training for night racing hours?

[SportiGrl]

where do you do this? (trails here are in parks that close at dusk ... bandit much?)


do you run alone, with a partner or only in a bigger group for these excursions?


how often do you try and get a night run in in prep for a race that will have some night running within it?

what is your favorite gear for this?


thanks!

[nickc]

I run in the city parks here in Seattle or more rugged trails in the foothills of the cascades. I did a few night runs to prepare for a 100 miler. I trail run alone in the day all the time but don't think I would go alone at night. Last time we were out night running we had a very close encounter with a black bear. We spent the rest of the run seeing how close we could run together and not trip over each other.
Once you know your lights are sufficient I don't there is much training benefit from night running. The increased risk of injury along with the required slower pace outweigh any benefit after a few sessions. Unless schedule mean that's the only time you can get a long run. I carry a Black Diamond Spot headlamp and a super small Black Diamond Ion as a back up. Handhelds work better for really rough trails to get better detail or when its cold and your breath get lit up by a head lamp.

[cgerber]

I do a lot of my training at night, on trails, probably 1-3 days a week. Thankfully, most of the trails around Boulder are open 24x7. I think it helps a *lot* when it comes race time. We probably do 6-12 all-night runs every year, just for fun. Makes the witching hours of the races fun instead of so painful.

I nearly always run with a friend at night, because of mountain lions.

Handheld lights work best for me. Allows more contrast w/ obstacles on the ground. The Fenix lights are amazing.