In Vancouver, I see a lot of women running alone at night, and it kind of makes me happy. The fact that women here feel empowered to get out there after dark is a symbol of a safe and successful metropolis.

My friend Jenn recently wrote a post about running around the seawall at night. She rightly pointed out that some areas of the seawall lack lighting (con) but also noted the pleasant breeze and reduced traffic (pro).

I’ve long loved running at night because it feels like borrowed time—few people are about outside, but many can be seen though lighted windows, making dinner, watching TV, and generally doing those things that humans do in the evenings. This is especially true in downtown Vancouver, where so many apartments sport floor to ceiling glass. I adore getting exercise and fresh sea air, while catching glimpses into the fish-bowl-lives of strangers. Slipping through the night unseen feels supremely independent, and a little bit adventurous.

As Jenn notes, in the summer it’s often enjoyably cool. And I get around the unlit thing by wearing a headlamp.

For all the post-sunset training kms I’ve logged, I’ve never run a race after dark. Headlamps won’t be needed on Sunday’s evening run, I'm guessing—with thousands of people participating, I’m willing to bet that the route will be well-marked (if the thundering of all those feet isn’t already tip off enough, that is.)

As of today's forecast, we're looking at a pleasant evening, too! Not too hot, not too cold, and as cloudless as they come. Hello, stars!