Tips For Running in The Dark
Extra Tips For Running in the dark
Most runners hate running at night, but most runners will tell you that once they are out and running it is not as bad as first imagined. It's the getting changed and the anticipation of going out the door that's the worst thing. As with any other sort of training it is always easier if you go with someone else but please remember: your Safety is Paramount!
- BE SEEN!!!! ALWAYS wear a REFLECTIVE bib or sash. In the dark, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights - remember, fluorescent clothing doesn't work after dark. You can put reflective tape on your coat or school bag to help you be seen by drivers.
- Make sure you can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather. Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by night, even in dull or misty weather.
- Cross the road at the safest place possible e.g. zebra, pelican and patrolled crossings.
- Choose routes that are well-lit – Avoiding short cuts, tracks and alleys.
- Vary your route and times.
- Run facing oncoming traffic. The only exception might be when you reach a blind bend in the road; cross over well before the curve, and once the bend has straightened, return to the right side of the road.
- Be alert when passing just parked cars. An unaware driver or passenger might open a door as you are running by.
- Never assume that a driver has seen you! For example, if a car is backing out of a drive, swing wide or stop and wait.
- Leave word of your whereabouts. Let a friend or family member know exactly what route you are taking and approximately how long you will be gone. If you do not return when expected they know where to look for you.
- Carry sufficient money to make a telephone call or in these days of small mobile phones, bring it with you.
- Carry Identification on you: write down your name, the phone number of someone to call in case of an emergency, and any necessary medical information.
- Do not wear a headset - wearing headphones blocks your awareness. You cannot hear cars approaching and you wont notice someone coming up behind you.
- Be aware of the conditions, e.g. freezing temperatures, icy/slippery pavements, etc.
If you cannot see where you are putting your feet in the dark, SLOW DOWN OR WALK!
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Most Helpful Customer Comment or Reviews
This is a most comprehensive list in which I cannot add anything to. I will definitely find this a very useful guide to follow.
I have just recieved an email from Mary in Canada who has suggested the following:
1. Dress like a Christmas tree, including electric lights. Small LED light devices can be purchased in bike and sports stores in red or colorless light, and set on steady or flashing modes. These are visible much sooner than reflective strips are. I say this having driven to work in the dark behind a keen cyclist in our snowy Canadian winter. I even have a new Saucony shirt in bright traffic-stopping orange fabric, with reflective patches AND a detachable LED.
2. Use a small headlamp to light your path as well as increase your visibility. These can be purchased in camping or outdoor stores and are very light in weight. I have also seen caps with lights incorporated into the front edge of the brim.
3. On icy routes attach gripping devices, such as Yak Trax to your shoes or wear spikes.
Some of these tips are so obvious I tend to forget about them, if that makes sense! Good to be reminded about safety now that the dark evenings are here, particularly for new runners. Thank you.
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