Running an ultra that pushes into—or straight through—the night is a whole different beast. It’s not just about distance anymore. It’s about preparing your body, brain and even your eyeballs for what happens when you’re hours deep, headlamp on and your body’s begging for a pillow. Here’s how to get ready to keep moving forward when all you can think of is logging Zzzzs.
Why night training matters
If you’ve never run at 3 a.m., you’re in for a surprise. Darkness messes with your depth perception, your pace judgment and your ability to stay awake, especially if the race comes after a full day on your feet. Practising this can help you stay mentally sharp and physically safe when the sleep monsters creep in.
Night running isn’t just about getting used to a headlamp. It also requires you to teach your body how to move when it’s low on energy and your brain is ready to shut down. A little exposure to this in training can make a huge difference on race day.
How to train safely in the dark
It’s important to log at least a few runs at night, but you don’t need to do your longest sessions in the pitch black. Instead, try adding short night runs when you’re already a little tired. Start somewhere safe: lit paths, on quiet (and safe) neighbourhood loops—and aim for group runs if possible, or at least with one other person. Always let someone know where you are, and stay visible with reflective gear, preferably running toward any traffic.
If you’re training for a mountain ultra, practising short technical sections with a headlamp is smart—but don’t start with the gnarliest trails. Build up as your confidence grows.
What if night running isn’t an option?
If you can’t run at night often—or safely—there are other ways to mimic the stress. Early morning runs after deliberately shortened sleep can help. So can back-to-back long runs where you’re pushing through fatigue.
Some runners use treadmill sessions during their usual sleep hours to train their brains to stay focused. It’s not quite the same, but it’s a low-risk way to practice being active when you’re typically horizontal.
The bottom line
Running through the night is a physical and mental challenge unlike any other. You don’t need to overhaul your entire training plan, but getting a taste of what it feels like will help you roll with it on race day. Whether you train outside under the stars or on a treadmill when the world’s asleep, a little night practice can go a long way.
The post How to get ready to run through the night (safely) appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.