Just a couple of weeks ago, you could head out for an evening run with a reasonable chance of getting home before darkness fell. Now, by the time most people finish work, it's already dark, the temperature is dropping and there's a good chance it's raining.
Welcome to November running in Ireland.
With the clocks having gone back on Sunday, 25 October, runners across the country are adjusting to shorter days, colder temperatures and increasingly unpredictable conditions.
But while winter running brings its challenges, there's no reason to abandon your training until spring.
A few simple adjustments can make all the difference, helping you stay comfortable, maintain your fitness and avoid unnecessary risks during the darker months.
Here are seven things worth changing as winter settles in.
1. Make Yourself Visible, Not Just Colourful
That bright yellow running top might look the part, but fluorescent colours alone aren't enough when you're running in complete darkness.
Reflective clothing is particularly important, as it reflects light from vehicle headlights and helps drivers spot you.
The Road Safety Authority recommends wearing reflective clothing when exercising near roads at night, while a torch is also advisable.
A reflective vest, armbands or running jacket with reflective panels can make a considerable difference.
If you're running on poorly lit paths, a headtorch is worth considering. It won't just help others see you, but will also illuminate obstacles ahead.
And remember, being visible doesn't mean drivers have necessarily spotted you. Always take care when crossing roads and approaching junctions.
2. Rethink Your Usual Running Routes
That quiet country lane or wooded trail might be perfect for a summer evening, but it's an entirely different proposition in November.
Poor lighting, uneven surfaces and limited visibility can turn familiar routes into unnecessary hazards.
Consider switching to well lit residential streets, public parks with suitable lighting or established running routes where you can see what's ahead.
Rural roads without footpaths are particularly worth avoiding after dark.
It might mean sacrificing your favourite scenic loop for a few months, but there's little point in enjoying a peaceful run if you can barely see where you're putting your feet.
If you're heading somewhere unfamiliar, check the route beforehand rather than relying entirely on your phone while running.
3. Spend Longer Warming Up
Heading straight out the front door and immediately running at your usual pace isn't the best approach when temperatures drop.
A proper warm up gradually increases your heart rate, raises muscle temperature and prepares your body for exercise.
The NHS recommends spending at least six minutes warming up before more strenuous activity, with longer periods appropriate when needed.
For runners, this could involve a few minutes of brisk walking, gentle jogging and dynamic movements before increasing the pace.
If you've got a speed session planned, give yourself a little longer to settle into the conditions before tackling the faster efforts.
Cold air can also aggravate breathing difficulties in people with asthma. Those affected should follow their prescribed treatment plan and seek medical advice if symptoms are not well controlled.
The important thing is to ease into your session rather than immediately asking your body to work at full intensity.
4. Dress for How You'll Feel After Ten Minutes
One of the most common mistakes runners make during winter is overdressing.
It's understandable. You step outside, feel the cold and immediately reach for another layer.
But once you begin running, your body generates heat, and that jacket which seemed essential at the front door can quickly become uncomfortable.
Lightweight layers are generally more practical than one heavy garment.
A breathable running top, a suitable outer layer for wind or rain, and gloves when temperatures are particularly low will cover many Irish winter conditions.
Avoid cotton clothing where possible, as it retains moisture and can leave you feeling cold once you slow down.
Remember that wind and rain can make conditions feel considerably colder than the temperature suggests.
And if you're heading out for a longer run, consider how quickly you might cool down if you're forced to stop.
5. Watch What's Under Your Feet
November introduces a whole collection of hazards that weren't much of a concern during the summer.
Wet leaves, muddy paths, slippery paving stones and poorly lit potholes can all catch runners out.
As temperatures fall further, frost and ice become another consideration, particularly on shaded paths, bridges and untreated surfaces.
Take particular care on corners and downhill sections, where sudden changes of direction can increase the likelihood of slipping.
It may also be worth reconsidering your footwear.
Running shoes with worn outsoles can struggle for grip on wet surfaces, while shoes designed for trail running may be more suitable for muddy routes.
There's no need to buy an entirely new collection of winter running equipment, but checking the condition of your existing shoes is sensible.
And if conditions become genuinely icy, there's nothing wrong with moving a session indoors or taking an extra rest day.
6. Consider Running With Other People
For many runners, the biggest challenge during winter isn't necessarily the cold. It's finding the motivation to head outside when it's dark.
Running with others can make those evenings considerably more manageable.
Having somebody expecting you at a particular time provides an incentive to get out the door, while running in a group can offer greater confidence on darker routes.
It's a message Athletics Ireland is promoting through its new RUN ON initiative, launched on 20 October.
The campaign is aimed particularly at encouraging women and girls to continue running during the winter months, recognising that darker evenings can lead some runners to change their usual routines.
Its three central messages are simple: be seen, run together and join in.
Athletics Ireland has encouraged clubs to organise dedicated RUN ON sessions between 29 October and 5 November, highlighting the role clubs can play in making winter running more accessible.
For anyone who normally trains alone, November might be the ideal time to try a local club session or arrange a regular evening run with a friend.
You might even find that the miles pass a little quicker when you've somebody to complain about the weather with.
7. Be Flexible With Your Training
Finally, don't become so attached to your training schedule that common sense goes out the window.
Irish winter weather can be unpredictable, and there will inevitably be evenings when strong winds, heavy rain or icy conditions make your planned session impractical.
That doesn't mean your training has to suffer.
Moving a speed session to another day, shortening an easy run or using a treadmill occasionally can help maintain consistency without taking unnecessary risks.
And remember that hydration remains important in colder weather. You might not feel as thirsty as you do during summer, but you're still losing fluid through sweating and breathing.
Make sure you're drinking appropriately before and after your runs, particularly following longer or harder sessions.
If you've recently completed the Dublin Marathon, it's also worth remembering that recovery should take priority over rushing straight back into demanding training.
There's a long winter ahead, and no single session is worth compromising your health over.
Winter Running Doesn't Have to Be Miserable
For all the complaints about dark evenings and miserable weather, winter running has its advantages.
There are fewer concerns about overheating, cooler conditions can be pleasant for steady efforts, and maintaining a regular routine through November and December can provide a useful foundation for spring racing.
There's also something satisfying about finishing a run on a cold evening, getting home, changing into dry clothes and knowing you've got your training done while most of the country is settling in front of the television.
The trick is accepting that running in November requires a slightly different approach from running in July.
Dress appropriately, choose sensible routes, make yourself visible and be prepared to adjust your plans when conditions demand it.
You don't need perfect weather to keep running.
And given that we live in Ireland, waiting for perfect weather would mean an awful lot of missed sessions.
