Running at 5am
The seasons are changing here in New Zealand. May is normally the month where the temperature starts to drop and this May has been no exception. I’ve had to get out my blankets and yesterday morning I got my long sleeve running top out for the first time.
The other major difference is that it is dark out when I’m running!
I’ve had a few emails asking why I haven’t been posting as many photos lately and as you can see from the photo to the left it is because it is slightly hard to get good photos on my cell phone camera when it’s dark out!
Running in the dark is quite nice as the temperature is quite cool. All my normal running routes are quite well lit except for Cornwall Park which is extremely dark as there are no street lamps inside it. I ran through it on an overcast morning recently and I could literally not see the road. I had to use my cellphone as a flashlight. 
Anyway, this week I’ve run 19 km on Monday, 16.2 km on Thursday and 16.1 km yesterday for a total of 51 km (32 miles) so far. I’m planning on doing a 32km run tomorrow morning (20 miler). I think that will be my last long long run before the Christchurch Marathon.
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23 Responses to “Running at 5am”
Daily Mile
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The changing of the seasons is a neat trick of nature, though I do prefer those long summer days over the short winter ones. I have a little map on my blog that shows where the earth is light and dark and find it amazing how quickly it goes from an upside down “U” (our winter) to a regular “U” shape (our summer). Here’s hoping your winter is pleasant and not too cold.
Also, your mileage continues to impress. No wonder you have to run so early! Those are some seriously long mid-week runs you’ve got going on there. All the best on your last long run and taper.
I have to say I prefer the change to warmer weather over cooler. (Although autumn is my total favorite.)
You are devoted to be up running in the dark.
I love to exercise, but it is strictly in the evenings. I can’t even fathom getting up before the sun to work out. 
.-= Jeremy Logsdon´s last blog ..Caves, Weddings, and Floods =-.
Twitter: stellarpath
You continue to pound out the miles like a trooper! Will your 32K be your longest run to date?
.-= Kyle´s last blog ..What goes up, must come down… =-.
Its sometimes hard to adjust to the new seasons, you seem to be doing remarkably well with all those runs this week. I always find it so much harder to get out of bed when its dark outside. Lucky for me I am in Canada right now so we are just heading in to summer (although the weather still isnt all that predictable, we had snow yesterday) I am looking forward to enjoying my last summer here before moving back to the UK – who knows maybe NZ next for me, I need to look on that list of people you need, lol.
Twitter: superdupermisssarahlougmail.com
Yes, those changes! I adjust my leave the house times based on this as I don’t want to be outside on my own in the dark. Right now it is lighter for us so I can go out earlier… and of course it is warmer here.
Keep up the good work! Looks like you are ready to rock & roll!
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Food CHOICES & Planning! =-.
Major miles accumulating there. I didn’t even *drive* that many miles this week.
.-= cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..WYSIWYG Weekend =-.
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still jealous that I can’t run!
.-= Ron´s last blog ..Allergies =-.
Twitter: ronmichel1115yahoo.com
I’m struggling with 92 degrees already here in Texas. Maybe I’ll come down there in August when it’s 110.
.-= Joe´s last blog ..Mud, Beer, and Running. 2010 Dallas Warrior Dash. =-.
Twitter: seejoerun
That is some serious miles you are getting in. Looking forward to the day i can evolve from walking to running and get some running goals going.
Well done!
.-= Patrick´s last blog ..Day 20 – Lighten up =-.
Be safe out there – get that reflective tape out and use a real light, not your cell phone. Do you have a headstrap flashflight?
.-= John’s Weight Loss Blog´s last blog ..Rate My Meals – 2010-05-06 =-.
Twitter: johnisfit
So you’re doing those long mornig runs before going into work? Simply amazing! How’re you feeling by the end of the day?
.-= Greg´s last blog ..Running Through The Kentucky Flood Of 2010 =-.
Twitter: livefitblog
How about some speedwork? Your mileage is coming along really nicely for a marathon, maybe you should start thinking about putting in some quality vs. quantity for your next training plan.
I use a headlight and reflective band when I have to run in the dark but if I have a choice I prefer daylight. Weather over here is in the 90s (30+ C) now and running is getting tougher and tougher in that weather. A cool morning run sounds great right about now.
.-= Greg´s last blog ..My First Cheat Day =-.
Twitter: gregstransform
Not yet but I will buy one one day.
Twitter: AndrewENZ
I normally feel pretty good. Early to bed and early to rise you know!
Twitter: AndrewENZ
Yep, Chch is not my goal race. Taipei in December is. So speed workouts will be incorporated for the next round of training.
Twitter: AndrewENZ
Your mileage is looking great! I have to dust off my headlamp each winter for my after work run when it gets dark at 4pm. The things we do for a run…
.-= Scott Keeps Running´s last blog ..Trails, Rain, Squirrels, Bears =-.
You still manage to amaze me with how many miles you are running. I have run in the dark before and also had to use my cell or the flashlight app on my ipod for light to see the trail. Thank goodness for my dog or might poop my pants in fear! LOL.
.-= Karyn´s last blog ..Good run! =-.
Great job!!! Great post!
I kind of like running in the dark.
Thanks!!
WeighDownSouth.com
.-= Rob Dyess´s last blog ..Why I don’t eat High Fructose Corn Syrup!! =-.
Twitter: weighdownsouth
I’m struggling with the dark- Cambridge dark is a whole new level of dark after Wgtn and Aucks!
Wow, you have to use a blanket and wear a jacket in May!! It’s very hot here in Birmingham, AL, USA.
Good job on those long distance runs!!!
.-= Stephen Vinson´s last blog ..Hateful People: How do you handle them? =-.
Twitter: whoatemyblog
It’s fun being blog friends with people across the world, just as a reminder of how different things can be. Here in Alaska, we’re in about the opposite situation, where it’s just finally starting to warm up and get light in the mornings. Last night I did W3D3 of C25K, and it was almost 60° F outside, which felt great compared to what it’s been lately.
.-= Brandon´s last blog ..Weekly Weigh-in #18: No Calories Edition =-.
Twitter: SoLongFatAss
I can imagine!
Twitter: AndrewENZ
Just looking at that photo makes me want to fall back asleep. Good on you for running that early in the morning. Are you doing any
interval training as part of your training? I’m sure it would help.