Thursday, November 17, 2011

Safe Running at Night

Since we changed the clocks back a week ago, it gets dark here around 5 PM.  This does not give me much time to run when it is still light outside.  Since I am not a morning person, I have to wait to run in the evening after my husband gets home.  On my run the other night, I almost got hit by a car.  I run the sidewalks in my neighborhood.  I was coming up on a house when I saw a women quickly leave the house and jump into a car.  I keep running by the house while the she started the car.  Just as I was passing the driveway, she through the car into reverse and almost hit me.  Scary!  This got me thinking, was I being as safe as possible when I run at night? 
Here are a few tips I have come up with to keep us safe when we run at night: 
·         Run in a place that is well light so you can see other and they can see you.
·         Be visible.  Consider wearing bright colors, clothing that reflects light or even a head lamp or flashlight. 
·         Carry a cell phone. 
·         Leave the music at home.  Limiting your hearing will put you at a disadvantage when it comes to hearing cars, dogs, other runners or any other potential harm. 
·         Follow your instincts.  If you feel unsafe at any time, trust your gut and return to a safe place.
·         Vary you time and route.  Don’t make yourself any easy target.
·         Run with a buddy if possible. 
·         Run on sidewalks to put as much space between you and drivers as possible.
·         Carry identification, such as a Road ID
To keep all of you safe, I am doing a giveaway!!!  I am giving away a $15 gift card to be used toward a Road ID.  To read a previous Road ID review, click here.  To enter the giveaway, you must use the Rafflecopter form below and be a follow of this blog.  Good luck and be safe out there!!!
Do you have any other tips for running at night?  What time of day do you prefer to run?
A dream is a wish…
--Amy

***Edit: Road ID must have loved this post because they just sent me an e-mail with coupon codes for all of you!!!

20% off until 11/28 with code pcSanta220
15% off from 11/29 to 12/6 with code pcSanta215
10% off from 12/7 to 12/25 with code pcSanta 210




11 comments:

  1. I basically only run at night during the week because of time as well. No way do I want to wake up at 4 to run! And it would be dark anyway. I just bought a reflective vest that I love (http://www.ruseen.com/ I'm not affiliated with them but they do belong to a local running club). I also use a head lamp that is very bright but it stinks on my head so I carry it, a blinking red light on the back of my hat, a wrist bracelet kind of light and a reflective arm band. I also wear my Road ID!

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  2. For running at night, I have a Nathan reflective belt and a Cyclops clip hat light. I love them!

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  3. I walked for the first time tonight. I bought a little flashing light at Five Below and put it on my zipper pull. Next time I go, I'm definitely taking a flashlight since I rolled my ankles twice but recovered quickly.

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  4. I always run in a well lit area that is usually full of other runners and walkers. I have also thought about getting pepper spray just in case.

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  5. Reflective everything, road id, and of course the dog!

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  6. I stick to the sidewalks and use the flashlight on my iphone and carry it in my hand so I am flashing along with every step

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  7. I know this is going to sound funny, but I got a string of LED Christmas Lights and I wrap it around my waist. I can have it as a standard steady light or I can have it where it flashes...Trust Me...If someone hits me...Someone's going to have some Explaining to to! Best of Luck to you as you get ready for your Race! XoXo

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  8. I run with my reflective arm sleeves when it's dark and I even have a reflective jacket for my dog at night.

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  9. Rafflecopter went crazy and did multiple entries for mine. I have no idea what to do about that!

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  10. I stay safe by running like no one sees me. In other words, I stay alert and try to wear bright clothing.

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  11. I run with a reflective vest but always looking for more!

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