MOVING IN THE DARK

I’ve always enjoyed running in the dark. It brings a sense of calm to me. The darkness and quiet limit distractions and allow me to focus on what I need to be doing. There’s also an effect that makes it seem as if you’re running faster. Better explained here.

But there’s also something magical about it. Knowing I’m the only one out makes me run harder. It makes me push myself. I’ve always liked the dark though.

Ever since I was young I would crave the nighttime. It always seemed to be my time. This led me into a habit of staying up way too late. But still I persisted. I’d stay up all night reading, watching movies or even running around with my friends. 

I’m sure there’s a psychological reason I find the dark comforting, but whatever the reason is, it’s there. And to this day I do my best work at night. Somehow the muse always seems to come around more when the stars come out. I think most people’s imaginations run a little more freely at night.

Running in the dark is something different though. I’m really out in the night and anything can happen. There’s a certain sense of adventure there. Like I could somehow run off into space.

There are always the times I see other people too. It’s like we share some secret. Even without saying a word I can look at them and know. We both know it’s more dangerous to be out at night, but here we are. It’s like being part of a secret club.

One of my favorite things about running at night is that I feel almost hidden. It’s like all day people have been watching me to some extent, but when I leave my house at night and start running on a trail--it’s like I’ve disappeared. No one really knows where I am and no one is out watching me. I’m on an island and no one really cares.

What is your favorite time to run or do your writing?