November is National Running Safety Month, and locally owned stores in North Carolina are making sure that a little darkness doesn’t slow you down. For most of us, going for a run after dark or before the sun comes up is sometimes the only way to squeeze in a few miles. Here are some tips to be the safest runner you can be when running in the dark.
Let Someone Know
Tell your spouse or send a quick text to a friend letting him or her know what route you are planning to take and how long you should be out.
Light Up
Wear reflective clothing and lights so that drivers can easily spot you. A headlamp is also a great tool to avoid potholes and other road hazards.
Run with a Friend or Group
Running with a friend or group is not only more fun, but also safer. If you don’t have runner friends, you could also run with your dog.
Change it Up
Always running the same route at the same time allows would-be assailants to where you’re likely to be and when. Alter your route and the time of day you run on a regular basis.
Look Both Ways
“Look both ways” is not just great advice for your kids but for you too! Drivers are on the lookout for cars at intersections, but aren’t always expecting runners. Look both ways before you cross a street.
For more great tips visit www.laceuplocal.com.
Great Gear to Light Things Up
New Balance High-Visibility Beacon Jacket
Like a beacon of light, the High-Visibility Beacon Jacket features three levels of visibility details, making you visible from top to bottom. The low-light visibility comes from the bright green gecko color, blending safety with style. The oncoming-light visibility comes from the 360-degree reflective trim, so you’ll be more than one kind of flashy when the headlights and streetlights hit you at night. The no-light visibility comes from the revolutionary glow-in-the-dark technology on the sleeves and back: charge the Beacon Jacket under light and you’re ready to go, and ready to glow, day or night.
New Balance Glow in the Dark 1400
Run bolder, brighter and safer with the Men’s Glow in the Dark 1400. The Glow in the Dark 1400 is a racing flat not only built for speed, with an ultralight design, but for stability, with a responsive REVlite® midsole for performance. Beyond that, the Glow in the Dark 1400 is New Balance’s most visible shoe, using three levels of visibility to make runs at any time of day safer. In low light, the shoe’s fluorescence creates visibility. In the dark, light sources reflect from the shoes, creating visibility. In darkness without a light source, the shoe, when charged, literally glows. You’ve never seen a shoe like it, and you’ve never been seen as clearly when running in the dark.
Nathan Sports StrobeLight
Safety with style in a slim, lightweight and waterproof strobe. With 100-plus hours of illumination, the StrobeLight has the perfect amount of light to keep you moving safely during all hours of the day. The StrobeLight’s secure clip-on back easily attaches to your belt, apparel or gear. The high-visibility blinking and steady light modes ensure you can be seen from a safe distance. And it’s water-resistant, so you can run longer in any weather.
Nathan Sports LightBender
An incredibly lightweight and comfortable LED band, the LightBender wraps around your arm to provide 360-degree visibility. Better yet, it’s completely sweatproof, waterproof, and powered with an easily replaceable watch battery for 100-plus hours of illumination. The LightBender’s comfortable armband and super-lightweight technology ensure no chafing or discomfort. It includes multi-settings for blinking or steady stream lights and is completely waterproof.
Nathan Sports LightSpur
Whether running or biking, having this secure and lightweight LED spur will help you stay seen and safe. Its replaceable watch battery offers 100-plus hours of illumination. The LightSpur quickly and securely attaches to the heel of your shoes. It’s super-lightweight, so you don’t feel a thing, and it has multi-settings for high visibility and added safety.
Reflective Belt
Road ID’s neon-yellow belt isn’t exactly high fashion, but it’s a valuable accessory for keeping you safe. Just strap it on and go. The reflective belt is not only highly visible, but it is also comfortable and easy to take with you when you head outdoors. The large 3M Scotchlite reflective stripe will alert motorists of your presence during the dark hours of the day. This effective form of reflective gear is unique because it allows motorists to see you from all directions. It is fully adjustable and connects with a heavy-duty clip. Fits 24- to 43-inch waists, or sizes 2 through 21 in women’s sizes.
Wrist ID Elite
The sleek Wrist ID Elite has a silicone band and watch-style buckle to keep you covered on the bike, in the boardroom and everywhere in between, day or night. It’s perfect for all of your outdoor activities and knows how to play it cool at formal events. With the Elite, you get valuable peace of mind with a look that’s just right for everyday wear. Plus, you get to choose a badge, such as the “140.6” shown above or a variety of others, including “26.2.” The Wrist ID Elite is available in 10 colors and both “original” and “interactive” versions. It’s fully adjustable, so one size fits all.
