Sloooow.
What do I need? My treadmill still isn't working, and my "9-5" partner didn't get home until 11pm last night, and no sign of him any time soon. I'm obviously not planning on running at midnight, but it's quite dark here by 6pm.
I've been running at dusk a few nights, with a torch. I always feel like I am going to annoy drivers though by running when it's dark. We live on a 25mph country road, that some idiots hit 50+mph on. Add no streetlights, and it's pretty dark. Just reminded myself of all the night critters come out when it's dark, urgh.
Fear is a Liar
Try here . I did some research last year and this seems to be the best and least expensive option to "be seen". I haven't bought any yet because I like to cheat death - read into that "I am lazy".
I do carry one of these and recommend it. It is light weight , has a hard plastic contoured case that doesn't feel cold in your hand, and lasts a long time battery wise.
I'm so vegetarian I don't even eat animal crackers!
Make yourself visible. Lights, reflective gear, etc. I've nearly hit two runners who insisted on running in all black, in the dark. On the other hand, I can clearly see runners who wear headlamps or have on reflective belts/vests.
Run defensively. Drivers aren't usually looking for pedestrians, so you need to be on your guard. And don't be "dead right" - here in Ohio, cars are supposed to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Yeah, good luck with that. If you think a driver doesn't see you, he doesn't.
levitation specialist
I recently just purchased an Amphipod reflector singlet. It basically looks like suspenders and a belt thing made out of reflector striping. It isn't here yet, so I can't comment on it's use but I think it will work well in various weather condtions and over pretty much any clothing.
But right now, I run with a Petzel Zipka headlamp on my head and also a flashing red bike blinky light on my rear end. Yes, I think it's fine and dandy to be seen from the front but a lot of people forget their backside! Hello, you need to be seen both ways!
Run Like a Mother
I think a combination of reflective hear and lights are your best bet!
I've thought about pickup up a set of Knuckle Lights.
I've just ordered some reflective arm bands from the site Gustav posted. I definitely want to be seen, as our road has drainage ditches on both sides, lol.
I live in Louisiana, so the defensive mantra is already tattooed in my brain!
Mmmmm...beer
I use the Amphipod Xinglet, it's lightweight, comfortable and my wife confirmed that she can see me two blocks away with it on. I chose that over a full vest because I didn't want to have to wear the full vest in the summer.
Even with reflective gear, I still run very defensively and always assume that I am invisible to cars.
-Dave
My running blog
Goals | sub-18 5k | sub-3 marathon 2:56:46!!
delicate flower
I use a 200 lumen headlamp and wear a reflective vest.
<3
Team TJ
I use the Amphipod Xinglet, it's lightweight, comfortable and my wife confirmed that she can see me two blocks away with it on. I chose that over a full vest because I didn't want to have to wear the full vest in the summer. Even with reflective gear, I still run very defensively and always assume that I am invisible to cars.
I've been considering getting one of those. I have a full vest but I hate it. Thanks for that review.
OP, I wear reflective bands around my ankles and have been told they are very effective due to the movement.
Running for TJ because he can't.
I wear a Nathan Streak Reflective Vest and a HI Vis hat. The vest is really not noticeable in terms of feeling it as it's made of mesh and it's extremely lightweight.
Short term goal: 17:59 5K
Mid term goal: 2:54:59 marathon
Long term goal: To say I've been a runner half my life. (I started running at age 45).
Misty
I have a set of Knucklelights. They work great!
Bless your heart.
I run with Knucklelights and wave them around like crazy when an oncoming car approaches. I wear clothes w/reflective stuff on them too. I have the Xinglet and while most people love it, I wore it 2xs and the straps and belt just annoyed me. I should really give it another shot, though, b/c so many people do swear by it.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions!
I will definitely start looking at the vests. I tried checking out knuckle lights, but I couldn't find any in stock.
I didn't end up running tonight as it was storming and half of the road was flooded. Two days in a row without a run, so I will need to figure one out tomorrow.
If you think a driver doesn't see you, he doesn't.
This.
Going a step further, when it's dark I have learned to always assume that drivers will do the stupidest thing possible.
-If you're about to pass in front of them as they come to a stop sign, skirt behind them. Too many will just look left and roll on through without ever looking right, where you are.
-If they're near the white line, assume that they are about to stray over it.