Stay Safe, Stay Seen, Keep Running
As the lighter evenings disappear and winter approaches, many of our runs at Sleaford Striders will take place in darkness. Add colder temperatures, wet roads, slippery pavements and the occasional icy patch, and winter running brings a few extra challenges.
That doesn’t mean we need to hang up our running shoes until spring. With a little preparation and common sense, winter can actually be one of the most enjoyable times of the year to run.
Be Seen – Not Just Visible
When running after dark, being able to see where you’re going is important, but making sure other road users can see you is equally important.
Wear bright or high-visibility clothing, ideally with reflective sections. A head torch or chest light is also highly recommended, particularly on poorly lit roads and paths.
Don’t assume that because you can see a vehicle, the driver can see you. Dark running clothing can make a runner incredibly difficult to spot at night.
Lights and reflective clothing aren’t about looking fashionable – they’re about getting home safely.
Take Extra Care Underfoot
Winter pavements can be unpredictable. Wet leaves, mud, puddles, frost and ice can all turn an otherwise familiar route into a potential hazard.
Slow down when necessary and pay particular attention when approaching corners, kerbs, bridges and shaded areas where ice may linger.
Remember, there’s no prize for maintaining your normal pace when the conditions aren’t suitable. Sometimes the sensible option is simply to slow down.
Don’t Let Your Watch Make the Decisions
We all like a good run on Strava, but winter isn’t always the time to chase personal bests.
If the conditions are poor, adjust your pace accordingly. A slower run is far better than several weeks without running because of an avoidable fall or injury.
Your watch won’t mind. We promise.
Dress for the Conditions
It can be tempting to pile on the layers before heading outside, but remember that you’ll warm up quickly once you start running.
Lightweight layers are usually better than one heavy layer, while gloves and a hat can make a surprisingly big difference on colder evenings.
In wet weather, a lightweight running jacket can help keep the worst of the wind and rain off without causing you to overheat.
Running on Roads
Where possible, use pavements and well-lit routes. If you do need to run on a road without a pavement, take particular care and follow the Highway Code guidance for pedestrians.
Avoid suddenly crossing roads, and never assume a driver has seen you.
When running as a group, try not to spread across pavements or roads. Leave enough space for other pedestrians and road users to pass safely.
Headphones and Awareness
Music and podcasts can make a run more enjoyable, but being aware of what’s happening around you becomes even more important in darkness.
If you’re wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough to hear approaching traffic, cyclists and other people.
Better still, consider leaving the headphones at home when running somewhere particularly dark or busy.
Running Alone
If you’re heading out by yourself, particularly in the evening, let somebody know roughly where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Taking a charged mobile phone is also sensible.
Try to choose familiar, reasonably well-lit routes and trust your instincts. If somewhere doesn’t feel right, change your route.
A few extra minutes isn’t worth taking an unnecessary risk.
Check the Weather Before You Leave
Winter weather can change quickly.
Check the forecast before heading out, particularly when temperatures are close to freezing. Ice isn’t always obvious, especially black ice on roads and pavements.
If conditions become genuinely unsafe, there’s nothing wrong with changing your session, using a treadmill or simply taking a rest day.
There will always be another run.
Look Out for Each Other
One of the biggest benefits of belonging to a running club is that we don’t have to run alone.
During club runs, keep an eye on the people around you. If someone is struggling, has fallen behind or has taken a tumble, make sure they’re okay.
Running ability doesn’t matter when it comes to safety – we look after one another.
Enjoy Winter Running
Winter running isn’t all cold fingers and dark evenings.
There is something special about pulling on your trainers when it’s cold outside, getting a few miles done with friends and returning home knowing you made the effort when staying on the sofa would have been much easier.
So grab the hi-vis, charge the lights, watch your footing and embrace those winter miles.
Stay safe. Stay seen. Look after each other. And most importantly, enjoy your running.
Sleaford Striders AC
