Running Safely at Night in Stanton

Tips for winter runs, headtorches, and avoiding tractors

During the darker months, most of our Tuesday runs happen after sunset — which makes reflective kit and lights really important. Running safely at night isn’t complicated, but a few simple habits make a big difference.

Here’s how to stay safe, seen, and confident when the evenings get dark:

✅ Wear something bright or reflective

You don’t need expensive kit — anything reflective or hi-vis works.

• Bright jackets or tops

• Reflective strips/bands

• Fluorescent hats or gloves

• Even a reflective dog harness if you’re running with a furry friend
  
  

Think of it like this: if a driver can spot you early, they can give you space.

✅ Bring a small light or headtorch

A small clip-on light, chest light, or headtorch helps you see the path and lets others see you too.

We run in a group, so a few lights together make a nice bright “moving beacon.”
Some locals have even reported UFO sightings… but it’s just us jogging past.

✅ Run facing oncoming traffic

If we’re ever on a road without a footpath, we run towards traffic, not with it.

This means:

• Drivers see you sooner

• You can step aside safely

• You’re in control, not surprised from behind
  
  

We run as a group, but every runner doing this helps everyone.

✅ Keep the chat, keep the fun — just stay aware

We talk, laugh and enjoy the run — that’s the point of being social!
But we also stay aware of:

• Cars

• Cyclists

• Dog walkers

• Farm machinery (it is Stanton…)
  
  

A quick “car!” from someone in the group and everyone shifts over. Easy.

✅ Go without headphones (or keep them low)

We love a good playlist too, but on dark winter roads:

• Being able to hear cars matters

• Being able to hear other runners matters

• It helps keep the group together
  
  

If you need music, just keep the volume low.

✅ Stick with the group — nobody gets left behind

We ALWAYS regroup halfway.
If someone needs to slow down or walk, the group adjusts — simple as that.

Running in a group at night is:

• Safer

• More visible

• Much more fun
  
  

✅ If in doubt, ask

New runners often worry about winter running:

• “Do I need a fancy headtorch?”

• “What if I’m too slow?”

• “What should I wear?”
  
  

Just message us on Facebook and we’ll help. We were all new once.

Quick checklist before a dark run

✅ Bright or reflective kit
✅ Small torch, chest light or headtorch
✅ Run facing traffic when needed
✅ No loud headphones
✅ Stay with the group
✅ Enjoy it — winter runs can be amazing

Join us

We run every Tuesday at 6:45pm, starting from Stanton Recreation Ground Car Park.
Just turn up — no sign-ups, no fees, no pressure.

We can look like a pack of glowing, blinking UFOs in the distance, but we’re very friendly aliens.

A Beginner’s Guide to parkrun

Where the Steamers run on Saturday mornings

If you’ve heard people talking about “parkrun” and wondered what it actually is — don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple guide to what parkrun is, why so many runners love it, and where you’ll usually find the Stanton Steamers on a Saturday morning.

What is parkrun?

parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5K run held on Saturday mornings all over the UK (and the world).
It’s open to everyone — any age, any pace, walkers included.

✅ Free
✅ 5K route
✅ Walk, jog or run
✅ Friendly volunteers
✅ No medals, no trophies… just great community fun

You register once online, get a barcode, and that’s it. Turning up is always optional — no pressure, no commitment.

Why do people love parkrun?

• You get a time each week if you want to track progress
  
  

• It’s welcoming to beginners
  
  

• There are runners, joggers, walkers, parents with buggies, and dogs
  
  

• It’s a brilliant confidence-builder
  
  

• The atmosphere is incredibly supportive
  
  

For some people it becomes a weekly habit — for others it’s an occasional treat.

Which parkruns do we go to?

Steamers don’t travel as an organised group — we just happen to bump into each other at the same places!

You’ll often find us at:

✅ Thetford parkrun

• Trail style with woodland paths

• Friendly atmosphere

• Great if you prefer softer ground underfoot
  
  

✅ Bury St Edmunds parkrun (Nowton Park)

• Beautiful park setting

• Mixture of paths and grass

• Can get muddy in winter (we call that character-building)
  
  

✅ Thornham Walks parkrun

• Lovely countryside course

• Popular with families

• Big café reward afterwards
  
  

If you turn up to any of these, chances are you’ll spot a Steamer top somewhere in the crowd.

