I got used to running in the dark last winter when I fell in love with running. I really do not mind running in the dark, actually I enjoy it. But I do have a few tips to help stay safe while doing it.
-First, I always wear my Road ID but especially when running at night. It is a tiny bracelet that has my name, dob, and emergency contacts. This way if anything happens people know who I am and who to call to help me. It also has my mantra engraved on it "never give up" I figure it is perfect because I do not want the emt's to give up on me either ;)
-I wear a reflective running singlet. Now Last winter I had a shirt with reflective tape type stuff on it. It worked but it was a pain in the ass washing it all the time. Then T put it in the dryer by accident and melted some of the paint. You get the idea, it simply did not last lol. But I found something at my local running shop that is absolutly perfect. I am in love with it!
-I also got a blinking light that has 3 options to blink slowly, rapidly, or stay on steady. It clips anywhere and is light. Again I do not even realize I am wearing it when it is on.
It is nice and bright and I feel safer when I am wearing it. I am also wearing a neon shirt, I found these at Target on clearance for $3.75!!! I bought 2 ;) I cannot resist a clearance running sale hehe
So to run at night it is all about safety. I make sure I am easily seen, remember to stay on the well lit sidewalks when ever possible. If I have to go on the street without sidewalks I make sure I am facing the oncoming traffic, this gives me time to see what is ahead and for cars to see me sooner.
A night run can be fun when you are properly outfitted with the correct gear.
What do you use to run in the dark?
9 comments:
You are soo much more hardcore than I. I keep waiting for day light savings to save me. not going to happen. i guess i will have to suck it up huh
You are SO CUTE!
my vest was "borrowed" (never to be returned) from a local road crew. i love things like yours (and mine) that slip over what you're already wearing. that way you don't have to have a full arsenol of stuff.
so glad to know you're playing it safe. you know how i worry!
i love running in the woods at night. sometimes i get spooked, but that adds to the excitement. it is such a different place when the only things i can see are what my headlamp is lighting up.
as for running roads in the dark? yea, i like to be lit up like a Christmas tree. we have no sidewalks or real shoulders here, so it is quite....exciting...
Very good safety tips! I just use my treadmill when it gets dark and cold. I'm not into working out in the harsh elements.
I love running in the dark. I used to be so afraid but got used to it last summer when I was training for my night marathon. I love that vest, I use it every morning. I love running in the dark in the morning because half my run is in the dark and half is in the light, it really breaks it up.
So glad you posted this! I was just thinking this week how dark it has been in the mornings. I need to invest in some bright gear too!
I have to agree with Gene, in which I have to have my headlamp! I also have a roadcrew vest that has three blinking modes of lights.
That is so reflective! Wow! I run in the dark too, on nieghborhood roads with street lights. My husband HATES it, though, but what can I do? I can only take the treadmill so many days a week. :-P
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