Night Running

One of the reasons I run is so I can do stuff like the Forbidden Forest Run. This is a photo from the finish of the 2005 FFR and that's Scott Riddell, Dom Repta and Tim Wiens about to go for a well-deserved pint.

True, it's dark. In fact, it was inky dark. We are also running on trails... something most runners wouldn't think of doing in the night out of fear of falling and breaking their necks.

Running in the night is a blast. Sure, it's more difficult to see roots and rocks in the night than it is in the day, but I know 10 people who have stubbed their toes or worse running during the day for every one who has messed themselves up running at night.

I got into night running mostly because I had to learn to run in the night if I was ever to complete the Western States 100-mile run. In preparation for my own attempt at a 100-miler, I paced a friend (Tracy Achelis) through the night section of Western States. She set me up with a huge waist pack that had a long, heavy light duct-taped to it that lit up the whole trail... this because a bobbing light made her dizzy. Her contraption was a pain in the ass to run with and we got lost anyway, so a year later when it was my turn, I used a little headlamp and a handheld mag light for backup. They worked like a hot damn for me.

Headlamp technology has come a long way in the last few years with the advent of LEDs. Most of the newer headlamps have incredible battery life, so you don't have to carry pocket-fulls of heavy batteries. Since there are differences in the type of light you get from an LED and a halogen or regular bulb, you should borrow a friend's headlamp and try it first. Some of the higher-priced headlamps offer both regular and LED light.

Like my friend Tracy, the bobbing and bouncing light source makes a lot of night runners either dizzy, seasick or both. I can't remember which adventure racing pal told me this the other day, but he finds that it's best to hang your headlamp around your neck rather than put it on your head because the light bounces less. I've not tried this, but it sounds like a good plan.

It gets cold in the night, even in summer. It's always a good idea to dress a bit warmer and to bring along one more layer than you figure you will need. I was amazed at how cold it was during the Forbidden Forest Run. A pair of gardening gloves would have been great to have in the pack, but since it was early September, I didn't think to bring them.

The only thing I can think of to share on the topic on night running is that, like running on the trails in the day, you should always let someone know your intended route so they know where to look for the pieces if you're not back on time. Especially if you're running alone, think of leaving a note on your dashboard, as well, as most search and rescue folks will start a search there.

If you think you'd like to try your hand at night running, I'd love to help you.  I host 2 Capilano Canyon night runs every year:  MardiGras and Midsummer Night Dream.  Hope you can join me!