The human being is a diurnal animal. At night he is supposed to go to sleep and not forests in search of realizes. However, the night races or races with a night game in multiply trail. Here are some tips to tame this particular condition well.
Let’s be basic: at night, it is the absence of light and heat from the sun. It is therefore more difficult to move, grow, and the frost risk is important in winter and / or in the mountains. For some trails like Transgrancanaria or Western States, night parties are welcome because the temperature is pleasant, but most of the time, in our latitudes, the cold to be feared. (See article on the weather as a performance factor)
The answer to these two conditions (lack of light and heat) is in the reflective material: The material to see well: a headlamp with a quality of life of the batteries in full power much greater than the duration of the race. In the case of long runs or several nights, provide spare batteries. Some lamps offer remote housing. So, keeping the lamp on the head, it does not change the battery pack. Some riders opt for a second lamp with a lighter hand in scope to illuminate the disputed passages. This lamp must bow to inform the nearest foot uphill. Our advice is to sacrifice a few hundred grams of weight to the quality of light in order to get closer to the conditions of day. See the ground where you will make your next threading support and see the milestones is a definite plus to run naturally and calmly. The material to better withstand the cold: a pair of light gloves and a light cap because the ends stand the cold. Wicking textile (usually two layers are enough) but a third layer (type windbreaker) may be a wise choice in the bag. To keep the water in the bag comfortable temperature, it can turn on a garment and / or protect the neoprene tube so that water does not freeze.
The lack of visibility, we must also respond with an appropriate choice of shoes with reflective tape as night sills are often insecure. Must, whatever the nature of the terrain, the rider has confidence in his support and that its progress is not impeded. The difference can be done here, hesitating between a rider who loses the confidence and rhythm, and a confident rider for whom the night will become an ally.
Cold can be answered by the hardware but also nutrition for energy needs amount. Depending on the duration and intensity of the race, it will increase the share of solid and hot drinks will be preferred to supplies.
Finally, to run well at night, you have to train at night and test all its equipment. The first night strides are still hesitant, it reduces the amplitude and increases the frequency of the stride and confidence comes and finds his natural style. Train yourself to modulate the light beam and directing it closer or further away depending on the nature of the terrain: flat, downhill, uphill. On the big races, you will also enjoy the light beams of the other runners.
Start with low intensity and outputs rather flat, and then enter the speed and altitude. Once the night is tamed, we feel great pleasure in it evolve in training as in competition.
Last point: training after dark, yes, but before 10 pm or from 5am. Otherwise, you will not gain as fatigue! And run with bright clothing with reflective devices.