When the clocks turn back, women across the UK have to grapple with what it means to stay active and safe when the seasons change, with many runners reporting changing habits as the days get shorter.
From avoiding solo runs and joining running clubs to taking extra measures to feel safe, running in the winter periods has become a challenge.
Research done by Sport England showed that almost 72% of women in the UK said that they change their outdoor activity routines during winter, either avoiding certain areas, taking well-lit routes, or ensuring additional safety checks.
Katie McCullagh, 24, from London spoke about the shift in motivation when considering running in the evening, she said: “There’s an extra mental step… you think, is it too late? Is this route safe?”
McCullagh explained she often begins a run thinking ‘this will be nice route’ and ending it by feeling she’ll ‘be glad once it’s done’.
Safety is the main concern for many women and the darker evenings bring extra considerations before heading out.
McCullagh said she always shares her location before running and sometimes dresses in a way that feels less noticeable.
She added: “If I’m not feeling super safe, I’ll wear a hood or baggier clothes.”
For many, running after work is an essential way to unwind and clear their head; but for McCullagh and many others, the seasonal shift has meant giving up preferred evening runs.
McCullagh said: “I prefer an evening run after work — it’s a bit tricky now though — I’ve not really been running during the week since it’s gotten dark.”
Like many women, she has had to adjust her schedule, often waiting to ‘run with friends’ or going out with a group to feel safer.
In Guildford, Estella Gettins, 23, said she has also struggled to stay motivated.
Gettins said: “It is definitely harder — it’s not nice running in the dark”.
“I haven’t really tried going on a run in the dark by myself, I’m kind of scared to.”
To stay active, she joined SheStrides, a women’s running club that also provides safety gear such as light-up scrunchies and high-visibility vests for women’s safety.
Gettins said running in a group has helped her feel safer and stay consistent which has helped with motivation, and has worn lighter coloured clothing that will make her more visible to drivers and other road users.
Both women highlight that when the clocks change, recreational running becomes a mental exercise as much as a physical one, if you are a woman.
Featured image credit – Pixabay
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