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As the days grow shorter…
By booyaa | October 22, 2006
A few weeks ago I accepted the fact that it was getting darker and darker each morning. At the end of the month when the clocks go back, it will pretty much be night when I go out running. So I went to the Runner’s World near my work and bought myself a night running top: Nike Sphere Handwarmer.
Now whilst it isn’t actually reflective, it is hi-viz with some reflective bits around my arms. I’ve also invested in some reflective bands that can either go on my wrists or ankles. My trainers have reflective bits so on the whole I think I’ve got a good chance of being seen (by cars and bikes).
With the exception of my running shoes, this is my first piece of technical apparel for running. And I’m really pleased with it. It’s got Nike’s patented Sphere Dry fabric, which creates air space around you and the top. These spheres also act as a sweat wick. Finally the fabric itself has some nice thermal properties, which means my torso (and organs) is nice and warm.
If it gets too cold I can use the built in mittens (I don’t think real runners like to call them that, they prefer “handwarmers” ;).
Definitely worth buying if you can live with the hi-viz (Lou doesn’t like it. She recoiled in horror and shielded her eyes as she tried to escape).
Also in preparation for running in the dark, I’ve made a new route based on my Worple loop runs (Worple Road is reasonably lit, but doesn’t have heavy traffic running through unlike its neighbour Twickenham Road): Worple Loop Dog Leg
I kinda miss being able to run along the Isleworth Ait during the week (can only do it during the weekends), but it’s too dark and that trail has lots of places to trip over.
Oh some really useful night running tips amalgamated from several sources:
- Tell someone which route you plan on running and how long you expect to be
- Bring your phone and your personal alarm
- If you can bear to do it run without headphones, otherwise keep at least one ear free
- Run near home and don’t experiment with a “new” route
- Carry ID with an ICE number. I’m thinking of one that I can hang around my neck. Just in case your unable or not conscious to phone home after an injury.
The phone’s a really good idea, just in case you injury yourself and there’s no one around to help you (tends to happen if you’re running really early in the morning).
Oh and on Friday I did my first run in drizzling rain in the dark, and I have to admit it isn’t all that bad. Sure when you got the rain beating down on your face it’s pants, but you get used to it and then you start to appreciate being cooled down.
Night running sources:
[tags]nike, night, running, winter[/tags]
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