This morning I awoke around 6 a.m. and made myself a pancake breakfast, figuring I’d give myself an hour and a half to work and digest and let the sun come up before heading out on a run with Sadie.
Unfortunately rain changed my plans, so a lunchtime workout is on the books for today.
As you probably noticed if you’ve been reading this blog for a while, I prefer to workout almost immediately after I awake. When it comes to running outside with Sadie, however, I often wait until later in the day or at least until the sun comes up because I’m not comfortable running around our neighborhood in the dark.
(Classic feeble Sadie face! She cracks me up.)
I had no problem running before sunrise in Orlando because I ran in well-lit areas that were populated with lots of other runners and cars. I cannot remember feeling uneasy during a run in Orlando even one time, but in Ocala it’s different.
Our neighborhood is insanely dark. Street lights are sparse and when the moon is only a sliver you can barely see your hand in front of your face. (Bonus: The stars at night in Ocala are gorgeous.) As creepy as the pitch black night is, the darkness isn’t my main deterrent. It’s the wildlife!
Bear sightings seem to be more and more prevalent (our neighbors saw one in our yard twice last week!) and Ryan and I saw a coyote earlier this week right outside of our neighborhood on our way to the gym in the morning. I’m sure the animals would ignore me if our paths crossed on a run, but since I probably wouldn’t even see them until we were within a few feet of each other due to the intense darkness, I’d rather not deal with a black bear run-in at 5:30 a.m.
It feels kind of crazy to not run before dawn because I’m scared of bears, but when you live close to the Ocala National Forrest, it’s something you think about! (Someone once saw a panther before dawn in our neighborhood.) It’s a scary world out there, I’m tellin’ ya!
Question of the Morning
- Do you ever run outside before the sun comes up? Do you take any extra safety precautions?
When I ran by myself before dawn in Orlando, I kept my iPod volume on low, ran with a small runner’s mace that my father-in-law bought for me, wore bright clothing and brought Sadie the Ferocious Beast with me. Perhaps now I should run with my handy-dandy bear bell?
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I don’t like running outside in the dark either! Usually ill hit the treadmill instead if running before 7 or 8am pre-work.
I never ran in the dark, I think I’d freak out since its pretty dark around my neighborhood. I usually wait til the sun is bright and shiny! like between 8-9:30 for me!
I live near DC and street lights are everywhere. So lighting is definitely not a problem. However, I still don’t feel comfortable running in the morning or at night (unless it’s on a track with other people around). One of my friends actually had something pretty scary happen to her, so that’s made me even more cautious. If I need to work out when it is dark outside, I head to the gym!
i’m so sorry to hear that about your friend and hope she is okay. that’s very scary and i think you’re smart to be cautious.
This is why I’m weirdly looking forward to “fall-ing back” in a few days. There aren’t bears in my neighborhood, luckily, but I still feel uneasy when it’s dark out – even if it is 7 am!
ME TOO! this whole dark until 7:30 a.m. thing is killing me.
Omg you’re really surrounded by nature! I wouldn’t feel comfortable running before dawn there either! I tend to run around a river walk that has lots of walkers, bikers, and runners on it but I still always carry my cell phone for protection.
I hate running in the dark! I always wait until it’s light outside and bring my iPhone with me just in case.
I just purchased glow bands that reflect so the cars can see me. They also had an LED belt light. Dicks has them or any good running store. I prefer running in the afternoon but dislike the treadmill so much because it’s booorring. ( Except when I follow your treadmill workouts :0 ) Running in the morning before the sun comes up is my new thing especially since the weather is cooling down in FL.
Oh my goodness, I can’t believe you have bears so close to home! I would be scared too. I live in London so all we have are foxes and cats :). I tend to stick to the treadmill when it’s dark unless I’m running with a friend or having a very quick run around the block.