Do I need to be fast?

Absolutely not.
parkrun welcomes:

• Walkers

• Joggers

• First-timers

• Couch-to-5K runners

• People who talk the whole way round
  
  

You’ll never be too slow. In fact, every parkrun event has a volunteer “tail walker” — their job is to finish last, so nobody else has to.

How do I join in?

1. Go to parkrun.org.uk

2. Register once (free)

3. Print or download your barcode

4. Turn up to any parkrun on a Saturday morning

5. Have a run, get a time if you want one
   
   

If you don’t want a time, you can run without a barcode — no problem.

What should I bring?

• Trainers

• Comfortable running clothes

• A barcode if you want your time recorded

• A smile helps too 😄

In winter:

• Gloves, hat, light or bright kit

• Expect mud at some courses!
  
  

Why it works well with Stanton Steamers

A lot of new Steamers get into parkrun because:

• It’s relaxed

• It builds fitness for the Tuesday run

• You see friendly faces

• It boosts confidence quickly
  
  

Some of our runners got their first ever 5K medal through parkrun — it’s a great milestone.

Thinking of trying it?

Drop us a message on Facebook if you’re nervous, and we’ll happily meet you at the start of your first parkrun.
Or just turn up — you’ll be welcomed either way.

See you on a Saturday morning sometime — and if there’s cake afterwards, that’s just an added bonus.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
Stanton Steamers

How to Track Your Runs

If you’ve never recorded a run before, don’t worry — you’re not behind, and you’re certainly not doing anything wrong. Many runners begin by simply heading out and running by feel. Tracking your runs is just a simple way of keeping a note of what you’ve done, and for many people it becomes a quiet source of motivation over time.

The easiest way to start is with something you probably already have: your phone. Free running apps use GPS to record your run. You open the app, press start, go for your run or run-walk, then press stop and save when you’re finished. The app automatically records how long you were out, how far you went, and the route you took.

Some runners prefer using a smartwatch instead of their phone. GPS watches are designed specifically for activities like running and are very easy to use — usually just one button to start and one to stop. Brands such as Garmin, Apple Watch, and Coros offer watches that suit beginners right through to experienced runners. You don’t need an expensive or advanced model to get started; even basic watches will record time, distance, and route, which is more than enough in the early days. Most watches sync automatically to a phone app so you can look back at your runs later.

One nice extra that comes with many running apps is kudos. Kudos are simply a quick way for other runners to say “well done” on a recorded run. There’s no pressure to give or receive them, but many people find them quietly encouraging — especially when starting out. A short run, a slow run, or a tough run on a hard day can all earn kudos, and that small bit of positive feedback can be a great confidence boost. If you’d rather keep things private, you can still track your runs without sharing them at all.

When you’re starting out, it’s best to keep things simple. Distance, time, and getting out regularly are the only things worth paying attention to. Pace comparisons, leaderboards, and advanced stats can wait until much later — if you ever want them at all. Tracking is about seeing your own progress, not measuring yourself against anyone else.

It’s also worth knowing that you can never be “too slow” or your runs “too short” to record. A gentle jog, a run-walk, or a short social run all count. Many apps and watches allow you to keep your runs private, so if you’d rather track just for yourself, that’s completely fine.

Above all, tracking your runs should feel helpful, not like homework. One button, one run at a time is more than enough. The consistency will come naturally — and the progress will quietly take care of itself.

Running Trainers: What Type Do I Actually Need?

One of the most common questions new runners have is about trainers — and it’s easy to feel like you need to get this “right” before you even start. The truth is far simpler and far more reassuring: if you have a comfortable pair of trainers that you can walk in, you can almost certainly start running in them too.

Running trainers are designed to provide cushioning, grip, and support, but there isn’t one perfect type or brand that everyone should wear. What matters far more than the name on the shoe is how it feels on your foot. A good running shoe should feel comfortable from the moment you put it on, without pinching, rubbing, or feeling unstable.

