Last week I hosted a Brooks Nightlife event at my local running store, Pacers. I brought a ton of gear (vests, jackets, hats, wrist/ankle bands), had everyone pick out a few pieces and test it during the 5.5 mile run. 22 people showed up to run & we had a great time! My first Brooks event was a success.
Brooks Nightlife event at Pacers
This event got me thinking about nighttime running, especially during the winter months. 3 years ago I ran in ‘90’s cotton with no form of reflectivity {with the exception of a little tiny strip on my running shoes.} Now that I think about it, I was terribly unsafe as a 24 year old runner. Now, I won’t leave the house without 360 degrees of reflectivity – including a very serious blinking light.
Since I’m not a treadmill runner, I spend a large majority of my winter running in the dark of night. But, I’m not the only one – I always see runners, bikers & walkers on the trail, too. My biggest piece of advice: play it safe during low-light hours.
Follow these simple steps to BE SEEN & Run Happy!
- Be visible – wear bright colors and reflective gear during low-light hours
- Run against traffic – help cars see you & you see cars
- Obey all traffic rules – signal to cars where you are going
- Open your eyes – wait, watch, and listen for cars at intersections
- Keep your I.D. on you – and carry your cell phone with you
- Stay on well lit paths – run with a buddy
What’s your GO-TO form of reflectivity for low-light/nighttime running?
{I don’t leave home without my Essential Run Vest & Power Flare}
Great advice and reminders!!! 🙂
I have these Nathan reflective running bands I wear one on my ankle and one on the opposite wrist.
Such great advice and your event sounds like it was a success!
Until this year, the dark meant inside but now that I have running group on Wednesday I am outside one day a week! My go to is a Sacouny running jacket in hot pink! I probably should invest in a headlamp too!
My husband and I always try to run in lighter color clothing. We have an LED arm band that my husband wears and a headlamp that I wear. We probably should do more than just that but so far it works!
I have a Petzel headlamp for dark runs (we don’t have street lights) and reflective running gear from RelaxReflect and an old school vest. I’m actually doing a night run tonight for the first time in a while, so this is a timely post. 🙂
I love those nightlife vests! I just started running with reflectors and blinky lights and I’m ashamed that I never did before. So unsafe!
Good advice! I used to be a treadmill gal, but when I bought a house in a run-able area I started doing everything outside. Reflective gear is key, and just never assuming that cars see you– even if they are stopped, they could be looking the other way.
Thanks for the tips….I needed a kick in the pants. I’ve been running some nights w/ no phone, no i.d., some bright clothing (minimal), only the strip on my shoe really. I even told my husband the route I’d take and then totally changed it without telling him duh! 🙂 I’ll do better next time.
Great tips! I run in the wee hours of the morning, but it’s mostly on the sidewalks. Still, I do want the LED arm bands…just to be on the safe side!