Safety while running at night

[hungrygreenhippo]

I'm looking for some safety tips or advice from people who run after dark. I just moved from a very safe neighborhood where I had no concern about running at night either on the streets or at a local high school truck. I don’t feel quite as confident about being out at night in my new neighborhood. It’s not a bad area, just not quite as nice as the old neighborhood. So far my longest run as been 8-9 miles, but typically my runs have been 4-5 miles so I don’t carry anything with me except a key and an iPod.

Specifically, I’m thinking about starting to carry my cell phone with me, or even something like pepper spray. Anyone else do this? And if so how do you carry it? Other advice is also very welcome. Thanks!

 

[Duanerice]

Well this time of the year all my weekday runs are at night. Here is what I wear/take:

• Amphipod Hydration Belt with pouch
• In pouch - Cell phone, GU and ID
• Light that clips to my visor (Wal-Mart for about $5)
• Flashing red light that clips to the back of my belt
• Pepper Spray I bought on line - clips to the belt
• Ventilated Orange safety vest - can be bough really cheap

My fear is vehicles and dogs. Not really too concerned about people at this point, but who knows. I have pepper spray instead of Mace because I heard Mace doesn't work on dogs.

Hope this helps,
Duane

 

[Caseydilla]

Duane offered some excellent suggestions. I used to night run a lot but have stopped doing it recently since I have been having run-ins with coyotes lately. When I did run at night, I would do/use the following:

- Wear reflective clothing, no dark shirts - bright colored.
- Pepper spray
- I either would run with no music or the music very low so, that I could hear everything around me.
- I look behind my back a lot and just stay very aware of my surroundings
- Cell phone in fanny pack
- Stick with a route that was lit well and had traffic.
- Find a running buddy if at all possible

 

[smileyk8]

i have just bought a winter jacket by ronhill which has a flashy light on it's back and also great reflective gloves. Always run with my cell phone in my shorts zipped pocket, ipod and garmin. Generally have water bottle. That's it!

Whatever area you're in i would say stick to well lit roads preferably ones that have a fair bit of passing traffic so you don't feel vulnerable. I always tell my family where i plan to be and approx how long. I wouldn't ever carry pepper spray, but it's classed as an offensive weapon over here in the UK.

 

[lenshanem]

I carry even during the day -

cell phone
key
runner's mace (It has a hand strap, you get used to it!)
personal alarm (fits on my upper arm)
take off all jewelry!
Road ID
ipod w/ earbuds that wrap outside the ear so I can hear outside noise

And if it is a long run -
water belt w/ shot bloks
tissue

I seriously look like Inspector Gadget when I'm out running!

I like to think I live in a nice area, but we've had some female runners in the past year almost grabbed by a guy in a van so I'm kinda parnoid...

My DH runs at night and uses Amphipod Xinglet Pocket reflective. He really likes it. It is adjustable so I could wear it, too. He also has a headlamp for night.

Hope this helps!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I wear reflective clothing and my Road ID and take my cell phone with me (and make sure that it's actually charged). I also try to stick to major/busier streets. I haven't thought about carrying any kind of spray but maybe I should think about it. I'll have to look into whether it's legal.

I'm also thinking of doing my Wednesday runs with the local running store. It sounds like they have a few people who go out every week. I'm only worried that they'll be much faster and I won't be able to keep up.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

Lots of great info! Looks like I'll have to consider getting a fanny pack or something similar. Not too fashion forward, but definitely more important to be safe!

I carry even during the day -

cell phone
key
runner's mace (It has a hand strap, you get used to it!)
personal alarm (fits on my upper arm)
take off all jewelry!
Road ID
ipod w/ earbuds that wrap outside the ear so I can hear outside noise

And if it is a long run -
water belt w/ shot bloks
tissue

I seriously look like Inspector Gadget when I'm out running!

I like to think I live in a nice area, but we've had some female runners in the past year almost grabbed by a guy in a van so I'm kinda parnoid...

My DH runs at night and uses Amphipod Xinglet Pocket reflective. He really likes it. It is adjustable so I could wear it, too. He also has a headlamp for night.

Hope this helps!

What's a personal alarm and a Road ID?

 

[bunnyfoo]

Lots of great info! Looks like I'll have to consider getting a fanny pack or something similar. Not too fashion forward, but definitely more important to be safe!



What's a personal alarm and a Road ID?

http://www.roadid.com

I have the bracelet and have been thinking about buying the Firefly light.

 

[Creativebeth]

I just got a roadid for my shoe......love it! I also have a LL Bean hat with LCD lights in the brim......also LOVE it!

Beth

 

[lenshanem]

http://dobermanproducts.com/SE-0303.htm

These are hard to find. I think it is mostly sold in the UK. I found a pink one on ebay.

I also like the Road ID as the velcro strap that slips on your shoe.


EDIT - They have the alarm on amazon.

 

[FireDancer]

I run almost exclusively at night, usually around midnight. I wear something reflective and a RoadID isn't a bad idea. Other than that I don't carry anything, not even my keys. I have a keypad to get back into my house. I never carry a phone or anything because when I run I want to be as light as possible.

I also don't wear headphones ever but I would definitely not wear them at night. I run in the street because I like the feel of blacktop better than cement so I want to be able to hear what is going on. The only thing I am more careful about at night are the drunk or tired drivers. I run on the left side of the road to make sure I see way in advance that cars are coming and switch sides of the street when needed.

I LOVE night running and have never had any problems. Good Luck.

 

[laxdef69]

But your shoes can be knocked off...and medics aren't going to be looking for your shoes...

just something to think about.

Mike

 

[Duanerice]

But your shoes can be knocked off...and medics aren't going to be looking for your shoes...

just something to think about.

Mike

I have the ankle strap. They have an ankle strap, a wrist strap, shoe thing and dog tags. You can get what fits your style.
enjoy,
Duane

 

[mkymsehi]

I wear both a Road ID on my shoe, and a medic alert bracelet. I have allergies, but the company keeps all my medical and emergency contact information on file. They have an annual fee, but I actually pay for a 3 year service plan.

http://www.medicalert.com/home/Homegradient.aspx

If you sign up, I'd appreciate you using me as your "refer a friend." PM me for my email.

https://www.medicalert.org/Forms/EmailAFriend.aspx