Running in the Dark

[Duanerice]

Hi All,
I seem to be running in the dark a lot more (OK no comments). Once we change the time it will be worse. My week night runs are usually in my neighborhood and we do not have any street lights so it is pretty dark. On Saturday it's not so bad because I run in areas that for the most part have lights.

So my question is what do you guys use for lights? I have a small flashlight that I carry around but that is a pain to carry. When I was out Saturday morning I saw some people with the "miners" lights on. I could probably wear that over my visor since I sweat too much to not wear a visor. Online there are tons of items and I haven’t made it over to my running store yet so they might have some ideas. They are pretty small though and usually don’t carry a lot of options.

I know it is a personal decision but what do you guys use?

Thanks,
Duane

 

[Steffwalks]

I use a light that clips to a cap or visor. I don't like the miner things strapped around my head because they are heavy (to me) and give me a headache. My light was $10 at Walmart.

 

[princessrunner]

I have a "miners" light more because I race ski also and it is even darker in the woods I like it because it is LED and VERY bright. I had an older one but this is far and again better. I got mine at LL Bean (online too) but is was awhile ago and I don't remember how much.

 

[TnTsParty]

Don't have any ideas for you. Hope you get good ideas so you can figure out what is good for ou. As a female I avoid running in the dark. I am actually getting excited for the time change since I am a morning runner and lately it have been getting lighter later and I had to wait this AM to go out. Good luck.

 

[rKyDeX]

I love running in the dark. I run in neighborhoods that vary in the degree of streetlighting and undeveloped areas that have nothing. The only light I take is a flashing red l.e.d. light that I clip to my waistband so cars can see me (I run facing oncoming traffic on the left edge of the road and usually only encounter a couple of cars).

I like it because of the solitude. I also get to see a variety of nocturnal wildlife. I usually encounter possums, raccoons armadillos, rabbits, deer, foxes, sand hill cranes, owls, snakes alligators and a lot of toads. Two weeks ago a security guard for the neighboring community stopped me to let me know that they have been seeing Florida Panthers in the area. I haven't seen them yet. Maybe I do need a light.

Chester
W.I.S.H. Nocturnal Marathon Team

 

[scuba diver]

I have a "miners" light that I use. I got it from our backpacking store. They can be pretty small.

I also have a baseball hat that has 2 led lights right in the bill of the cap. I got it from Gander Mountain. It's pretty cool. My only problem is that it is cotton so I keep it for the cool Florida mornings.

If it is going to be hot I use the "miner" light.

The best would be if someone make a wicking hat that had the led lights right in the cap. I would get one of those in a second.

 

[Duanerice]

Thanks everyone. I need to go looking.

Chester - I think you came up with a new WISHes sub group. "W.I.S.H. Nocturnal Marathon Team" Count me in!
Duane

 

[wtpclc]

My dh bought us 2 miner's lights last year. They are on an elastic band and we put them around our waists. Works well fo rus. Bought them at Meijer (like a super Wal-Mart)

 

[mogulskr]

I just ran at night on Monday. It was 8:30 and my treadmill just broke, so I did my seven miles on my street, 1/2 mile loop. Anyway I was trying to figure out what to use and ended up with a "miner's light" and I clipped a flashing red light on the back of my hat. I think if I continue outside I may look into a reflective vest.

 

[wdw4us]

When we run at night, we usually go to the track. Very little light if there is no football game going on. Too dangerous to use the streets. Will look into the miners hat and reflective vest too in case we venture out on the streets.

Last weekend at the track around 7 pm a dog that was let go of the leash from his owner, nipped at my husbands heel. What a shock. It clearly states that no dogs allowed at the track and we do have a leash law here in NH. Go Figure!

denise