Fall is coming and the sun is going. I am a workout in the morning kind of gal and am known for waking up around 5:45am to get my run in for the day. And while I LOVE fall because it means cool, crisp morning runs, it also means it's dark when I head out. The sun hasn't been coming up here until after 7am so I've been building my dark running attire and I thought I'd share it along with some tips for running in the dark.
Now, those that know me know that I'm a bit of a fraidy cat. I'm generally uncertain of those around me. Somewhat rightfully so, after last year, when I was flashed by a man on a run in my neighborhood and being chased by dogs on three different occasions, the most recent one ending badly for me. So running in the dark is not particularly my favorite thing to do.
Now, those that know me know that I'm a bit of a fraidy cat. I'm generally uncertain of those around me. Somewhat rightfully so, after last year, when I was flashed by a man on a run in my neighborhood and being chased by dogs on three different occasions, the most recent one ending badly for me. So running in the dark is not particularly my favorite thing to do.
Tips:
Be seen. Make sure there is lot's of reflective strips on your clothes and generally wear bright colors. Wearing black with reflective strips is not going to be as visible as this orange jacket will be.
Make sure you can see. This fall I started wearing a headlamp on my runs and I really like it. Not only can I be seen by those around me but I can see my surroundings which helps me feel safe. I initially wore it on its own but it kept falling down my face when I got sweaty so I tried it on top of my visor and it works like a charm!
Be aware. I still listen to music through my earbuds but I play it a lot lower than I would during daylight just so I can make sure I can hear cars/fellow runners/dog walkers and adjust accordingly. It's actually not that bad because it's generally quieter in the early morning so I'm not straining to hear my music over the daily traffic noise.
More is better. I choose to run on the busier streets in our area rather than keeping to the neighborhood streets. First, there tend to be more street lights on busy roads. Second, there's just more people out and about and I feel there's safety in numbers.
Go with a buddy. While I have never put this one into practice (Matthew doesn't like running with others) I see others do this and I think it's smart. There's more to see if both of you are wearing reflective gear and there's someone there for general support, like running out of water or tripping and spraining your ankle.
If you're interested in my gear:
1. Headsweats Performance Super Running/Outdoor Sports Visor in hot pink.
2. Head lamp. I just use the one I have for camping but if I were to buy one, I would buy Black Diamond Headlamp Spot 2014.
3. C9 Women's Sporty Layered Run Tank in Solar Flare. Right now, Target has lots of athletic wear that is bright yellow and bright pink for visibility!
4. Saucony Virrata Running Shoe in Coral/Green/Citron.
5. New Balance Ice Long Sleeve in pink (although it's definitely not pink and actually purple).
6. Brooks Infiniti Headband Nightlife in brite pink. This is a whole line of running gear to help with visibility in the dark!
7. Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack with Two 10 ounce Nutrition Flasks in berry. (Mine is a year old so this is this year's model)
8. Canari Everest Jacket, unfortunately, it doesn't look like the sell the orange one anymore and I strongly encourage you to find a bright thick jacket for cold weather runs.
Tips for cycling in the dark:
Just don't do it. No matter how bright you are or how many flashing lights you have on your bike, it's just not safe. At least wait until glimpses of sunlight come out.
While, I'm definitely more alert/anxious when running in the dark it has it's perks...
Be seen. Make sure there is lot's of reflective strips on your clothes and generally wear bright colors. Wearing black with reflective strips is not going to be as visible as this orange jacket will be.
Make sure you can see. This fall I started wearing a headlamp on my runs and I really like it. Not only can I be seen by those around me but I can see my surroundings which helps me feel safe. I initially wore it on its own but it kept falling down my face when I got sweaty so I tried it on top of my visor and it works like a charm!
Be aware. I still listen to music through my earbuds but I play it a lot lower than I would during daylight just so I can make sure I can hear cars/fellow runners/dog walkers and adjust accordingly. It's actually not that bad because it's generally quieter in the early morning so I'm not straining to hear my music over the daily traffic noise.
More is better. I choose to run on the busier streets in our area rather than keeping to the neighborhood streets. First, there tend to be more street lights on busy roads. Second, there's just more people out and about and I feel there's safety in numbers.
Go with a buddy. While I have never put this one into practice (Matthew doesn't like running with others) I see others do this and I think it's smart. There's more to see if both of you are wearing reflective gear and there's someone there for general support, like running out of water or tripping and spraining your ankle.
If you're interested in my gear:
1. Headsweats Performance Super Running/Outdoor Sports Visor in hot pink.
2. Head lamp. I just use the one I have for camping but if I were to buy one, I would buy Black Diamond Headlamp Spot 2014.
3. C9 Women's Sporty Layered Run Tank in Solar Flare. Right now, Target has lots of athletic wear that is bright yellow and bright pink for visibility!
4. Saucony Virrata Running Shoe in Coral/Green/Citron.
5. New Balance Ice Long Sleeve in pink (although it's definitely not pink and actually purple).
6. Brooks Infiniti Headband Nightlife in brite pink. This is a whole line of running gear to help with visibility in the dark!
7. Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack with Two 10 ounce Nutrition Flasks in berry. (Mine is a year old so this is this year's model)
8. Canari Everest Jacket, unfortunately, it doesn't look like the sell the orange one anymore and I strongly encourage you to find a bright thick jacket for cold weather runs.
Tips for cycling in the dark:
Just don't do it. No matter how bright you are or how many flashing lights you have on your bike, it's just not safe. At least wait until glimpses of sunlight come out.
While, I'm definitely more alert/anxious when running in the dark it has it's perks...
...like watching beautiful sunrises like this one.
Happy (safe) running!
Happy (safe) running!