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Want to keep running in the winter, but worried about safety? Or maybe you find the after-work route a little too crowded for your liking? Anyway, it’s good news like Strava just updated its heat mapping technology with two new tools to help you choose your routes carefully as the seasons change.

“Our global community powers our heatmaps, and now we’ve made it easier for our community members to build routes with confidence, regardless of the season or time of day,” says Strava Chief Product Officer Matt Salazar.

The fitness app announced yesterday that its 135 million users now have access to Night Heatmaps, which show the heat from activities recorded from sunset to sunrise.

This update allows you to choose well-traveled routes for safety if you’re running alone, or avoid busy corridors if you want some peace and quiet – whatever your preference, be sure to bring a walking beacon and wear running gear with reflective details to make you visible.

Meanwhile, the weekly Heatmap shows the recent heat from activity recorded over the past seven days. During seasonal transitions and inclement weather, this helps you figure out which trails are closed or difficult to access, to help you choose a different route or bring winter gear.

These two new tools come in addition to the existing global map, which is already available to all Strava users. Nightly and weekly heatmaps are available to subscribers and give you more detailed information about popular spots after hours.

To access nightly or weekly heatmaps from the Strava app or the web, simply click on the Maps tab, where you can also filter the heatmap by activity type if you wish.

What should I know before running at night?

Running at night can be a great way to keep your outdoor adventures going through the dark winter months so you’re in fighting shape when race season rolls around, but there are differences when it comes to running during the day.

As mentioned, you’ll want to bring a light source and make yourself visible—we love it Columbia OutDry Ex Lightweight Shell Jacket for this reason – but you will also need an additional kit.

Even if you don’t run far enough to need to carry liters of water, invest in one running vest with storage ca Silva Strive Light 5 and bring an extra base layer, running gloves and a hat as well as a first aid kit with a emergency blanket because short days also mean cold nights.

It is a good idea to run with a friendand no matter what, always tell someone where you’re going. Learn more in our article about safety of night running.

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