying stationary for hours, so your body temperature and mobility aren\u2019t exactly ideal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is the reason for the high perceived rate of exertion and respiration when running in the morning,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brad-whitley-dpt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brad-whitley-dpt\/\">Brad Whitley, DPT,<\/a> a physical therapist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bespoketreatments.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.bespoketreatments.com\/\">Bespoke Treatments<\/a> in Seattle, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/running-in-morning-or-night\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/running-in-morning-or-night\/\">previously told Well+Good<\/a>. \u201cIf you choose to run in the morning, you might incur a physiological speed bump due to the low body temperature, leading to a longer warm up period.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But when you choose an evening running time, your body\u2019s already slightly looser and warmed up from going about your day.<\/p>\n<h3>3. It might feel easier<\/h3>\n<p>The dark can be a secret weapon for runners. One August 2012 study in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22889688\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22889688\/\"><em>Journal of Sport &amp; Exercise Psychology<\/em><\/a> on optic flow (our perception of our movement in relation to our surroundings) suggested that because we can\u2019t see as far in the dark, we <em>feel<\/em> like we\u2019re going faster because close objects seem to pass by more quickly than those in the distance.<\/p>\n<p>Even though your watch might not record any speedier miles, running in the dark can be a helpful confidence boost when you get the sense that you\u2019re zooming along.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Night running can help you sleep<\/h3>\n<p>How can running at night affect your sleep quality? Despite rumors to the contrary, there\u2019s some evidence to suggest evening runs might actually help you get deeper zzzs.<\/p>\n<p>An October 2018 meta-analysis in <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30374942\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30374942\/\"><em>Sports Medicine<\/em><\/a> found that as long as you finish running more than an hour before your bedtime, it most likely won\u2019t mess with your sleep quality. Instead, it could actually help you spend slightly longer in those restorative deep sleep stages.<\/p>\n<p>Anecdotally, some people say they also seem to fall asleep faster.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s something to experiment with, according to certified running coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runningwithlife.com\/about-running-coach-amie-dworecki\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.runningwithlife.com\/about-running-coach-amie-dworecki\/\">Amie Dworecki, CPT<\/a>. Everybody\u2019s different, so you might need to find out what works best for your own circadian rhythm.<\/p>\n<h3>5. You\u2019re likely better fueled<\/h3>\n<p>Eating can be tricky for morning runners\u2014you\u2019ll run better with some food in your stomach, but if you don\u2019t give yourself enough time to digest, you might run into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/marathon-runners-pooping\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/marathon-runners-pooping\/\">GI issues<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>At night, though, you should be fairly well-fueled from noshing all day, Dworecki says. Just be sure to have a snack to top off your carbohydrate stores before heading out the door, says certified running coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runstreet.com\/marnie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.runstreet.com\/marnie\">Marnie Kunz, CPT<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>6. It\u2019s more peaceful<\/h3>\n<p>Depending on where you run, during the day you might feel like you\u2019re playing Frogger with traffic and pedestrians, dogs, and baby strollers. At night, most of those hurdles typically fade away.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s really almost a meditative experience because of the quiet and solitude,\u201d Dworecki says. \u201cIt can really add relaxation to your running.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>7. You have more options<\/h3>\n<p>Because you\u2019re less likely to have a certain time you need to be back by at night than you would in the morning, it\u2019s easier to choose your own adventure based on how you\u2019re feeling. You can add a couple extra miles if you feel like it, or end early and walk home instead.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s really almost a meditative experience because of the quiet and solitude. It can really add relaxation to your running.\u201d \u2014Amie Dworecki, CPT.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2>Running at night vs. morning: How to choose<\/h2>\n<p>Many runners swear by their morning miles. But obviously, the a.m. hours aren\u2019t the only time to run. How do you know whether night or morning runs will serve you best?<\/p>\n<p>For some people, it\u2019s purely logistical: The best time to get in a run is whenever you <em>can<\/em> run. But if you have a choice, it might help to pay attention to the natural ups and downs in your energy levels.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you&#8217;re a night person, you can actually feel better or more energetic if you&#8217;re running in the evenings,\u201d Dworecki says. Or, she adds, you might be able to use running to give yourself an energy boost at a time when it would typically dip.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re someone who needs camaraderie to lace up, one of the benefits of night running is you\u2019re more likely to find a group run to join after the work day, or convince a friend to join you for a few social miles.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you\u2019re alone, night running can also give you more of a thrill than the chore-like approach you might take to morning runs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s kind of an adrenaline rush running at night sometimes,\u201d Kunz says.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, running in the morning can be safer because there\u2019s typically more people on the street, and more daylight means you\u2019re more visible to cars.<\/p>\n<p>Running first thing in the morning can also make you more consistent\u2014even if you get stuck working late hours or friends convince you to head out for a happy hour, your workout will already be done.