I learned a lesson the other day: I don’t have night vision…and it’s pretty darn dark around here in the evenings!
I set out for a run on Tuesday at about 7:00pm, all decked out in a bright yellow reflective vest and a hat with reflective strips all over it.
And then I realized that people and cars could see ME…but I couldn’t see anything!
I guess it’s been a long time since I went for a run in the dark. It’s not so bad while the sun is still setting – or in the case of you morning people while it’s rising.
But it was PITCH dark in some spots – and I was terrified of tripping or twisting my ankle in a hole because I couldn’t see the ground in front of me.
So – It looks like my first “running purchase” of 2012 is going to be a headlamp.
Or maybe a set of Knuckle Lights?
All I know is that I wasn’t even in the most unlit part of the neighborhood and I could. not. see. a. thing.
Other than the whole “not being able to see” situation the run was pretty decent. 3.24 miles in 39 minutes for a 12:08 average pace. My run intervals were all under 10:45 pace which is good for me. I just gotta focus on not meandering during my walk intervals!
WHAT ABOUT YOU: Do you run with a headlamp or other light source when it’s dark out? Any recommendations for a good one?
Great job braving the night and get your run in!
I use a head lamp all the time… And blinky lights sometimes too, but that more for to be seen. (Just imagine a Vegas slot machine running down the road!
My current head lamp is a Black Diamond. I think all headlamps a kind of created equal when it comes to comfort and not slipping. Mine has just a band around the head and not one across and doesn’t slip. I would definitely watch the lumens, because that determine how bright it’s going to be… more lumens -> brighter -> more expensive… but totally worth to invest a little more and have a brighter light!
Thanks for the recommendation! It’s weird – I’ve seen expensive ones and though “Geeze, I’m not spending that much just for a headlamp!” but then I’ve spent close to $200 for headlights for my bike. I think it’ll definitely be worth the investment to get a powerful one right off the bat!
I’ve never used a head lamp – I feel like the bouncing of the light would make me feel nauseous! Good idea for the vest though! For sure! I should definitely think about doing something like that for myself!
That was my initial thought with a headlamp. But also with knuckle lights or anything held in my hand, I’m thinking the movement of my arms would make the like be all over the place too!
And YES on the vest – I’ve actually had cars stop and say “Thank You – we wish more runners wore vests like that!” before!
I stick to the treadmill when it gets dark. it’s still safer.
You’re right – the treadmill will definitely be safer. But this time of year I’d only be running on a treadmill and I think that might make me crazy!
I run at night once a week. I use a headlight that clips under the visor on my hat it works great. It’s much smaller than the contraption you showed above, but it has four small LED lights in a line and really lights up the path about 8-10 feet ahead of me so I can see debris, holes, etc. I got it at Feet First running store here in St. Pete.
I haven’t seen one like what you have before – I definitely need to check those out too!
Oh, and I also wear a reflective vest and clip a blinky light onto the back of my running belt so people can see me coming and going.
I run with a headlamp, but it’s not like instant perfect vision… I think with less light my form/stride changes too.
I reallly want a pair of knuckle lights, but the $40 price tag is too much!
I tend to stare at my feet (or right in front of them) whenever I run since I’m so prone to twisting my ankles – but I’m just so much more “tentative” when I can’t see well because it’s too dark. At this point, any little bit will help. It’s hard to decide which way to go – $40 for something that really works is a great deal…but how do we know which ones really ARE a good deal & which ones are total junk?!