Running during winter

Dick Darlington

Hi,

So what do people in Dublin do during the winter ? The Phoenix Park is practically pitch dark, those gas lights are useless and only are on the main stretch. Personally running on the streets is a pain in the ass, so whats an alternative ?

Running early in the morning ?

hunnymonster

It's dark in the mornings as well. When I lived in Dublin, I would do some running in the park (the lamps are enough to see by) and some in the gym. You could get a head torch as well for park running at night, I've been using one recently in preparation for some night races and I was surprised by how good they can be.

RoyMcC

Living in the city centre I found that, last winter, early morning running was the only sensible option. Evenings I found impossible with the volume of road and foot traffic.

Some on here will say that the Phoenix Park is runnable at night, though I've never tried that.

Otherwise I'll be using a floodlit track in the evenings (Irishtown) with the gym there as an alternative and keep Sunday as long run day.

shels4ever

For me it will be 2 early morning runs and 2 lunch time runs, then SAT and Sunday in the park. So all going well i'll keep up my progress..

T runner

Commuting by running is a good way to kill 2 birds in the winter if the logistics suit.

RacoonQueen

Evening runs along the roads, I've been going down to the grand canal via big roads and home again which is roughly 10 - 15 mile depending which bridge I turn back at/which roads I take. I actually really enjoy running in the dark. I really need some high-vis gear for running and cycling though.

daymobrew

T runner wrote: »

Commuting by running is a good way to kill 2 birds in the winter if the logistics suit.

I do this a lot on the way into work - get the train (Maynooth line) and get off at different stations to make a long or short run. For example, Broombridge is 4 miles from work, Drumcondra 2.5 miles (take a long route).

Once or twice before the adidas 10 mile race in August I got the train into work and ran the whole 9 miles home.

mikemac

RoyMcC wrote: »

Some on here will say that the Phoenix Park is runnable at night, though I've never tried that.

Done it and it isn't runnable.
The main road Chesterfield Avenue is. Plus there are cars going up and down the road and they don't bother dimming their lights leaving you dazzled.
But everywhere else and I'm most familiar with the Chapelizod gate area is pitch black.

Running Bing

micmclo wrote: »

Done it and it isn't runnable.
The main road Chesterfield Avenue is. Plus there are cars going up and down the road and they don't bother dimming their lights leaving you dazzled.
But everywhere else and I'm most familiar with the Chapelizod gate area is pitch black.

Just made a post on the marathon forum about this. Went for a run in the park last night..bright when I started but got dark quick...apart from the main straight the place is completely unrunnable at night and I would not advise it to anyone.

I wouldnt even run down the main straight because visibility is still bad and it would be very easy to trip or injure yourself.

Running Bing

daymobrew wrote: »

I do this a lot on the way into work - get the train (Maynooth line) and get off at different stations to make a long or short run. For example, Broombridge is 4 miles from work, Drumcondra 2.5 miles (take a long route).

Once or twice before the adidas 10 mile race in August I got the train into work and ran the whole 9 miles home.

How do you work showers though? Would you have a shower after your run before you start work?

daymobrew

Babybing wrote: »

How do you work showers though? Would you have a shower after your run before you start work?

Office has showers. I'm a sweaty mess when I arrive - couldn't do the run without a shower in the office.

Running Bing

daymobrew wrote: »

Office has showers. I'm a sweaty mess when I arrive - couldn't do the run without a shower in the office.

Thats handy actually. It definately makes sense running to and/or from work if you can manage it.

I find I actually get home quicker when I run (and I run like an arthitric 70 year old:P)

entropi

I went and done the full run through the park this evening (parkgate st to castleknock) it was fairly bright starting out at 7pm but was pretty dark by the time i got halfway through:( luckily i had a light source with me so i could warn others i was tearing down the path. Not recommended there without hi vis stuff or a lamp as mentioned. If possible do the run between 4:45 and 6 to keep some light on you.

Dick Darlington

So I guess unless you can go early then the park sucks. So the only alternative is the streets, ugh, hate running on the streets,just a mess of stopping, stepping round people etc

Also just not easy on the eyes either.

Where do people generally run in the city ?

The length of the quays etc ?

Also do people run early in the morning ? Think I might try this, what do I need to keep in mind ? I presume there's issues with warming up properly since you'd be just outa bed

hunnymonster

I don't like running the quays, I've had everything from eggs to bottles thrown at me along there.

thirtyfoot

Dick Darlington wrote: »

Where do people generally run in the city ?

Try the promenade in Clontarf its around 7k up and back. If thats too short and you do want to do two up and backs, you can be creative and do loops that go off the grass and onto the roads to add distance. There are lights the length of the grassy promenade and its well used by joggers and walkers and is a lovely run at night.

entropi

hunnymonster wrote: »

I don't like running the quays, I've had everything from eggs to bottles thrown at me along there.