I ran outside in the morning this summer because it was light enough where I felt comfortable…but lately I haven’t been. It’s just too dark. We live in a brand new neighborhood and there is constantly new construction going on (and construction workers). I’m sure it’s just because I’ve seen too many Law & Order or Lifetime movies, but I feel like one of those guys could scoop me into their work van and that’d be it for me!
I avoid running in the dark as well! Recently I was on a business trip in Corpus Christi, TX (an area I do not know well at all) and I waited until the sun was up to venture out on my boardwalk run!
I’m currently training for the savannah rock n roll half marathon next weekend. Last Saturday, I decided to run at 6 before the sun came up! I only put in one of my ear buds, and kept my ipod really low. I kept checking around me, and behind me. I live in a safe Orlando suburb, but you never know what could happen.
I don’t think I will be running before the sun again, unless it’s for a race :]
i’m so excited you’re running the savannah RNR race! i ran it last year and absolutely LOVE savannah. GOOD LUCK!
I was on the fence about it, and then I read your post on it a while ago and decided to sign up!! I’m so excited, thank you!!!!!
Bears are definitely not something you want to mess with especially since they’re most dangerous when startled. A bear bell would be a great idea or you could just clap every so often or sing out loud! The key is to make the bear aware of you. If he knows you’re there, 99% of the time he’ll get out of your way.
I don’t mind running after sunset, but I never go early in the morning. We have a bear that frequents the trash in our alley and I can hear coyotes at night. I agree, no wildlife run-ins for me.
I’m a “No Solo Running in the Dark” kind of girl, just too risky. We live in a decent enough area, I just don’t trust cars in the dark or animals that you might not see until you’re close. Good tips for keeping your volume low & carrying some sort of protection.
I never have time to run outside anymore, there is a trail I love by my house but I leave for work at 6:00 AM and by 6:30PM when I get home its already dark! But as a bonus if it isnt too chilly its nice running around the Inner Harbor here in Baltimore! The only thing I have to watch out for are some mouthy teenagers!
On a side note! Im heading to Orlando next week! Spending a week in Disney with my family for my 30th B-Day and Parents 40th Wedding Anniversary! Fingers crossed for warm weather and no Hurricane!
I don’t like to run in the dark either. I am sure it is probably fine but I am a little paranoid, especially when you hear all the stories about the crazies out in the world. I would rather be safe than sorry!!
I don’t like to run in the dark either..worrying about what could happen takes the enjoyment aspect of running.
I can’t blame you at all for not wanting to run in the dark! I live in the city, and have well lit streets to run on when I run out of daylight, and I’m still afraid to do it. You have bears to worry about?? Forget it, running can wait! haha
I always wait for the sun to be up to run. We’re out in the country and there’s constantly people you don’t know driving by. I come from a military family so I awlays carry a weapon of some kind with me and my cell phone. My dad is always making sure we are prepared. 🙂
I feel the same way about running in the dark and I don’t even have to deal with the wildlife you do!!!
During the “school year” (I’m a teacher), I run outside at 4:30 am–so it’s pitch black. I never wear headphones, and I tend to run in the middle of the street–the sidewalks and bushes creep me out. But otherwise, I love it. It’s SO QUIET. It really does give me some quality alone time and I love the stillness in my neighborhood.
Lately, there have been more skunks around though . . . eek. I’m waiting for the time one sprays me! Can you imagine? It would be a nightmare!
i loved the peace that came with running before dawn in orlando, too! i miss it! (and watch out for those skunks!!)
I have been a huge running (or working out) in the morning kind of a person, but since moving I’ve been eating breakfast before the gym or my runs. But even when I was consistently doing morning workouts, I wouldn’t run outside because it made me nervous.
Absolutely no interest in working out in the dark – the risks just don’t seem worth it to me! I’d much rather just head to the gym or wait until it’s bright out. I don’t live in the best area of my city (yay for student budgets) so I’d rather not take my chances.