<\/p>\n<h2>Safety precautions for night running<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Make sure you have enough light<\/h3>\n<p>Unless you know you\u2019ll be running in a well-lit area, you\u2019ll need to bring or wear your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-running-lights\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-running-lights\/\">running lights<\/a>, Dworeck says.<\/p>\n<p>I ran the Joshua Tree Half Marathon with the lightweight <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSFT-1154213%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nathansports.com%252Fcollections%252Fheadlamps%252Fproducts%252Fneutron-fire-rx-runners-headlamp-2-0&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nathansports.com\/collections\/headlamps\/products\/neutron-fire-rx-runners-headlamp-2-0\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSFT-1154213&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nathansports.com%2Fcollections%2Fheadlamps%2Fproducts%2Fneutron-fire-rx-runners-headlamp-2-0\">Nathan Sports Neutron Fire RX 2.0 Runner\u2019s Headlamp<\/a>, which securely attached to my forehead, and gave me 250 lumens of light in any direction I turned. Although it took me a little while to find the right spot on my forehead so it didn\u2019t slip or bounce, once I did, I forgot it was even there.<\/p>\n<p>If the thought of wearing a light on your head doesn\u2019t sound appealing, you can also opt for a <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FAdjustable-Reflector-Reflective-Flashlights-Rechargeable%2Fdp%2FB07ZLLG6RJ%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12150-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fnight-running-benefits%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Adjustable-Reflector-Reflective-Flashlights-Rechargeable\/dp\/B07ZLLG6RJ\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Adjustable-Reflector-Reflective-Flashlights-Rechargeable\/dp\/B07ZLLG6RJ\/?tag=wgtrx12150-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\">chest lamp<\/a> or carry your own <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNathan-Flashlight-Adjustable-Hand-Held-Security%2Fdp%2FB076G22DG5%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12150-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fnight-running-benefits%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nathan-Flashlight-Adjustable-Hand-Held-Security\/dp\/B076G22DG5\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nathan-Flashlight-Adjustable-Hand-Held-Security\/dp\/B076G22DG5\/?tag=wgtrx12150-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\">small flashlight<\/a>. There are even have lights you can put on your <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNight-Tech-Gear-Running-Mountain%2Fdp%2FB076PVWQNX%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12150-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fnight-running-benefits%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Night-Tech-Gear-Running-Mountain\/dp\/B076PVWQNX\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Night-Tech-Gear-Running-Mountain\/dp\/B076PVWQNX\/?tag=wgtrx12150-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\">shoes<\/a> or your <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FChristmas-Flashlight-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Stocking%2Fdp%2FB0CCJD49C6%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx12150-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fnight-running-benefits%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Christmas-Flashlight-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Stocking\/dp\/B0CCJD49C6\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Christmas-Flashlight-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Stocking\/dp\/B0CCJD49C6\/?tag=wgtrx12150-20&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;asc_source=direct&amp;asc_campaign=no-campaign\">gloves<\/a>, Dworecki says.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Stay visible to cars<\/h3>\n<p>Before the race, I was sent <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSFT-1154213%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nathansports.com%252Fcollections%252Fhydration%252Fproducts%252Flaser-light-3-liter-hydration-pack&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nathansports.com\/collections\/hydration\/products\/laser-light-3-liter-hydration-pack\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSFT-1154213&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nathansports.com%2Fcollections%2Fhydration%2Fproducts%2Flaser-light-3-liter-hydration-pack\">Nathan\u2019s Laser Light 3 Liter Hydration Pack<\/a>, which has a genius double-duty design that gives you a place to stash water as well as lights on the back in case you\u2019re running anywhere there might be cars.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t have actual lights on your body, at least be sure to wear bright reflective gear so drivers can easily see you. Light-up <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSFT-1154213%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.noxgear.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.noxgear.com\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=104860X1561639&amp;xs=1&amp;xcust=STMSFT-1154213&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.noxgear.com%2F\">reflective vests<\/a> aren\u2019t your only option\u2014these days, many pieces of running gear <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/stylish-reflective-wear-night-runs\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/stylish-reflective-wear-night-runs\/\">stylishly incorporate reflective details<\/a>, and there are even several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-reflective-running-shoes\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-reflective-running-shoes\/\">reflective running shoes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Consider leaving your headphones at home<\/h3>\n<p>Night running probably isn\u2019t the right time to zone out to a podcast. Because you won\u2019t be able to see as well, it helps to keep your other senses sharp.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWatch your use of headphones just to be aware of what&#8217;s around you,\u201d Dworecki says.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Let someone know where you are<\/h3>\n<p>Although running when the streets are quiet can feel less stressful than during busier, noisier parts of the day, empty roads or trails can also be dangerous.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLet someone know where you&#8217;re going or share your run so they can track you,\u201d Kunz says.<\/p>\n<p>Apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/support.strava.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/224357527-Strava-Beacon\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/support.strava.