Running in the Dark

 I headed out for a run this morning at my usual time - 5:30am. I haven't run for several days so I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I was dressed in my new Under Armour long sleeve top, new C9 capri pants and sports bra that I picked up at Target over the weekend and new Adidas socks with my semi-new Brooks shoes. (I don't think I'm the only one who can find a little extra motivation in new running gear)

It was a little chilly this morning but not bad. Definitely dark though. I started out with plans to do 4 miles but took a few different turns than usual to go down different streets and then went a bit farther, to Fulton, and turned back so I think I went between 4.25 and 4.5 miles. I have a Polar watch but not one with GPS. When I was training for the marathon I was running in Central Park for the most part and didn't really need GPS. Now though, I can definitely see how it could be helpful although I've heard that people often have trouble getting a signal in the city. Anyway... tons of people out on Wall Street when I started my run. Mostly working or on the way to work. Right when I started running I knew it would be a good one. My legs didn't hurt at all, they felt light actually, and my foot was just a tiny bit tight but not bad at all. I really concentrated on shortening my stride and hitting mid-foot.

I didn't see as many runners out this morning as I had thought I would, but for most of my run I wasn't lonely. Just in Battery Park where I only saw one person. The days are really getting shorter now. When I first started running down here in August I would see the sun starting to rise when I was on the Battery Park City Promenade and going by the Statue of Liberty - probably about 1.5miles into my run. Remember this picture? (it's actually a little darker than reality)

This morning, the darkness was just starting to fade away as I finished my run. I much prefer running with the sunrise. Other than my white cap, I was wearing dark clothing and during my run it occurred to me that I might want to wear tops with reflective strips or something so that I stand out a little in the darkness. Most of my route is on city streets or under street lamps, but it would still be a safe idea. I think more people think about things like this when running at night in the dark rather than in the morning, but really, there's no difference. If it's dark, it's dark!

I was able to sprint to my finish line this morning and felt great. I don't know my pace since I don't know the exact length of my run, but I do think it was one of my faster training runs since my injury, which is fantastic. Last night I registered for the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff race in Central Park on October 31st. The race is always a week before the NYC Marathon to start getting people excited (not like we aren't anyway!). I've run the race a few times before and really like it. There's a buzz of excitement in the air that's palpable. The race is almost at capacity so I had to sign up before I lost my chance. It's 5 miles and I hope to pick up my speed a little for this one so I'll be pushing myself a bit over the next few weeks!

Okay, if you're in NYC today I hope you'll join the NYRR Young Professionals Committee for a quick 3 mile fun run and happy hour tonight. I know, it might rain, but hopefully it'll just be light rain and then you can enjoy a nice margarita or beer and maybe a taco or two at Mary Ann's. We're meeting at 6:40 at Chambers and the West Side Highway (under the underpass on the west side) and April will lead the run along the Hudson River. For $10 you get the run, extended happy hour specials, and a gift bag filled with goodies from Lululemon, Gu, Sigis Icelandic Yogurt, Justin's Nut Butter, Urban Athletics, and more! Plus, all of the ticket price goes to support the NYRR Youth Programs! Hope to see you there!

Do you wear reflective gear when you run at night or before the sun rises?
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today's workout -
~4.25mile run
3x10 squats with 6lb medicine ball
2x35sec planks
stretching