Why are you walking/running late at night on dark roads?

[Anonymous]

Last night my kid had a late event which had me on some dark back roads around 10. These are roads with no shoulder, not very well lit, large puddles from the earlier rain, where it's hard to make out that there's even a pedestrian on the side of the road. Please explain to me why people go out in these conditions for, seemingly, exercise? I saw a walker with a headlamp, a guy running with some body lights, one guy was literally in the road on the white stripe with no lights. It seems so dangerous to me to do this--you can't see well and you can't be seen well by drivers. How is it worth it to go out so late?

[Anonymous]

They are obviously up to no good.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you saw them just fine?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you saw them just fine?

This. I go walking super early starting before sunrise. I do this because there are fewer people out walking, running and driving. I like having the neighborhood to myself. I wear reflective clothing, but no light. I've seen raccoons, deer, possums, bunnies and owls on my walks. I can hear and see cars long before they see me and I am perfectly safe, as are the exercisers you encountered. Now you know to look out for people when you are driving. That is basic learner's permit instructions.

[Anonymous]

If you work during the day, when else can you go for runs/walks but at night? Some jobs require long shifts (For example, some hospital nurses that work 12 hour shifts, police, etc)
If you are training for a long distance race, your training runs will take up hours of time, so some of them will end up being in the dark.

[Anonymous]

They need that runner's high.

[Anonymous]

they have a death wish

[Anonymous]

I’ll never understand this.

A lady in the next neighborhood runs in the road in pouring down rain. There’s a sidewalk. There’s poor visibility for drivers. No reflective gear or anything. I’ve learned to just look for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you work during the day, when else can you go for runs/walks but at night? Some jobs require long shifts (For example, some hospital nurses that work 12 hour shifts, police, etc)
If you are training for a long distance race, your training runs will take up hours of time, so some of them will end up being in the dark.

Treadmill.

Go to a gym.

Walk the track at a high school.

All can be done after dark.

[Anonymous]

It's fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are obviously up to no good.

Up to no good?....lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you work during the day, when else can you go for runs/walks but at night? Some jobs require long shifts (For example, some hospital nurses that work 12 hour shifts, police, etc)
If you are training for a long distance race, your training runs will take up hours of time, so some of them will end up being in the dark.

Treadmill.

Go to a gym.

Walk the track at a high school.

All can be done after dark.

Treadmills and gyms are a horrible substitute for running outside, especially if you've been stuck at a car and desk all day. And our local HS doesn't open the track for the public most of the time.

People should wear reflective clothes and not run in the middle of the road in the dark, obviously, but also...pay attention and don't run over people. The idea that people must not venture outdoors because the world is made for cars is really sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you work during the day, when else can you go for runs/walks but at night? Some jobs require long shifts (For example, some hospital nurses that work 12 hour shifts, police, etc)
If you are training for a long distance race, your training runs will take up hours of time, so some of them will end up being in the dark.

Treadmill.

Go to a gym.

Walk the track at a high school.

All can be done after dark.

You must be an indoor person?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you work during the day, when else can you go for runs/walks but at night? Some jobs require long shifts (For example, some hospital nurses that work 12 hour shifts, police, etc)
If you are training for a long distance race, your training runs will take up hours of time, so some of them will end up being in the dark.

Treadmill.

Go to a gym.

Walk the track at a high school.

All can be done after dark.

Treadmills and gyms are a horrible substitute for running outside, especially if you've been stuck at a car and desk all day. And our local HS doesn't open the track for the public most of the time.

People should wear reflective clothes and not run in the middle of the road in the dark, obviously, but also...pay attention and don't run over people. The idea that people must not venture outdoors because the world is made for cars is really sad.

Thank you for a real reply! I have a multiple year running streak (and almost every single run was outside). I'm more of a morning runner and always wear appropriate gear, but the idea that people can't go for a run outside is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

You can get reflective dayglo belts like safety patrol belts for a few bucks on Amazon. We wear them walking on trails to fend off bikes e bikes and motorized scooters that Arlington in its zeal to be car free lets on the trails.