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/224357527-Strava-Beacon\">Strava<\/a> let you proactively send your location to select contacts in real time. Alternatively, you can choose to stick to sidewalks or a track where you know other people will be out and about.<\/p>\n<h2>How to motivate yourself to run at night<\/h2>\n<p>After a long day, forcing yourself to get off of your warm couch and out into the dark doesn\u2019t always sound super appealing. Kunz suggests making a promise to yourself to simply run 10 minutes\u2014it\u2019s just a little exercise snack that doesn\u2019t feel like too much pressure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou know you can turn back, but once you&#8217;re out the door, usually you&#8217;ll feel okay and just keep running,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Dworecki adds that for some people, it\u2019s easier to run right from their workplace. When I was training for an ultramarathon, for instance, I used to run home four miles from my office every night so that I didn\u2019t waste half an hour commuting on the subway\u2014my commute was my run (and it only took slightly longer). Then, once I stepped in the door, I could just relax without having to convince myself to leave again.<\/p>\n<p>It can also be helpful to make night running more social by joining a group run or turning it into a date with a friend to catch up after work.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[It] makes your run more fun and it gives you some accountability,\u201d Kunz says. Even running with a dog can help a night run feel less lonely.<\/p>\n<h2>FAQ<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Do I need a light to run at night?<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re going on trails or areas without ample street lamps, you\u2019ll want to bring your own light source with you to make sure you can see where you\u2019re going and what you\u2019re about to step on. The most popular option among runners is a <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.avantlink.com%2Fclick.php%3Ftt%3Dcl%26mi%3D16109%26pw%3D316961%26ctc%3DSTMSFT-898645%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.blackdiamondequipment.com%252Fen_US%252Fproduct%252Frevolt-350-headlamp%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fnight-running-benefits%2F&amp;event_type=click\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.blackdiamondequipment.com\/en_US\/product\/revolt-350-headlamp\/\" data-type=\"affiliateLink\" data-aff-intermediate=\"https:\/\/www.avantlink.com\/click.php?tt=cl&amp;mi=16109&amp;pw=316961&amp;ctc=STMSFT-898645&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackdiamondequipment.com%2Fen_US%2Fproduct%2Frevolt-350-headlamp%2F\">headlamp<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Can running at night help in managing stress?<\/h3>\n<p>Running is always a good stress release\u2014the extra blood flow to our brain triggers a release of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-running-does-brain\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-running-does-brain\/\">dopamine and endorphins<\/a>, sometimes leading to the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-is-a-runners-high\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-is-a-runners-high\/\">\u201crunner\u2019s high.\u201d<\/a> These benefits might be especially welcome at night.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s a great way to kind of blow off steam at the end of the day, and help unwind and relax before going to sleep,\u201d Kunz says.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Is it bad to run at 10 p.m.?<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes the only chance you have to fit in a workout is after many people go to bed. Dworecki says that sometimes when she\u2019s struggling with insomnia, she might head out for a run around 1 a.m.<\/p>\n<p>Just know that working up a sweat with intense exercise, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/running-vs-walking\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/running-vs-walking\/\">running vs. walking<\/a>, for instance, will raise your heart rate pretty high, so be sure to give yourself enough time (at least an hour) to wind down after you&#8217;re finished so it doesn\u2019t mess with your sleep.<\/p>\n<p>No matter when you get back home, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/after-workout-cooldown\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/after-workout-cooldown\/\">do a cooldown,<\/a> take a hot shower, eat some food, and settle in for the night knowing you\u2019ve gotten all those <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/running-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/running-longevity\/\">longevity benefits<\/a> and health perks.<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-thin post-citations mt-[40px] mb-[30px]\" data-module-init=\"main-2020\/post-citations\" data-module-immediate=\"true\">\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mb-[24px]\"\/>\n<div class=\"post-citations-content flex flex-col gap-[24px]\">\n<p>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ol class=\"!ml-[18px] !mt-0\">\n<li>\n              El Helou N, Tafflet M, Berthelot G, Tolaini J, Marc A, Guillaume M, Hausswirth C, Toussaint JF. Impact of environmental parameters on marathon running performance. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e37407. doi: 10.1371\/journal.pone.0037407. Epub 2012 May 23. PMID: 22649525; PMCID: PMC3359364.            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Parry D, Chinnasamy C, Micklewright D. Optic flow influences perceived exertion during cycling. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2012 Aug;34(4):444-56. doi: 10.1123\/jsep.34.4.444. PMID: 22889688.            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Stutz J, Eiholzer R, Spengler CM. Effects of Evening Exercise on Sleep in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2019 Feb;49(2):269-287. doi: 10.1007\/s40279-018-1015-0. PMID: 30374942.            <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mt-[24px]\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[0px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It was around mile two of the Joshua Tree Half Marathon that I started to hear animals I couldn\u2019t see. Was that a horse? I wondered (and hoped). The daylight was officially gone. But I realized that as spooky as night running might be, it also creates an eerie kind of magic. Lights twinkled in &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9979,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9978"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9978\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}