Running in the dark

Hi, Scott. I run at night and sometimes it is very late. I'm not sure what the right prescription is for safe running in the dark but I try to keep light colored clothes on with some sort of reflective addition like a hat. Since it is cold it is easy to layer with all sorts of creative looks.

Where I run, the biggest concern is the Cadillac barrelling down on you so staying true to reflective clothing is required.  I rarely run on sidewalks when I am in neighborhoods because there is more room to move and less chance of turning an ankle on uneven sidewalks.  However, when that Caddy comes rolling down the street I make a move to the sidewalk until all is clear.

I would not recommend running in the middle of the street.  It is really not smart and you can get killed. I just live in a neighborhood with only one entrance and exit so the Cadillac sightings are rare.  However, one thing you can do is run with a phone, even if it is a junker (prepaid) phone you pick up at the gas station.  This is can be a valuable resource if you end up turning left and your ankle goes right.

Hope this helps.  If anything, it has told you not to run in the middle of the street.  Don't be like me. 

Happy Miles

Cord

Visit my blog at - http://ontherunblog.blogspot.com

Night running is fun. As regular readers know, my biggest problem is not traffic but running into things that have been left on the sidewalk or are naturally growing over the sidewalk. Er... what I'm saying is I have more problems with inanimate objects that refuse to get out of my way, than with vehicles trying to wipe me out.

Having said that, I badly sprained my ankle this year after having to get out of the way of a care that came too close and I ended up on deep loose gravel that stopped one of my feet dead in its tracks.

I have a couple of white tops I reserve for night-time running just to increase the chances of being seen by drivers; I never run in the middle of the road even if I THINK it is all clear.... it's the cars you don't see/hear that will get you.

Trail running at night I find really inspiring. As long as there is a decent moon I am OK, otherwise I use a Petzl head torch worn round my waist, which gives my feet just enough subliminal warning to avoid leg-breaking holes, ruts, skunks and gophers. It does get kind of scary when other large mammals (like deer) come pounding out of the darkness. I agree with Darell, too, I often feel like I am flying, but usually find I have been running slower than normal.

I run in the dark in the morning but the only wildlife I encounter is the occasional opposum, cat or dog or Escalade. Like AtlantaRoadRacer, I also run in the middle of the street to avoid the sidewalks, jumping out of the way when cars come by. Tips? Light colors, know your route, LCD arm bands from Polybrite and definetly wear road id. Also, leave a map for family to follow in case the unthinkable happens.

Good luck! - LML

Thank you for the responses. I like the idea of running with a light on the waist for the feet. I would think with the light closer to the ground, the ground would be seen better.

I will try the above tomorrow night when it is suppose to be slightly warmer.

Thanks again

Scott