Our Blog

Nov 13, 2014

Running at night? Where’s your night gear?

Amy and I went out to the local Pub Run put on by The Foot Landing last night.  Joannie was there too (is that 2 weeks in a row?). This is a weekly run every Wednesday at 6:30 pm. It’s a good time, and generally draws around 100 people. It’s fun to meet new runners, and the atmosphere is always positive. Plus, it ends each week at a local pub, and what could be better than that? If you haven’t been out to join the group, I encourgage you to come. All ability levels are welcome, from walkers to runners. Very family friendly. The walkers start at 6:15 pm from The Foot Landing store, followed by the runners at 6:30 pm.

So last night I was looking around, just checking things out. I noticed not one other runner, besides Amy, had any night safety gear. Amy and I had our standard night gear on, reflective vests, head lamps, and rear blinking lights. Any time it’s dark out, or will be before we are finished with our run, we gear up with safety equipment. It’s super hard to see a runner or biker at night without the proper equipment. Just last night, driving home, I drove past a teenager on a bicycle. They had no night safety gear of any kind. I didn’t see him until I was practically upon him. With a red blinking light I probably would’ve noticed him from a half mile away, which is safer for everyone.

Now that the days are getting shorter, and the sun is setting earlier, it’s even more important to have and use night safety gear if you are running or biking outdoors in the evening. At a mimimum you should wear a reflective vest, a head lamp, and a rear blinking light. Get your kids to wear them too. The earlier you start with the kids the more likely it will be that they don’t even think about not using that equipment later in life. It will just become habit.

The Foot Landing has a bunch of good equipment, and the staff there can advise you appropriately. I’ve found good items on Amazon and at Sports Authority as well. Ask questions, look around, but please get the right equipment. The disposable glow sticks, while fun, are not sufficient to use as your only source of lighting.

As we were finishing our run last night, another runner commented on how smart we were to have our night gear on. She said she would be getting some very soon. Amy and I will be at the Pub Run next week with our night gear. Come up and ask questions. Call or stop by The Foot Landing. Shop online. Just use the right equipment. Safety, for you and everyone around. And pass the information to your other running and biking friends. Especially new runners. You never know who you might be helping.

And with that, I wish everyone out there a safe and healthy week.