people can't always be trusted. Running in the dark can be frightening. I had a few moments that scared me shitless a couple years back that forced me indoors to the treadmill. I finally recovered and realized I wasn't going to let an experience take away one of the joys of my life. I LOVE running in the morning, in the dark. It's peaceful and "my" time. Unfortunately none of my pups can run long distances so I'm on my own. I do have to say, I definitely run a bit faster when I run in the dark =) No, she is out of control and sucks! :) But, I'm trying to be more safe about things so she has been tagging along. I know she'll attack anyone that tries to hurt me, so I try to tolerate her misbehaving! I am with you 100%! As a newly single woman I'm making an effort to be extra cautious while running alone now - I'm actually going to show my mom how to log into runkeeper so if I ever disappear mid-run they can see where I was at! Like you I am nervous of running in the darm but if I have to, I normally stay on well trafficked areas with lots of street lights. When that is not an option I either as a buddy to come with me, or take my dog or hit the gym and run on the treadmill. But you are right, so many crazies!