running after dark

From Fearful to Fearless: My Journey Into Night Running + Essential Safety Gear

I remember feeling envious of people who ran at night. The quiet streets, the stillness, the feeling of having the world to yourself, man it always sounded so dreamy. But I also had a very real fear of running alone in the dark. As a female runner, the ability to let my mind wander while still staying on guard felt almost impossible.

For a long time, I let that fear dictate my routine. I preferred running when it was bright, hot, and sunny. When the sun went down, I’d retreat to the garage and hop on the treadmill. I hate that thing. Truly. But then, oddly enough, I learned to love it. And that’s when it hit me: if I could learn to love the treadmill, maybe..just maybe.. I could do the same with night running.

When Nathan Sports sent me some night-running gear, I honestly giggled to myself. I wasn’t classified as a night runner… yet. I figured the headlamp and the light-up vest would sit in a drawer, untouched. But one day I charged them up, put everything on, and stepped outside.

It was uncomfortable. I hated it. It felt exactly like those first miserable treadmill runs. But I did it anyway. And then I did it again. And again.

At first, I ran with pepper spray clutched in my hand, every muscle tense, every rustle making me jump. I was ready to react to anything in mama bear mode. But slowly (almost without noticing) I began to shift. It wasn’t the gear that changed my runs. It was my perspective.

My confidence grew. My awareness sharpened. I started feeling empowered rather than scared. Prepared rather than paranoid. Capable rather than fragile.

This post is my way of sharing what helped me build that confidence—just in case you’re standing right where I used to be.

Visibility is KEY!

A bright, comfortable headlamp helps you see the road, uneven pavement, potholes, and wildlife and makes you more visible to drivers. Additionally, a reflective vest or LED vest keeps cars aware of you from a distance. The moving light helps drivers recognize “runner” instead of “random dark blob.”

Why I love it:
✓ Lightweight
✓ Rechargeable
✓ Wide beam
✓ Adjustable brightness

Headlamps options: get started with Black Diamonds Astro 300 headlamp for $24 or check out Nathans Luna Fire 250 Chest/ Waist Light which can clip onto anything for $50

Run PREPARED, not SCARED.

I carry POM pepper spray in an easy-to-grab spot. Not because I expect danger, but because being prepared lets me relax and enjoy the run.

Why I recommend it:
✓ Compact
✓ Quick-spray design
✓ Comfortable grip
✓ Peace of mind

One of the biggest confidence builders for night running is choosing routes your body and brain already know by heart. When you're running somewhere familiar, there’s less “unknown” for your mind to obsess over.

At night, your senses naturally heighten.. you’re listening harder, scanning more, trying to interpret shapes in the dark. If your brain also has to map out a new route, that’s when the anxiety ramps up.

But running a loop you’ve done dozens of times in daylight creates a kind of muscle memory that lets your body guide you without overthinking.

Familiarity brings comfort. Comfort brings confidence :)