Running at night safety!
rduhlir
Posts: 3,550 Member
So as the days get shorter and my runs get darker, I have had time to think and plan my next post and last night I brainstormed about running at night. I know it has been a while since my safety postings, everyone has been so awesome! No injuries...okay minimal injuries, graduating and moving up, and finishing races. But as the days get shorter, we need to refocus and adjust to the changing seasons.
Running at night can be just as rewarding as running during the day, when done in a safe manner. You get to watch the sunrise and sunset, which if you haven't ran yet while doing this I highly recommend it without music. There is something about sweat, heavy breathing and a beautiful sky that is just heavenly.
But with the decreased sunlight comes increased risk. But you can counter this risk easily. Here are my tips.
1. Dress to be seen.
This doesn't mean you can't wear black. This means that if you wear black wear something to be seen. Reflective tape, reflective clothing, head lamps, flashing braclets, etc... There are tons of ideas out there. You can even use those neon necklaces. Now a days most clothing comes with reflective material worked into the clothing. What do I use?
~I have a white hat and I purchased a flash light that clips onto the bill. I can use it as an led flash light or as a caution light and make it blink.
~I have a flashing neon green braclete that I got from Glow in the Park.
~The water bottle I purchased has reflective material all over it.
~I have reflective shoe laces.
~I just purchased reflective ankle bands.
2. Run in lit areas.
If there aren't any street lights then opt to drive to a place where there are some. This is not only good for you being seen, but should you be attacked this gives you the chance to get a good look at the person and be able to identify them. Most attackers won't attacked if they know they can be identified.
3. Run in groups, pairs, or in heavy running areas.
And this isn't meant for only the ladies either. We had a runner here in Memphis get mugged two weeks ago, in broad day light, on a trail that not many people travel. Always think safety when running. Along with this comes telling someone where you went. I have seen an app going around that will alert someone for you should you stop for longer than a period of time. Forgive me as I don't know it, but I am sure someone will post it here after they read this.
4. Road ID
I said this in another thread, but this needs to be repeated over and over. Having some form of ID when you are running is extremely important. You can get the RoadID tags or get some dog tags made up at the pet store and attach that to your shoe. Or carry your id with you. But always make sure someone can identify you!
5. Never run with traffic, always against.
It is better to run towards them, than have them drive up on you. Plus, this gives you a chance to move should they decide to act retarded and play "Hit the runner."
6. Learn to run without music.
If you can't do that, run without headphones. It is important to be able to hear what is happening around you, espeically at night when people's vision is highly compromised. Sound maybe the only indication that there is a biker or another runner behind you.
Above all, don't be afraid to run at night. But, make sure you are cutting the risks. If you need to that extra security, invest in a loud sound making device or runner's pepper spray.
Running at night can be just as rewarding as running during the day, when done in a safe manner. You get to watch the sunrise and sunset, which if you haven't ran yet while doing this I highly recommend it without music. There is something about sweat, heavy breathing and a beautiful sky that is just heavenly.
But with the decreased sunlight comes increased risk. But you can counter this risk easily. Here are my tips.
1. Dress to be seen.
This doesn't mean you can't wear black. This means that if you wear black wear something to be seen. Reflective tape, reflective clothing, head lamps, flashing braclets, etc... There are tons of ideas out there. You can even use those neon necklaces. Now a days most clothing comes with reflective material worked into the clothing. What do I use?
~I have a white hat and I purchased a flash light that clips onto the bill. I can use it as an led flash light or as a caution light and make it blink.
~I have a flashing neon green braclete that I got from Glow in the Park.
~The water bottle I purchased has reflective material all over it.
~I have reflective shoe laces.
~I just purchased reflective ankle bands.
2. Run in lit areas.
If there aren't any street lights then opt to drive to a place where there are some. This is not only good for you being seen, but should you be attacked this gives you the chance to get a good look at the person and be able to identify them. Most attackers won't attacked if they know they can be identified.
3. Run in groups, pairs, or in heavy running areas.
And this isn't meant for only the ladies either. We had a runner here in Memphis get mugged two weeks ago, in broad day light, on a trail that not many people travel. Always think safety when running. Along with this comes telling someone where you went. I have seen an app going around that will alert someone for you should you stop for longer than a period of time. Forgive me as I don't know it, but I am sure someone will post it here after they read this.
4. Road ID
I said this in another thread, but this needs to be repeated over and over. Having some form of ID when you are running is extremely important. You can get the RoadID tags or get some dog tags made up at the pet store and attach that to your shoe. Or carry your id with you. But always make sure someone can identify you!
5. Never run with traffic, always against.
It is better to run towards them, than have them drive up on you. Plus, this gives you a chance to move should they decide to act retarded and play "Hit the runner."
6. Learn to run without music.
If you can't do that, run without headphones. It is important to be able to hear what is happening around you, espeically at night when people's vision is highly compromised. Sound maybe the only indication that there is a biker or another runner behind you.
Above all, don't be afraid to run at night. But, make sure you are cutting the risks. If you need to that extra security, invest in a loud sound making device or runner's pepper spray.
