LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Putting on a lightweight headlamp makes you instantly visible to vehicles and other trail users, and it helps you see where you’re going, too. Angle the headlamp bulb slightly downward to strike a good balance between overall visibility and being able to see what’s coming up under your feet. If you’re worried about animals on the trail (you might be surprised at what furry things you come across on a night run), watch out for the characteristic shine of your headlamp reflecting off their eyes in the dark.
Is It raining? That doesn’t matter. Am I tired? That doesn’t matter, either. Then willpower will be no problem.
Emil Zatopek – Three-time gold medalist at the 1952 Summer Olympics for Czechoslovakia
SHINY IS GOOD
Once you know what’s going on under your feet, making sure others see you coming is the best way to stay safe on your after-dark runs. You can buy almost any type of running gear — from leggings to jackets or shoes — with reflective panels or piping on them. The second a biker’s headlamp or a car’s headlights shine on you, those patches will illuminate brightly. Light-up gear is another fun, practical way of making yourself more visible in the dark. From light-up shoelaces and small lights you can clip into your shoes to flashing LED wristbands or headbands, that extra touch of light helps eliminate nasty surprises on the trail.
CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
If you do your running on a well-lit route, you can get by without all the reflective or light-up gear we just mentioned, but it’s always good to err on the side of high visibility. You should always have a headlamp along at night, just in case. Choose your route with safety in mind. Once it’s dark out, you’re usually better off running with a buddy or sticking to populated areas so that if you have a problem, someone will be around to lend you a hand.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Always be weary of your surroundings when on the move, this applies to running generally, but especially when doing so in the dark. Pay attention to what is going on and if something seems off or strange, remove yourself from that particular area. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
CARRY I.D. & A PHONE
This is vitally important, should something happen to you on your route or if you witness something happening to someone else. Many brands offer cheap and well-made cell-phone holders, so you can run with a peace of mind and not worry about being weighed down by your mobile device.