Many people assume they need the latest model or this season’s release, but that really isn’t necessary. Running shoes don’t go out of date overnight, and last year’s model is often just as good — sometimes identical — and usually much cheaper. Plenty of experienced runners deliberately buy older versions because they already know what works for them.

Fit is the most important factor. When you’re running, your feet can swell slightly, so it’s very common for runners to wear trainers that are half a size larger than their everyday shoes. This does vary by brand and foot shape, so don’t worry if different shoes fit differently. As a general guide, your toes should have a little room to move, without your foot sliding around.

You’ll also hear about different types of running trainers. Road running shoes are designed for pavements, paths, and cycleways and are the most common choice for beginners and social runs. Trail shoes have extra grip for muddy or uneven surfaces and are great if you regularly run off-road, but they’re not essential if most of your running is on pavements.

Some shoes are described as stability or support trainers. These are designed for runners who want a bit of extra support through the foot and ankle. Some people find them helpful, others never need them, and many runners change over time. There’s no requirement to use them unless they feel right for you.

You might come across the idea of a gait analysis, usually offered in specialist running shops. This is where someone watches how you walk or run and suggests shoes that may suit your movement. For some runners it’s useful, for others it’s not essential — especially when you’re just starting out. It can be a helpful guide, but it’s not a rulebook, and comfort should always come first.

Most importantly, you don’t need to rush out and buy expensive kit to join a run. Many runners begin in everyday trainers and upgrade later once they know they enjoy running and what feels best for them. Turning up, moving, and enjoying the run matters far more than having the “perfect” shoes.

At social runs you’ll see every type of trainer imaginable — old, new, bright, plain, budget, and premium — and no one is judging. If your shoes feel comfortable and let you enjoy the run, then you’ve already made the right choice.

Most people don’t stop running because they can’t do it.
They stop because they think they’re doing it wrong.

So we asked our running group a simple question:
“What advice would you give your ‘new runner’ self if you could go back in time?”

The answers came thick and fast — funny, honest, and reassuring. And if you’re new to running (or thinking about starting), chances are you’ll recognise yourself in them.

You’re Not Meant to Be Fast (Yet… or Ever)

One of the strongest themes was comparison — or more importantly, not doing it.

“Don’t compare yourself to others.”
As one runner perfectly put it: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Every runner you see flying past you once struggled to run for a minute without stopping. Running isn’t about where others are — it’s about where you are today.

It’s OK to Walk. Really.

This came up again and again.

“It’s ok to walk a bit.”
“Half a mile is better than no miles.”

Walking doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re listening to your body. Some of the strongest runners still walk during runs — hills, recoveries, bad days. Progress comes from consistency, not pretending every run is perfect.

Shoes Matter (More Than You Think)

One runner summed this up perfectly — with photographic evidence.

“Buy new trainers before your first parkrun… if you know, you know.”

You don’t need the most expensive shoes on the wall, but running in worn-out or unsuitable footwear can turn an exciting new habit into a painful one very quickly. Comfort first. Always.

(Also: fair warning — running shoes multiply. Apparently 300 pairs later, you become a legend.)

Find Your People

This one was said with a smile, but it landed hard:

“Join Stanton Steamers sooner.”

Running can feel lonely when you start. Doing it with others — chatting, laughing, sometimes suffering together — changes everything. Many runners said they stayed with running not because of races or times, but because of the people they met along the way.

“You’ll meet so many fabulous people who will inspire you.”

That inspiration matters more than any stopwatch.

Running Changes You (In a Good Way)

One response made everyone laugh — because it’s also completely true:

“Stick at it because exercise releases endorphins… and when you’re happy, you’re much less likely to punch people.”

Running doesn’t just change your fitness. It changes your mood, your confidence, and how you deal with stress. Several runners joked that they’d warn their younger selves that running is addictive — but in the best possible way.

The Big Takeaway

If there’s one message that ties all of this together, it’s this:

You don’t need to be fast.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to start — and keep showing up.

Running meets you where you are. And if you let it, it’ll quietly give you far more than you ever expected.