I live in the country (no pavements) and have lost motivation since the clocks changed. Should I buy a head torch and run in the dark or drive to lit streets in York?

Has anyone any experience of a Polar F55 Gym Buddy? Seems a lot of money to spend . . . would welcome comments/suggestions.
As I run alone I thought it might help to keep me motivated.

This is my problem too - I worry about running around in the dark, being prey to baddies hiding behind trees, that sort of thing... Guess it's time to sign up for a gym again - eugh.

Maybe you could join a running club instead of a gym.
It's much cheaper and not all running clubs are competitive. They usually have a good social side and can help enormously with kit advice, diet, injuries and especially motivation at this time of year.If you are lucky you might even get members discounts at the local sportshops. If you are not sure what clubs are out there just ask at your nearest local running sports shop. My personal recommendation for anyone living in or near London is Dulwich Runners. I am not a member but they always make guest visitors feel very welcome

Serena, I know just how you feel - driving to town to run alone feels rather sad - and possibly just as dangerous. I run with my club one or two nights a week, but I nearly always have one night - like tonight when I want to run but can't. I've mulled over running in my lunch hour, but this is very short and we have no showers. I think I might take to swimming for a while

Thanks for those suggestions; you've spurred me on to pick up the phone and find out which club would suit my beginner's level.

Hi Serena - it doesn't overly bother me running in the dark, but then I live in a suburban area. I am a member of a lovely running club, which runs on Thursdays. However, not only do you get to run with the club, but you might find others to run with on other nights too - there are various little "sub-groups" that get together at various times in the week too.

I am also lucky in that I get a 2 hour lunch break twice a week, and I live 5 mins from work, so I can fit in a 5-6 mile run in the daytime which is much nicer in the winter.

I wouldn't run along country roads alone, but as long as you are sensible round town roads I don't think we should be beaten indoors by fear - usual safety rules apply, no headphones, tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back, keep to well lit busy paths away from dark corners, bushes, alleyways etc - and look confident!

I agree. Go where it is lit and wear light reflective clothing.

When I lived in town, I would run without issues in the streetlight, but in the depths of Sussex, with no streelights, no way would I risk myself against the traffic haring around the lanes. Evenings are now for other things, an exercise DVD or the pool. A running club would be good, but am not brave enough for that! I can't bear running on a treadmill, so wouldn't head for a gym for that reason. I hope you find something that works for you Serena.

After your great time in the South Run I am sure you would be fine at a running club Julia!

Neither Serena! I think the others are right - time for something different in the winter.

I walked to a rehearsal tonight - in town withy streetlights, but even so, I could barely see the holes in the pavement and had to go carefully in case I tripped over something. Apart from anything else, you'd risk injuring yourself, unless the pavements in York are particularly well-maintained!

Hmmmmm.... Not convinced. But it does take me about 6 months to work up to overcoming major challenges (like learning to swim), so perhaps I'll park that one for 2009!

HI Serena
How about trying to do runs at the weekends and doing something else during the week. Or planning a route which is lit. I found running in the dark not my thing when I joined the running club but I read recently that it affects your periferal vision and mine is not great anyway. Like you I was scared to run the first time at night with the club I did a trial with but will go back to the Club next spring. I think I am a solo runner so like my own company. I was so scared if you look back on the runnerbean thread you will find the post that I had to finish so as not to look bad infront of the other runners all of whom were older than me. They were all very encouraging and helpful so give it a go if you can find a beginners club.

Julia
I so agree with you as a solo runner that you should do what works for you. I think you have set and met losts of challenges so far.

Hi Julia, It was reading your feature in last Saturday's Times that got me off the "will start again next week" syndrome! It really spurred me on. However have been in touch with a running club, they can accommodate my poor level, but I'm scared to go along! Much prefer running on my own. Can you recommend any music to help my rhythm as I run and try to extend my time? It's the first time I've tried this forum and it is already helping my resolve!

Hi Fiona,
that's exactly why I'm not keen on running in the dark - it's only the fear of tripping over dead rabbits/clods of mud/in the road that puts me off!

Julia
I cannot believe you are not a Brave person!!



I agree there with you Pippa, I like to run alone because I Like to listen to music and think about things etc. (It's my time)

Carol

Serena, I am truly touched. We've had a couple of threads about music we listen to to keep us going.... Will try and post a link. I thought there was another one with tracks etc, but I may have been dreaming that one! Jonathan Ross on Radio 2 the other week (before he was banned) was talking about IGenius, or something like that, with in the ITunes suite, that will create a playlist to match the beat of a track you start with - which sounds awesome as an exercise tool. Haven't actually made the time to investigate..

One about motivational music (I was inspired by the Olympics)...

http://www.timeshealth.co.uk/93_1194_0.html#msg288 56

One about sound or silence...

http://www.timeshealth.co.uk/17_1300_0.html#msg345 09

Carol, am brave at some things, but also have a deep fear of humiliation (which you can only really experience in public), so it's easier not to go there, if that makes sense? In regard of sports, I have a lot of deep-seated negative messages (from school) that I still need to unpick, and improving solo is just fine for me at the moment...

Julia
I really identify with you on the school neg messages. I was always picked last for teams and not good at anything despite trying really hard. I can play tennis reasonably though having been taught by good teachers but I guess I am not really competitive. Like Carol running goes me a time out from the family and can let my mind work on stuff or just chill.