Depends how far you go i would assume. I live overlooking the liffey myself, never seen any hassle towards joggers and i myself start out and finish my run on the quays. It's a good run during mornings/early evenings best to stay on the liffey side though INCASE you see some little idiots blocking your path

T runner

Dont rule out the park.
A couple of runners with headlamps would have plenty of light to run in the interior. You can even do off road loops through playing fields and 40 acres.
If a loop involves the main road run with the traffic to avoid most of the glare.
Have done a few runs on trails in the Dublin Hills at night with a group without problems.
Definately run in pairs/groups though: it may look more dangerous than it is at night but it is secluded.

bazman

All you need is a light (i.e. not heavy) headlamp like:
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=463
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=554

I have both - Myo XP is the biz and darkness is not an issue. Tikka is lighter and suitable for running around the Phoenix Park and similar. You'll find 10 or more people running over the mountains on Monday evenings (& others I sure) with headlamps, so don't see why running in winter should be an issue.

thirtyfoot

bazman wrote: »

All you need is a light (i.e. not heavy) headlamp like:
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=463
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=554

I have both - Myo XP is the biz and darkness is not an issue. Tikka is lighter and suitable for running around the Phoenix Park and similar. You'll find 10 or more people running over the mountains on Monday evenings (& others I sure) with headlamps, so don't see why running in winter should be an issue.

You'd want to be carefull running in parks after dark, headtorch or not, particularly solo. Its not good advice for most people.

Running Bing

Tingle wrote: »

You'd want to be carefull running in parks after dark, headtorch or not, particularly solo. Its not good advice for most people.

Yep the Phoenix Park certainly does not seem safe to me at Night.

I have come across a couple of real wierdos in their and if I wasnt a bloke I would've felt very intimidated. (Not to mention dodgy groups drinking, fella's on scramblers flying around and cars going north of a safe speed limit)

Not a place Id want to be when the lights go down.

hawkwing

Babybing wrote: »

Yep the Phoenix Park certainly does not seem safe to me at Night.

I have come across a couple of real wierdos in their and if I wasnt a bloke I would've felt very intimidated. (Not to mention dodgy groups drinking, fella's on scramblers flying around and cars going north of a safe speed limit)

Not a place Id want to be when the lights go down.

I ran from last October through to April in darkness in the park-- always between 1730 and 1900 alone and never met anything worse than the deer--opposite the Papal Cross around the pitches on the bike path.At least 3 nights per week, maybe it's safer at that time but to me it was 100% ok,(am a fella).Last Friday at 1300 was the most abuse i have received --from a couple of young fells shouting.

copacetic

I wouldn't run at night in the park, although up to 7 is probably fine. certain areas of the park are known for certain activities and the running routes around the edge go through a lot of those areas.

It would be safe enough to stick to the busy main areas though

T runner

Yep,

I brought it back up so definately safety first. I would not advise a female to run solo off the main road just to be safe.
Id recommend running in pairs/groups with one male runner at least and early evening is better.
Better to know the routes well too.
If you are safe and are not running into a vulnerable situation then with the headtorches, accidents like twisted ankles shouldnt be an issue and Bazmans tips for torches are undoubtedly good. But safety first as always.

Manone

My advice is that if you intend running a route in the dark get used to it during the day so that you are aware of any dodgy patches such as potholes etc.I have never run with a light, but never really found the need to once I knew the dangers.

Also never subjected to any serious abuse, usually they are left standing looking stupid if you ignore them.

Commuting though is the best solution if you have showers, as it is a great way to start the day and it encourages a good breakfast (porridge, my poison) to start the day off. Running with a backpack also has meant I've shed time by the bucketload over my last few races. I had real trouble dropping time up to that, although there are a few more buckets that I need to get rid of.:D

How Strange

IMO, and speaking as a woman, I wouldn't recommend running on any route other than the main avenue in the park when it's dark. I don't think it's safe and also considering the state of some of the roads and paths you could do yourself a serious injury.

Last year I ran up and down the main avenue which isn't ideal as it's long straight and therefore (IMO) boring and the lights of the on coming cars really dazzle you.

I currently run up the Grand Canal and highly recommend it. It gets a bit congested around Baggot St and Leeson St but further up it's fine, it's well lit and there's enough people around to make it safe. I always wear a hi vis jacket or vest so people can see me especially cyclists. I was amazed last year at how often I nearly ran straight into someone because I couldn't see them. People don't realise how invisible they are out at night.

For this winter, I'm going to run home 1 or 2 times a week and have a long run on a Saturday. That should keep me ticking over.

shels4ever

I ran there a few times last year at night but never did more then a 3-4 on the main road, didn't like it at all, Would always go to the north strand and run along there before the park at night