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I was just out with my dog for a nice 3 mile run. I love that I can have him join me in something I love to do. Plus, he loves it as much as I do. If I want to push myself, I just aim to keep up with his speed. But, during my run, I was thinking. This time last year, I was training for my marathon. Most of my runs were after work. Which meant, they were at night. I quickly found out, street lights are not as popular as I always thought they were!

When your running at night or early morning before the sun comes up, please consider safety in your run. For me, it was about not being able to see a thing during my run. Which also meant people couldn’t see me! So, I made sure to always do a few things when I was out running.

1. I bought a little flashlight. The brand that I had clipped to my hat or jacket. They sold this in running stores. Umm, that was the biggest waste of money. Why, when you clip it to your hat or jacket, the light just bounces. It’s not really going to stay focused on the sidewalk in front of you. Plus, the one that I had had often died like a 1/2 mile into my run. So, I was always in the dark even though I tried to take a flashlight with me. So, I ended up using my mini mag light. Yes, it was a little more of a pain because I had to carry it. But, in the end, the light was always where I needed and my mag light never died! Plus, if you have one of those mini mags, they are pretty heavy and could be used a little for self defense if god forsake it was needed. Probably not much, just a little better then nothing. I also hear those headband with the lights on it work good too, think miner light!

2. Make sure to wear a lot of reflective gear. Your flashlight will help a little, but your going to be a spot on the road. Cars must see you. Even if you run on the sidewalk, you typically cross an intersection. Please always were a safety reflective vest over your outerwear do cars will see you! Last thing you want is to be hit by a car when running. There are a lot of brands out there. Just make sure they have a high reflective area. Bring colors like yellow can help! Remember, wearing black with a small strip of reflective on it, is not going to make you visible from way down the road. You want cars to notice you as soon as possible!

3. Try to plan your run where you know you will have the most light. Running down a residential road with house lights, cars is a much better alternative then running through a dark, deserted wooded area.

4. Carry a cell phone with you! Charged and ready to go. Never know if you get lost, it is just to dark, or some other reason occurs that you need help. Having a phone is a great thing to carry at night. Plug in someone that can come to help you as ICE- name. ICE is now the code for In Case of Emergency. Hospitals and such will look for that code to contact if you are ever brought in!

5. Another great thing is to make sure to carry id. I know, carrying a driver’s license maybe a pain. Now there are so many services that can create a Runner’s ID tag. Some go on your shoe laces (always ready when you are), some are bracelets,… These really are affordable, and again can help someone find your emergency contact person if something ever should happen!

6. Remember, always listen to your surrounding. If running at night I’d forget the headphones at home. Listen if someone is approaching you from behind!

Basically, these are just a few tips to keep you safe while enjoying your run during the winter months when we have shorter days. Just because it’s dark, doesn’t mean you can’t go for a run! Just stay safe!

Here’s to your health!

~ Heather

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