| Author |
Topic: Running in the dark |
RunDanoRun
Cool Runner |
 posted Sep-14-2007 05:05 PM
  
I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't pull his lazy butt out of bed early enough to run before work. So, I have been running at night, mostly after it gets dark.I prefer running outside as opposed to the treadmill so I've been running outside after dark.
Am I crazy or do others do the same thing? I found that if I run on the white line I can see any potholes or debris that would cause a problem. When a car is coming I just move to the shoulder and I can see fine due via their headlights.
For other runner of the night, does anyone actually bring a flashlight or wear one of those headlamp things? Any other ideas on ways to make it safer?
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figbash
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-15-2007 01:35 AM
A headlamp and a reflective vest is my equipment of choice for running in the dark. I prefer to do mine in the early morning though. If I fall or twist an ankle in the morning I don't need to worry about being stranded in the dark, especially with the winter months approaching.Tom ------------------
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Tripacer
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-15-2007 06:42 AM
NO, you are not crazy. Even though everyone around you may think so. I run at 5 am when I am at work. My work hours are 12 hour nights. It is very dark at that time these days. Work provides a gym with treadmills. However, I hate the Dreadmil. I may have to use it when winter gets here, though. I use a headlamp. I would advise atleast that to be safe. Cars need to see you too.
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Tamara40
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-15-2007 07:59 AM
I agree with the other two regarding the lamp and the vest, and no I don't think you are crazy at all b/c due to time changes and the fall approaching, I'll be running in the dark as well. I do wear a headlamp and reflective vest, just b/c you can see the car doesn't mean it can see you. Have fun!
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novaks
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-15-2007 08:50 PM
It's dark when I run in the morning, I wear a headlamp to prevent injury. I affectionately call it my dork light and turn it off if I see a neighbors garage door opening as I pass by. 
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yamahamamma
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-15-2007 11:30 PM
I just started running in the dark (morning) and I was more worried about some creep grabbing me than pot holes. That is until I nearly went down over an uneven part of the sidewalk. I plan on getting a headlamp because I would rather look like a dork and not blow my training from twisting my ankle.
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chuck43
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-16-2007 12:24 AM
I work till 11 pm and I run when I get off work. I wear a head lamp. love it.------------------
Chuck
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schmurray
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-16-2007 08:44 AM
i wear reflective vest, also a clip-on flashing light that i clip to the back of the vest or hat - and carry a brookstone teeny-weeny-mini lights (deceivingly bright!) so if i can't see the footing on a dark street or use it to flash towards an oncoming too-close car. also wrap the reflective ankle straps on. at fleet-feet i just bought some reflective strips you can put anywhere. i'm like robert redford in the electric horseman! schmurray
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Dutchie42
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-16-2007 10:03 AM
I run at 5AM, before work. It's very dark then. I run with my two dogs who wear reflective vests (looks really silly but they are better visible). For myself, I use removable bike lights (white in front, red tail light), that I clip to my buddy leash belt (for my dogs). I usually encounter 3-4 cars, and as far as I can tell, they seem to expect me to be out there. They drive pretty slowly when passing me and my dogs.
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joescoolagain
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-16-2007 10:11 AM
I tried running before work, at 5:00am. It was tough, don't think I could do it on a consistent basis.
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danterner
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-17-2007 11:02 AM
I wear so much reflective/flashing stuff it is truly embarrassing. Once, I heard a neighbor yell "ooh... a UFO!" as I ran in front of his house. :-)I wear: * Two yellow reflective ankle-bands
* A red strobing LED on my left arm, that attaches to my cellphone armband (which has reflective piping)
* A red/yellow reflective armband on my right arm
* A reflective Y-shaped amphipod vest
* A headlamp
* Reflective firefly shoelaces
* A RoadID shoelace address tag that has a reflective stripe
* Plus, my clothing and running shoes have reflective bits I'd heartily recommend the amphipod vest, headlamp, shoelaces, and RoadID. I know it is overkill, but I do feel safer. The headlamp alone has saved my ankles too many times to count. The other day I tried turning it off while running, just to remember what it was like before I had it. I couldn't believe how dark it was, without it! I run in the morning, well before sunrise (generally at about 5 AM). It is just as dark as it would be running at night, but there are fewer cars on the road and I have rationalized that thugs and ruffians probably aren't early risers so I'm less likely to have an encounter during the morning than at night (or so I rationalize). ------------------
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conniewf
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-17-2007 07:34 PM
I'd heartily recommend the amphipod vest, headlamp, shoelaces, and RoadID.[/B][/QUOTE] Thank you for the information!! I just started running at dusk and as it's getting darker earlier I ended my run tonight after dark. I thought I was going to have to do some online research and find vests etc on line but you've saved me much time end effort. I'm ordering a vest tonight. Thank you again! ------------------
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RunDanoRun
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-17-2007 08:35 PM
Wow! Thanks for all the great information.
I think I'm going to order a headlamp tonight. Maybe even a pair of those shoelaces as well.novaks - LOL. I think I'll do the same. ;-) danterner - Thanks for the links.
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LarrysWoman
Member |
posted Sep-18-2007 12:53 AM
I would love to run in the dark, but I can't convince the Y to turn the lights out!! I buggered up my knee, so I am on the treadmill till its better. Seriously, when I start running on pavement again, it will be at dark-thirty. Either early early AM or late evening. I think its the best time to run. The air smells cleaner. Corny, I know, but true. I will be wearing a reflective vest that I will be "borrowing" from work. (at a minimum) Please wear reflective gear. I have seen so many unmarked runners that I have considered carrying a roll of reflective tape in my rig, to have them slap on a strip, so at least something is visible. Sharon
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kimber45
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-18-2007 06:15 AM
danterner, I'm almost as lit up as you  I live about 50 miles north of you. Between the 2 of us, we can probably light up south Florida!
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mbfleth
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-18-2007 12:36 PM
I run in the dark as well, about 80% my runs are pre-sunrise or post sunset. I use a reflective vest and cut over to the shoulder as far as possible to avoid traffic. I also create "darkness" routes that limit the amount of time spent running in areas without sidewalks or wide shoulders. I have done this to the point of running loops through subdivisions that are lighted and sidewalked.
I have not gone as far as the dorklight headgear but have worn a read flashing light.
My two biggest fears in the dark are streetsigns that I may not see when cutting over to the shoulders and roadkill/debris that I may step on or tumble over.
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cocarrie
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-18-2007 12:54 PM
I have one of these things . It was cheap and it's easy to deal with if I need to shed a layer, as I sometimes do in the winter. Plus, if I start in the dark and am still running when it's light and want to reduce the 'dork' effect, I can easily take it off and shove it in a pocket. I also have a Petzl TIkka Plus headlamp which makes me feel like a miner out there but it beats falling flat on my face and banging myself up like I did last winter before I got it. Now, I can see where I'm headed and it's light and I don't really care what I look like out there. It beats getting hurt. Take ID with you whenever you run. I love the little RoadID thing for my shoes. (I even got one for my 78 yr old mother who likes to take walks. Probably not a bad idea for kids too.) Be careful out there everyone!
Carrie ------------------
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