We don’t have much of any wildlife around us, and I still hate running in the dark so I totally know your feeling. Our neighborhood is pretty dark with minimal lighting as well, and it just creeps me out. I like to know what’s around me!
I prefer to run at night once I’ve finished all if my obligation and it’s cooled down a bit for the day. The Louisiana heat is usually brutal the rest of the day for a born and raised New Englander. I usually text a friend to let them know when I’m leaving and shoot them another text when I get back to my apartment. I also use my iPhone as my iPod so I always have my phone with me which is a huge comfort.
I used to and then a child was abducted in the area (this time last year) and I haven’t been out running in the dark since! I like working out first thing to; I’m usually the first at my gym!
I run in the dark from time to time. I’ve been more creeped out lately, so I’ve been taking it to the treadmill instead. I have no idea why I’m more freaked out about it than I used to be, but in case it’s a sign, I’ve been extra cautious!
I hateeeeeeeee running in the dark! Gosh I even hate driving in the dark! I guess I’m just scared of the dark, haha! No but seriously I find it quite dangerous to run in the dark for various reasons: Animals, danger of tripping over something, predator etc..Unless I’m with a lot of people, running in the dark is not happening!
I sometimes get nervous running/walking in the dark as my neighborhood is also poorly lit. I’m more nervous about human predators than animals but having my dog (a 70 lb boxer) with me makes me feel safer. He is my living pepper spray 🙂 (although he would be more likely to lick someone than anything!).
I never exercise outside in my neighborhood, even during the day. I feel unsettled when strangers honk their horns at me or cat call. I choose to drive about two miles to a paved trail that is for public use to walk/run/bike and is lined with beautiful greenery. Otherwise I stick with the gym day or night, there I can focus and workout in peace.
I never run outside in the dark either. Even though I feel safe in our neighborhood, it would just be too easy for something terrible to happen.
Sadie is too cute. Jax does funny poses and faces too 🙂 I am excited when he gets a little older when I can actually start to run with him! I am not a fan of running in the dark either.
I’m a C&C kinda gal personally. But I don’t run during sunset around here. We have a mountain lion that frequents the field behind our house. He is usually seen around dusk so I just stay inside. Morning runs are only ruined by skunks. They are thick out here as well. And that’s just not worth it to me!!
I never, ever run outside in the dark, and the only thing that would change that would be a huge group of running buddies. I don’t like running without a lot of people around period, regardless of the light situation, so running in the dark does not appeal to me whatsoever.
They make bear mace, but it’s way to big to carry while running, lol. Did you ever test or use the runner’s mace you posted? I’ve been thinking of getting this mainly for the random unleashed vicious dog or person. I want it to be safe, but effective. I’m afraid 1) it’d be to awkward to carry/use while running or 2) it’d malfunction on me or 3) the predator would have to be so close for it to work. I love running outside, but it is a scary thought.
I used to run outside all the time in the dark at my parent’s house, because they live in a secluded neighborhood in the middle of nowhere. Now that I’m new to the area we just moved to, I’m still a little hesitant. If we lived downtown I would feel more comfortable.
I live on the PA/NJ border…we have coyotes as well- i saw one in my back yard a few months ago. I bought a nice runners headlamp; however, i still feel uneasy about early morning running when there is no traffic or people around-especially in the dark!
I actually am a morning runner and lately that means I’m running in the dark! Although I’m in a pretty safe area, it’s not always well-lit and I’m considering getting a reflective belt for some extra visibility.
I live in Ocala and routinely run before 6AM without issues. I wear a headlamp and never ever wear headphones. I also wear bright clothing and carry mace. I think the trick to avoiding some of the “scary” wildlife is to run along some of the main roads (Baseline, 40, 17th St/Maricamp, 31st Ave) which luckily all also have sidewalks. You could string them together to make a nice long training loop too by including 36th and 25th into the mix.
I run in the dark and every time i set out for the run I always question why I do this too my self. By the time I get home it is light out, but now that it is winter I am sticking to the treadmill.
