I hate running at night. I never do it. Especially at this time of year, once I've got home for the evening, the idea of willingly going back outside seems frankly ridiculous. Ideally, I would rather be eating a lovely hot curry and watching University Challenge, or similar.
However, I intend to stick to The Plan rigorously, and needs must, etc. So, I set off this evening for my first medium-length evening run. It was freezing cold, dark (obviously), a bit drizzly and I was tired and grumpy. Did I mention that I hate running at night?
Except it turns out that... I don't. Once I got going, I realised I kind of love running at night. I'm not sure why I thought I didn't, as I have rarely ever done it. OK, it does make getting out of the front door that bit harder - but that's always the hardest bit anyway.
My designated run this evening was a modest six miles. This is the ideal kind of length I usually like to do for fun. When I've considered signing up for a marathon before, one of my fears was always that it would knock the fun out of these sorts of runs.
Happily, my fear was unfounded. I picked a route I really enjoy and I loved running it in the dark. I felt as though I was flying through the night. Almost superhuman as I passed other people's cosy windows, in houses where they were watching Eastenders or eating a nice warm supper. On the outside looking in, I practically felt like I could be in a David Lynch film. I sang Bat for Lashes songs in my head and imagined I was in a spooky music video.
I was particularly struck by the fact that there are a lot of smells when running at night that I never usually notice - open fires, the delicious whiff when passing a chip shop.
I am lucky; running in Brighton is never, ever boring.
The six miles flew by beautifully. I was having so much fun, I ran a bit further than I intended to, with a sprint finish to my front door. It was the absolute best kind of run.
I keep telling myself that I am surely due a deep, dark trough soon, but - at the risk of repeating myself - I can only describe tonight's run as pure joy.
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