Advice on Running essentials for "running in the dark"?

[RunForestR]

Other than not using the Zombie App - not sure I want to have that breathing in my ear whilst I run dark country lanes, but interested in what type of Visibility kit people run in and where they buy it from?

Hi-vis jackets/shirts, Arm bands. lights? Need to get some in the next week or so to enable me to continue running - mornings and evenings just too dark otherwise - and no street lighting nearby.

So I'd welcome advice from Grads, Mentors, and Newbies alike. Don't want to waste money on kit that will break, but also don't want to get squished by a Tractor!

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Getting squished by a tractor would definitely not be fun!

If you're running where there are no pavements and no street lights then get everything you can.

I'm lucky there are plenty of pavements where I live, and street lights too. Even so I don't go out all in black when it's dark. But I'm sure people here will be able to give you good tips about how to be seen.

And also, if you like to run with music only use one of your earphones so that you can be nice and aware of traffic before it gets too near you.

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to AnneDroid]

yes I always run only one earphone in - I run down narrow lanes - even in the daytime so always good to have some advance warning of approaching traffic. Have to say I'm looking forward to the early morning run when I can still see the stars - should be fun!

[Rignold]

yeah whatever it takes to be seen. A head torch with a rear loght and soe kind of ferflective garment at a minimum.

or get off the lanes and run cross country. Much more fun in the dark.

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Rignold]

I've seen some of your posts - not sure I'm quite up to the off-piste style yet - did enough of that in my yoof running over the Yorkshire dales, some way off that now!

[Rignold in reply to RunForestR]

"I've seen some of your posts"...

Hmmm

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Rignold]

meant in the most complimentary way.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

I don't like headtorches so have a Kalenji run light from Decathalon which straps to your chest and also has a red flashing light on the back. I love it dearly and cannot wait to be all togged up again now that the evenings are closing in. Reflective clothing is good too. As for Zombies! RUn! - definately a must from time to time in the dark.🙂

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

I'll have a look at Decathlon - want something reliable that isn't likely to give up mid run. Thanks for the tips

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I use a headtorch but would not really recommend the one I have, since it projects too far forward and tends to bounce a bit. Get one that is fairly tight to the head with a rear light.

Sports Direct do reflective jackets and waistcoats at very competitive prices, as do Decathlon.

[RunForestR Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks - currently using one from my car breakdown kit - does the job - but feel I am letting the running side down somewhat.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to RunForestR]

If it works, nobody is going to see what it looks like in the dark.

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

I'm just not going to be able to run in a few weeks - this evening I was a bit later home than I wanted to be so had to stick to roads with pavements. I'm paranoid about going over on my ankle after breaking two metatarsals doing just that five years ago and the pavements around here are such appalling quality that it's inevitable. To try and get round this I will be running with a running club in a nearby town one evening a week, Parkrun on Saturday morning and maybe I'll have to run once a week in the gym

Get everything you can - light up the streets like a beacon!!!!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

Torches, gear with reflective stripes on etc. as everyone has suggested above, but something I use which is very cheap and cheerful are those reflective things for cyclists for wrists and ankles - they start off all curled up and you straighten them out and then whack them round your wrists or arms or wherever and they curl up again. Know what I mean? You can get two for a pound in the pound shops. Great value!

Stay safe