I know. We've only just passed the longest days of summer, so why would you want to think about running in the dark? Well, for one thing, we're only just over half way through the club calendar, which runs up to late October. By then the regular Monday runs will be finishing in the dark and you wouldn't want to miss those. For those working regular daytime hours, it's also useful to extend your own running season rather than trying to squeeze it into weekends.

For what it's worth, I also enjoy running in the dark. It gives an added complexion to trails I'm perhaps too familiar with, there's often a surprising amount of wildlife to be seen, the trails can be quieter, the sky can look amazing with bright stars and/or the moon and there's something quite "naughty" about it - a feeling that you are escaping from convention a bit. As someone who has regularly walked and cycled in the dark, running was a logical thing to do. One of the runs I enjoyed most last year was being out with the group up Beinn Ghuilbin ("Kettle Hill") and looking down on the lights of Aviemore in the distance.

The only additional equipment required is a basic headtorch, though some added reflective clothing or bands of some sort can be useful if heading near roads. If out with a group, it can help not to have too feeble a light lest it be swamped by others, and it also helps if the group spreads out a little so you can avoid running in the shadow cast by the light of the person behind you.

Last year, someone at the club was using a chest torch so I tried one of those too. It takes a little getting used to - not being able to see anything while looking to the side for instance - but seems a bit more stable, doesn't suffer from the "car headlights in fog" visibility problems if it's raining, feels more comfortable to wear and also has the advantage of not blinding your fellow runners when you stop to chat and inadvertently look at them. The one I bought also has a red light on the rear for added safety - or to help folk spot me when I land flat on my face.

If you've not tried it at all, or even just want to try night running as a group, we might be able to arrange a little taster session before Autumn really takes hold and if anyone wants to chat about, or try, some torches, just get in touch.

Colin