If you are running your first night trail run this summer as a part of the Insomniac Night Series, we have a few tips that should help make your experience fun and memorable. Running at night poses some unique challenges that you should prepare for. Take note of these tips and you should be able to enjoy your experience out on the trails at night and successfully finish your run.
Lighting
The runs take place in the dark on naturally unlit desert trails. Be prepared with a quality headlamp or handheld flashlight to light your way (cell phone apps just won’t cut it!). A headlamp can be a good choice if you like to keep your hands free while you run. I recommend something with at least 70 lumens (like the Black Diamond Cosmo), but you may prefer more light. Also, be sure to test it out and see if you like having the light on your head. Some runners instead mount the light around their waist as having it on their head can make them dizzy looking at the trail. I prefer a handheld flashlight since it can be held lower to the ground and can better cast shadows over rocks and uneven terrain. Whatever you do always carry extra batteries with you! (a backup light is also a good idea)
Nutrition
With a night time start, your normal pre-race meal routine won’t cut it. Plan to eat your final big meal of the day at lunchtime and add in a lighter snack 1-2 hours prior to your race. You wouldn’t want to start a race with a big meal in your stomach! Remember with a typical morning start, your dinner has a full night to digest.
Hydration
Although you are only 3-4 miles between aid stations, the desert heat, even at night can literally suck the water out of you. Don’t be afraid to carry a little extra water between aid stations and sip when thirsty. Filling your bottles with some ice can help keep your water cool and tasting nice and you can always use the excess to wet your head, neck and arms if you are feeling hot. Carrying a couple bottles or a hydration pack is a good idea. Mix in some electrolytes each lap to keep everything in balance.
Heat
Although you won’t have the direct sun beating down on you, many of the Insomniac races start around dusk when the temperatures can still be over 100 degree Fahrenheit. This is not a time to forget to hydrate and keep your core body temperature cooled down. The body cools itself through evaporative cooling (meaning your sweat on your skin), so if you are feeling overheated, splash some cold water on your head, neck, and arms. Pam Smith who won this year’s Western States 100 mile under brutally hot conditions was even stuffing ice down her sports bra to keep cool. Maybe a little silly, but it just plain worked for her. She kept her body temperature down and she was able to function properly during her run.
Critters
Yes, there are certain critters that only come out at night, but they for the most part aren’t out to harm you! We are guests in their home and should keep an eye out for them, but encounters are rare. Enjoy the experience of seeing some wildlife out in our desert home if you are lucky!
Sleepiness
Our natural sleep cycle will kick in at some point making us tired. Not the time to stumble off the side of the trail into a cactus. Keep alert with a bit of caffeine – we’ll have iced coffee and soda at our aid stations for your enjoyment I’ve had success in my 100 mile races using a well timed energy drink (Monster or Red Bull) which gives me a nice jolt to really get going. (Note I don’t drink these on a regular basis, just in my overnight races!)
Enjoy
Running at night on trails in the desert is a unique experience. Soak it up and enjoy yourself. Stop for a moment out there and just listen to the desert, look up at the stars, shut your light off and maybe you’ll even hear the howl of a coyote. We live in an amazing place, enjoy!