I walk, not run. However, I do it around 6am, way before sunrise. While I don’t have to worry about bears, I do often worry about cars, and “bad people”. Robin went for a walk the other day and some guy followed her for a block and a half talking to her. Scary when a year ago, a woman was found in the trunk of a car, abducted from her front yard. It’s important to take every precaution possible when being out, alone. I hate to sound like an old man, but you never can be too careful.
I had my first dose of running in the dark in a Ragnar Relay last year. I loved it and afterward bought knuckle lights and some additional reflective gear to use. I’ve been running in the dark a lot lately because I’m gym/treadmill-less and can only fit in time for my marathon training after work. I have a hat with lights built in, reflective vest, flashing light for the rear and those knuckle lights which work great – and I don’t listen to music. I run mostly the same route so I’m not concerned about wildlife, but occasionally get spooked by a squirrel or something. During Ragnar a few weeks ago I was worried about bears along the route but in my long night-time run I had one of my teammates run along with me so that helped.
It’s a bit scary in my quartier here in France and my lecture times mean it is hard to go during the day. If I go in the evenings, I drag out one of my flatmates and we can have a lovely chat as well as it being safer than one of us going for a run alone.
I actually run with a taser if I am out before the sun!
Can’t say I’ve ever run quite that early. I was running really early in the summer, but it was light out at 6 am where I live. If I ran that early this time of year, though, it would be dark. It’s funny you mention bears and panthers. When I lived in Colorado, that was definitely something to worry about too. The other day I ran across a snake on my run – literally ran over it – and it scared the crap out of me. Needless to say, I was running on a lot of adrenaline after that! Glad to know you keep really safe during your runs.
I generally try to be at the gym at 5 am and will run on the treadmill, because I also like to get my workouts done early and I have a little bit of a commute to work. I do not feel safe in the town I live in and wish I did! A girl was recently abducted from here and one of my clients daughters had something horrible happen to her while running at 530 am. Soooo I am scared of the creeps out there in this world and decide to stick to the treadmills that always stop at 30 minutes (for real… I wish they stopped at 60 minutes).
I do have a dog….a half pitbull half lab actually but she seems to use all of her energy up during the beginning of the runs and then lays on the ground wherever we are when she is tired haha. Mace is a good idea!
I go through phases where running in the dark bothers me—it probably coincides with when I’m watching too many crime TV shows! Sometimes I think running when I’m creeped out helps though. I usually run faster and don’t stop for breaks so I can get home safely. 🙂
It is too funny that you mention a bear bell!! My mom lives in the country in Wisconsin and she carries one with her every time she goes on her walks. She has used it a couple times!
I don’t blame you for not wanting to run in the dark! I live in a nice community in San Diego and I don’t mind running in the dark (it is really well lit), HOWEVER this morning on my way home from the gym I saw a little pack of coyotes…hmmmm now I may think about running before dawn!!
I braved my first early morning run this morning. I like to run on a paved trail that is up off the road so I am always nervous that something could happen and no one will see me. I bought a headlamp to light the path and the area around me, it worked great and didn’t bother me at all, like i thought it might. I ran without music to keep more aware of my surroundings. I was also happy to see lots of other runners, biker, and walkers out there in the dark with me. I thought I was the only crazy person who was up that early!
I grew up in Wyoming and now live in Montana. I can commiserate with both the dark and wildlife effecting when I choose to run outside. I live in a fairly urban area now (as far as Montana goes) but when I visit my parents back in Wyoming things ranging from wolves (seriously), bears (rumored grizzly a few miles from their tiny mountain town), mountain lions, and moose are all things to look out for. Scary.
Omg panthers are my biggest animal fear, it’s all because of a Laura Ingles Wilder book I read when I was younger! And I ran once at 5:15am in Sept here in Chicago and I was so creeped out, but by people, not wildlife!