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Excellent points! I ONLY run or walk in the dark hours (because that's the time I have to do it). So I've learned to choose the streets that are well lit and have the least potholes!
I would also add:
7. Don't forget your furry friend.
Many of us have a four legged partners that we run with. Mine happens to have Rottweiler markings so she's very dark. They need to be seen too! A reflective vest, leg bands and collar light can go a long way in being seen. Even reflective tape on the leash can work great!
Stay safe everyone!0 -
Excellent points! I ONLY run or walk in the dark hours (because that's the time I have to do it). So I've learned to choose the streets that are well lit and have the least potholes!
I would also add:
7. Don't forget your furry friend.
Many of us have a four legged partners that we run with. Mine happens to have Rottweiler markings so she's very dark. They need to be seen too! A reflective vest, leg bands and collar light can go a long way in being seen. Even reflective tape on the leash can work great!
Stay safe everyone!
One of my neighbors walks her dog at night. She has led lights that clip on the dog's collar. As a driver, I really appreciate them.0 -
Road ID has an app that alerts the contacts you have set up, if you are no longer moving for more than 5 minutes. In the alert it sends your most recent recorded location. (Yes, you do have the option to stop the alert before it goes out, if you are intentionally stopping.) There's an eCrumb feature that you can send out that allows people to follow you in real time. You can also set up a lock screen with emergency contact info. This is a free app, but unfortunately it's only available for iPhones. I have yet to find something like this for Androids. Road ID says on their site that they are planning an Android version "soon". The first link below is for the app, the second is the quick review where I originally saw this on the Women's Running site.
http://www.roadid.com/ecrumb
http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/07/shoes-gear/runner-safety-an-app-you-must-try-now_14220/10 -
All great information especially as running in the dark is new for most of us.
Where I run in the dark has street lights but it also has a lot of trees in between them so there is lots of shadow where other runners/paper boys/dog walkers can be just out of sight until I'm almost upon them.
So I've got some fluro tops to make myself more visible to them but I'm going to get a head torch to illuminate the dark shadows as there have been a couple of occasions when I've almost ran into people walking ahead of me.
The Road ID thing I've haven't sorted out but I'll definitely look into that now!0 -
I think the ID thing should have been at the top. In our running group on Wednesday, I think only 3 of us out of like 20 had some form of ID. I was shocked. We know each other, but what happens if they fall behind or end up going down a different way we went by accident and get injured or something and no one can identify them. And something as simple as a small dog tag could help with that. The biggies to put on a dog tag or Road ID:
-Your Name and birth year (you can leave out the exact date if you want)
-Emergency Contact name and phone number
-Immediate Medical issues (like diabetes, heart problems, allergies, etcc)
-Blood Type0 -
I think the ID thing should have been at the top. In our running group on Wednesday, I think only 3 of us out of like 20 had some form of ID. I was shocked. We know each other, but what happens if they fall behind or end up going down a different way we went by accident and get injured or something and no one can identify them. And something as simple as a small dog tag could help with that. The biggies to put on a dog tag or Road ID:
-Your Name and birth year (you can leave out the exact date if you want)
-Emergency Contact name and phone number
-Immediate Medical issues (like diabetes, heart problems, allergies, etcc)
-Blood Type
Forgot about blood type on mine. I'll get that on next time. The Road Id for the shoe is completely unnoticeable while you are running and means that you never forget it.0 -
I think the ID thing should have been at the top. In our running group on Wednesday, I think only 3 of us out of like 20 had some form of ID. I was shocked. We know each other, but what happens if they fall behind or end up going down a different way we went by accident and get injured or something and no one can identify them. And something as simple as a small dog tag could help with that. The biggies to put on a dog tag or Road ID:
-Your Name and birth year (you can leave out the exact date if you want)
-Emergency Contact name and phone number
-Immediate Medical issues (like diabetes, heart problems, allergies, etcc)
-Blood Type
Forgot about blood type on mine. I'll get that on next time. The Road Id for the shoe is completely unnoticeable while you are running and means that you never forget it.
I just leave it on my shoes lol, and it is so small that I don't notice it at all. But for first responders, they will recognize a runner when they see one and the shoe is one of the first places people will go for ID.0 -
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ive always run at night. i only run of footpaths so traffic isnt a main concern for me. i carry my phone and thats pretty much it. probably not the most cautious but i guess its different for a 90kg male compared to a more petite female.0
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You should have some sort of ID on you as well as some reflective material, at the least. I can't tell you how many times I have ran up on another runner on the Greenline here at night and almost ran smack into them because they didn't have anything reflective on, and that was using my headlamp. And dont' forget about bikers. You should always include other runners and bikers when using the term traffic.ive always run at night. i only run of footpaths so traffic isnt a main concern for me. i carry my phone and thats pretty much it. probably not the most cautious but i guess its different for a 90kg male compared to a more petite female.
The biggest thing is still the ID. I think in my entire running group of ladies, only one or two of us have ID on us.0 -
All great points. The only other thing I always make sure to take with me is a rape whistle. It is small, lightweight, and I take it with me everywhere when I run. Trail runs and night time times especially. Less to prevent attacters and more so as a way of making myself noticed if I fall and hurt myself.0
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