FairyNuff

I think the most important single piece of advice I've ever been given before an event (I was told it for cycling events but it applies to running too) is to not do anything different. Eat what you would normally eat on a day that you do a run, drink the same things at the same time you would normally drink when you do a run, wear the same shoes and same clothes that you are used to running in. Basically the idea is that if you start eating/drinking/wearing something different it a) might upset your body and give you an upset tummy, make you need need the toilet mid-race or cause chaffing/blisters but also b ) psychologically you have been doing the same thing each time you run and have been running well, so if you change something you could end up with a mental block e.g. new running shoes, you might start to worry that they are rubbing and slow your pace.

Hi Kelly, thanks for the advice. Fortunately where I live the wildest animal I am likely to encounter is a bat, but my route is mostly lit. I am also easily scared in the dark and it is the bits between the streetlights which frighten me! I do other workouts during the week to - kickboxing, dance, cycling and weights, so hopefully as you say I will be ok running twice at the weekend.

I'm on Week 4 of C25K now and really getting into the swing of it - I try and spread my runs throughout the week after work, then do an extra run at the weekend, usually involving plenty of uphill, so I know I'm ready for the next week before I move on. However, it is getting dark earlier and earlier in the evenings now, and is barely light in the mornings before work, and I know that in a week or so it will be properly dark before I leave for work and before I get back. As a female runner safety is my priority so I am looking for suggestions on keeping safe whilst out running. I already tell people when I'm going, my route and when I'll be back, and carry a panic alarm. I also wear a flashing LED band and reflective clothing so traffic can see me. What else can I do to keep safe when running during the week? Failing that I would have to limit myself to running at the weekend - which means fitting three runs into two days - is this a good idea? Would I be risking injury, or slowing my progress? All suggestions gratefully received!