BE SAFE AND BE SEEN: ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR RUNNING AT NIGHT
BE SAFE AND BE SEEN: ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR RUNNING AT NIGHT
Why do we run outside at night? Well, for one we love Rhode Runner group runs, some of which happen at night. We also find that in some cases we have no other option due to work commitments, or in other cases it may be the only time when our friends are available. Running at night can also be calming and meditative, or perhaps the reason we run outside at night is because we just can’t stand the treadmill.
If you find yourself out on the roads, how do you make sure that cars, cyclists, pedestrians...even dogs, can see and avoid you? Here are a few ways to ensure that you stay safe and are seen, using some essential gear for running at night.
1. Take a cue from the cars themselves and wear a headlamp.
Hey, if it works so well for drivers then why can’t it work for you?
Here you can see a very enthusiastic Jason wearing one of the rechargeable headlamps we carry at the store, which actually has 3 steady light settings: low intensity (1st photo) medium and high intensity (2nd photo) and two blinking light settings. Lots of options to choose from, depending on where you are running and your visibility needs.
Some of the benefits of headlamps are:
Easy to strap on and stay on
Lightweight
Positioned high up on the body and very visible
- Adjustable - both the strap, the light intensity and the angle (see photo below)
2. Wear a light on your body that also acts as a headlamp.
Here, Jason shows you the different varieties of clip-on lights that we carry at the store. The one in his left hand can be used both as a handheld and as a clip-on light and much like the headlamp, it has different light intensities and blinking light options. It’s also ergonomically designed and very comfortable to hold even during your longer runs.
Here, Jason demonstrates the impact of both types of lights and just how visible you can be out on the roads!
3. Wear a reflective armband.
Here, Jason models our reflective slap-on bracelet which is both easy to strap onto a wrist (or ankle) and also very visible! Running with an arm bracelet provides short bursts of light that can break up a driver’s vision and make it easier to be seen. The same thinking goes into blinking lights.
4. Wear a reflective vest over your running gear.
Here, Jason showcases our Brooks reflective running vest with strategically-placed reflective elements for better visibility.
Here, Jason puts it all together and demonstrates just how visible you can be out on the roads! You’ll be seen from a mile away!
5. You can also wear gadgets on your running shoes.
Shoe accessories such as the Nathan LightSpur LED footlight and the Night Runner shoe light can also keep you safe while you run at night by providing another option for night visibility. The battery-powered LightSpur slips onto the heel of your shoe, while the rechargeable Night Runner light attaches above your shoelaces. Two great options for lightweight, unobstructive accessories for running, walking or even cycling.
Nathan Lightspur LED footlight
Night Runner 270 shoe light
Check out this cool video to see how the Night Runner 270 helps you stay visible during your run.
Make this your best winter of running yet, and make sure to be safe and be seen with any number of these essential items for running at night.
Run better. Run smarter. Run for life.
Coach Mwangi