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Home / GEAR / Running in the Dark

Running in the Dark

GEAR

Running in the Dark

Now that we have set the clocks back for fall, many runners that have to run after work have been plunged into darkness. There are also a good number of people that choose to run at what I consider an insanely early hour (4:30 to 5), who are well accustomed to running in the dark. Veteran early morning and night runners are well aware of the dangers posed by running in the dark, but I figure that for all of us (newbies and veterans), it never hurts to revisit some safety precautions.

  • First and foremost, opt for a route that is well-lit. Extra light will not only protect you from unseen obstacles, i.e. the neighborhood raccoon or skunk, but will also minimize your vulnerability to potential attackers. The extra lighting also helps to keep you visible to any traffic on the roads.
  • Make sure you wear as much reflective gear as possible. The small amount of reflectivity on your sneakers is not nearly enough. Opt for a reflective shirt, vest, or jacket. Brooks (I have a pair of the Adapt gloves in Nightlife green that I love)  and Saucony both make great lines of reflective gear. Wear as much as you can!
  • Because roadways are not always well-lit, a headlamp can be very beneficial for running in the dark. Drivers will see a headlamp sooner than bright or light colored clothing. Headlamps can project light beams from 25 meters and up, depending on the model you choose. There are also Knuckle Lights  and light belts, which can help you see and be seen.
  • Run with a partner or a group if possible–it makes the miles go faster any way. There is safety in numbers. Drivers are much more likely to see a group of well-reflected runners than an individual.
  • Always run with identification and a phone (if possible) and make sure you run AGAINST traffic. You have a much greater advantage of avoiding a potential collision if you can see the vehicle and jump onto the sidewalk or off the road. You are also more visible to the driver.

Please feel free to share any tips you have for keeping safe in the dark!

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November 10, 2011 · 9 Comments

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  1. Holly says

    November 10, 2011 at 7:16 am

    There’s also some cool armbands on the market which have blinking (or continuously lit) LEDs, which are great for increasing visibility. Fuel Belt and Asics, as well as Runner’s World, have these.

    Reply
    • jshade77 says

      November 10, 2011 at 7:18 am

      I’ll have to check those out Holly!

      Reply
  2. christine says

    November 10, 2011 at 11:48 am

    Run with a dog. The dogs ears and eyes are more alert than yours and will freak out at a potential threat.

    Reply
    • jshade77 says

      November 10, 2011 at 1:06 pm

      That’s a great idea Christine! It would be nice to have the company too 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Brooks Nightlife Podium 1/2 Zip Review | 30 Something Mother Runner says:
    November 25, 2011 at 7:59 am

    […] You can see from the picture to the right that the shirt is definitely “visible.” I chose the nightlife green color solely for the visibility (and partly because it matches my Brooks Adapt running gloves in nightlife green!). Brooks uses 3M Scotchlite Retroreflectivity for their Nightlife running gear. When I passed other runners, I could definitely tell I was visible- by their second glances or slightly extended stares. I was shocked by how many other runners were wearing dark colors. I only saw one other runner wearing proper reflective gear. […]

    Reply
  2. Running at Night | 30 Something Mother Runner says:
    December 22, 2011 at 7:33 am

    […] I highly encourage you to do so (but only if you live in a safe area). Remember to keep yourself lit up like a Christmas tree if you head out in the dark. I always […]

    Reply
  3. Knuckle Lights Review | 30 Something Mother Runner says:
    January 3, 2012 at 7:31 am

    […] of my readers know that I am a stickler for safety while running, so I was very intrigued when I was offered the chance to review a pair of Knuckle Lights. Since […]

    Reply
  4. The Tragic Story of Sherry Arnold: A Mother Runner Lost | 30 Something Mother Runner says:
    January 29, 2012 at 10:10 am

    […] If possible, avoid exercising alone in the dark early morning hours or in the evening. […]

    Reply
  5. Brooks Nightlife Podium 1/2 Zip Review | 30 Something Mother Runner says:
    February 2, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    […] You can see from the picture to the right that the shirt is definitely “visible.” I chose the nightlife green color solely for the visibility (and partly because it matches my Brooks Adapt running gloves in nightlife green!). Brooks uses 3M Scotchlite Retroreflectivity for their Nightlife running gear. When I passed other runners, I could definitely tell I was visible- by their second glances or slightly extended stares. I was shocked by how many other runners were wearing dark colors. I only saw one other runner wearing proper reflective gear. […]

    Reply

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