Night Runner

This time of year it's dark when you wake up and dark when you get home.
If you aren't sure about going out at night, here are some tips on running in the dark!

1: Be visible.
If you are running on the road or sidewalk you need to be wearing reflective gear, and carrying a light source. There are many reflective options on the market. Vests, bands, and even light up shoes, to be sure you are seen!

2: Run a familiar route.
Keep your route safe and familiar. Stay close to home and let family know where you are running and for how long. 

3: Run with a buddy.
Safety should be your number one concern. If you feel uncomfortable running in the dark, for any reason, grab a friend or your dog and run together.

4: Run with a group.
Look for a local running group! Some groups run early in the morning and some start after work. Spoken Bicycles in Middletown runs at 6PM on Tuesdays! No one runs alone, you can match paces with another runner. 

5: Wear a headlamp.
While you may feel silly at first, a headlamp is the best way to stay hands free while lighting your path. The sidewalk can be a fairly uneven ground in some neighborhoods. Don't try to run them without a way to see the tripping hazards! 

6: Keep an eye on the weather.
This time of year the weather can be an issue for any runner. Even more so when the temperature drops after sundown. Make sure you look at what to expect before you head out. Even with a headlamp, ice is a lot harder to detect when its dark!

Don't let the thought of running at night keep you on the treadmill all winter! If you follow the safety tips and find a way that works for you, you can enjoy outdoor running all year round!

-See you on the road!