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Top 5 Tips for Running at Night + Bonus Night-Time Race Checklist!

June 14, 2016 Michelle Homan 24 Comments

This week was the official start of the New York State Parks Summer Run Series, a series of 8 races all around some of Long Island’s best parks and beaches. It’s a great time to not only see what Long Island has to offer, but veteran runners keep coming back for the supportive, positive atmosphere, and post-race party. Runners close out summer nights with a beer, BBQ, music, tents, laughs, and good times all around! 

Photo Jun 14, 9 28 33 AM

One year there was a whisper of the state possibly doing away with it. I started a Facebook group to support it, and at almost 2,000 members strong, the New York State Summer (and winter!) Run Series continues to grow. {high five!}

 Back to summer nights…

 Each race starts at 7pm on Monday nights putting many people in the predicament of either coming right from work, or rushing to get there after a long day. Not the ideal pre-race prep.

5 Tips for a successful night-time race

I’ve been participating in the summer run series for about 10 years now, and I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes. If you want to get the most out of your night-time race, keep these tips in mind:

Top 5 Tips for Running at Night + Bonus Night-Time Race Checklist! #sweatpink #runchat

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1- Plan Meals

Hopefully you’re planning meals already, but even so, plan according to what time the race starts and what your stomach can handle. You may want to eat the bulk of your calories earlier in the day, and focus on foods that are easier to digest as the day progresses. I’ve personally found that 2 hours before the race is when I need to be done eating meals and go into race prep mode.

 2- Hydrate

 Pay extra attention to hydrating on race days–especially because summer nights can be notoriously hot and humid. Have a hydration goal, and just like eating, keep an eye on the clock.

 3- Watch the Clock

Ok, so I’ve already mentioned this in the above 2 tips, but it’s that big. The clock can easily get away from you while you’re being a busy bee at work. Eating too much, or not eating at all, throughout the day can be a recipe for disaster and really put a damper on what is supposed to be a good time. Successfully running at night really is contingent on eating and hydrating according to your time schedule.

4- Be Organized

If the race starts at 7, you might need to be there by 6, meaning you probably need to leave at 5:30–don’t put yourself in a position to be rushing around after work. Have everything laid out, or have a bag packed, so you are ready for a quick change that leaves no room for error. Getting to the race and realizing you forgot your bib, or other essential item is super stressful and unnecessary. Having it all organized ahead of time can make for a smooth transition from your day job to night-time super runner.

5- Don’t forget post-race recovery

I mentioned how this series is famous for beer and BBQs. They also have an amazing snack line. But by now it’s almost 8:00 at night, you’re starving, and by the time you get home, it may be around 9. Have a plan for refueling immediately after the race and don’t necessarily depend on what the race provides. One year they had great protein bars that fit right in with my nutritional needs, but one year it was just chips and other disappointing snacks! Have your favorite recovery option stashed in your car so you can recover right and feel strong the next day.

 Bob's Red Mill Fuel Your Awesomeness

 I am loving Bob’s Red Mill Chai Protein Powder with just plain water, so I keep a scoop in my shaker ready to go!

Click here to download a printable Night-Time Race Checklist and be sure you are race ready after a long day!

Night-Time Running Essential Checklist

Have you ever raced at night?

What was your biggest challenge?


Wild Workout WednesdayWelcome to our Wild Workout Wednesday link up! Each week I link up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub, and Nicole at Fitful Focus to bring you workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try. Join us for a wild workout each week by reading along or grab the button and link up if you have a fitness or healthy living post to share!

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Comments

  1. Annmarie says

    June 15, 2016 at 5:50 am

    Absolutely LOVE the checklist! I am ALWAYS forgetting something and having a list like this would be perfect!
    Annmarie recently posted…10 Minute Ultimate Sandbag Core Workout For RunnersMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:37 pm

      Seriously…especially after a long day!!

      Reply
  2. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    June 15, 2016 at 6:28 am

    I might be having my first night race later this summer, so this is perfect! I’m currently trying not to think about the fact that I am going to be running a half marathon after eating all day….

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Yikes! Can’t wait to hear about the run and the prep!

      Reply
  3. Mary Beth Jackson says

    June 15, 2016 at 7:00 am

    I do not run many night runs but this sounds like a great summer series! The food timing is the hardest for me when you switch from a 7am to 7pm start time. Good luck with the series!
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Join Me for the ZOOMA Summer ChallengeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Thanks! Food timing is hard enough in the morning, never-mind evening!

      Reply
  4. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    June 15, 2016 at 7:24 am

    I’m not a nighttime runner–I really struggle unless I run in the morning. Great tips!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Sh** or Get Off of the PortapottyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      I do too…that’s why I need so much preparation for it!!

      Reply
  5. Eliannah says

    June 15, 2016 at 7:50 am

    Love the list! Adjusting your eating schedule to your race makes so much sense. I also need to try the protein mix you mentioned, sounds delicious! I really want to sign up for a night run, since my sister had so much fun at one recently. I’ll keep these tips in mind!
    Eliannah recently posted…Grip Training WorkoutMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks!! Yes, the Bob’s Red Mill is great! Hope you found my giveaway!

      Reply
  6. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    June 15, 2016 at 8:01 am

    I don’t do too many night runs but I do love to do the summer Adventure runs at road runner sports. Great tips! Thanks for the link up
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Skirting Around Boulder-Skirt Sports RetreatMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Thanks! Night-time is not the ideal time to run for most, but summer nights are different I suppose!

      Reply
  7. Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says

    June 15, 2016 at 8:09 am

    Great points for runners here and who doesn’t need a checklist!?!? Nice post idea! Sharing!

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:33 pm

      Thanks! I love checking things off lists!

      Reply
  8. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    June 15, 2016 at 9:12 am

    Nighttime running is definitely more tricky but it sounds like a great series. That’s a great checklist too, I always fear I will forget stuff when I go to a run or race.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Tips for Healthy Living on a Busy ScheduleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      It totally takes up my whole day, but it could be disastrous if you don’t plan for it!

      Reply
  9. lindsey @livinglovingrunner says

    June 15, 2016 at 10:15 am

    I wish that our local running company had a summer series in town! I have read and seen friends running a series over the summer, 1 run a week or something. I think that would be a great way to connect with other runners in a big way!
    lindsey @livinglovingrunner recently posted…lazy day + Thomas | Weekend HappeningsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      I am very lucky to have a strong, lively local running community!

      Reply
  10. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    June 15, 2016 at 10:35 am

    I need to look into this race series! So awesome! Great tips, too.
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…New York Mini 10K Race RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 10:36 am

      Thanks!! It’s all Long Island parks and beaches…farthest west it goes is Jones Beach!

      Reply
  11. Rachel says

    June 15, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    What a cool series of races!

    I ran one race at night and I totally underestimated the fueling thing… gah! I learned my lesson, that’s for sure. 🙂
    Rachel recently posted…Six Things That Make Runners Nervous Before a Training CycleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 15, 2016 at 2:26 pm

      It’s pretty challenging even when you do plan for it!

      Reply
  12. jill conyers says

    June 16, 2016 at 9:00 am

    Great tips Michelle. I like nighttime races but they always seem to throw me off mentally. Just a little. It’s the morning person in me.
    jill conyers recently posted…5 Easy Tips for Smart and Sustainable FitnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      June 16, 2016 at 11:11 am

      Same here! Hence, all the tips!!

      Reply

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