Fit Tip Friday: Tips & Gear for Running in the Dark

If you're a morning runner like me, you have probably noticed that it's pretty dark out there in the early hours these days. I don't think the sun even rises until 7:30 am! So if you are fitting in your run in before work, you're probably running in the dark.

How can you stay safe when running in the dark?

Though I can (and will) write a whole other post with safety tips for running in the dark, today I'd like to focus just on some useful gear that you may want to purchase to ensure you can run safely in the dark.

You Need a Light Source!
One of the most important pieces of equipment for running in the dark is a light of some sort. Now, you could just carry a good old fashioned flashlight. I see plenty of people doing that. But there are two other good options that will allow you to keep your normal running form and still see where you're going.

#1 Headlamp
You can purchase one like mine at REI or most other outdoor/camping stores or at RoadRunnerSports here. Most headlamps will have a couple different settings- bright, dim, and strobe (blinking.) The light is attached to an adjustable strap and you wear the light right on your forehead.

#2- Knuckle Lights
A headlamp works just fine, but my personal preference for dark running are the knuckle lights. These lights come in a pack of two and you wear them around your hands. (Buy them here.)

I never need both knuckle lights. Just one is bright enough for me. What I like about the knuckle lights is that you are able to aim them at the ground to see where you're running, or if someone is running towards you, you can aim them towards to the ground so as not to blind the approaching runner. The knuckle lights also do not give me a headache like the headlamp does.

Reflective Accessories:
Nathan Sports is one of the top reflective gear makers and they sell a number of options for helping you light up the night- belts, ankle/arm bands, and more! The purpose of these items is not to help you see, but to help you BE seen.

Reflective Clothing:
One of the most important pieces of gear for night running is reflective clothing. There are a ton of options in this arena.

For example, the Nike All Over Flash Jacket is an extreme version of reflective gear and an expensive one too. I think it's nearly $500! The Shield Flash Jacket is the only one I could find online and its still $350. It similar to the All Over Flash Jacket except it's only reflective on the bottom half of the jacket. (All  Over Flash Jacket pictured below)

Athleta makes a somewhat cheaper version with the Reflective Running Start jacket for  $298. I have been eying this option, but still think that $298 is a lot to spend.

As cool as these jackets look for running in the dark, you don't need to spend that much to light up the night. Brooks Running has their NightLife line of jackets and vests that might not be quite as reflective, but they get the job done. The Nightlife Essential Vest is one of my favorites:

Nathan and Amphipod both make L.E.D. vests or reflective vests like those shown below.

A vest works well since you can wear it over whatever layers you prefer depending on the weather.

Reflective Shoes:
Most running shoes these days have some reflective stripes, but many brands are taken it even further with a separate line of extremely reflective shoes. Asics is doing this with their Lite-Show line, and Brooks is doing this with their NightLife line. Pictured below are my running shoe of choice, the Brooks Ravennas from that Nightlife line. They are totally reflective and basically one step down from glowing in the dark!

                              
Don't Forget About Your Headband..
SweatyBands makes a reflective headband that is quite reflective too. Buy one here.

A few bonus tips for running in the dark:

• Ditch the music. You need to rely on all of your senses, including your sense of sound. Be aware of your surroundings!
• Run against traffic. Even if the cars can't see you, at least you will see them and be able to move off the road if necessary.

And though this piece of gear is not about being seen, I still suggest that you carry pepper spray if you're running alone in the dark. 

I have read that some runners are against carrying pepper spray. They believe that you're more likely to spray yourself than spray a perpetrator. I'm on the other side of that debate though, as I feel safer carrying it. What do you think?

Those are just a few of the right fits out there for running in the dark.

Do you have any other tips for running in the dark? Please share in the comments!

Featured Fit: Minnesota Winter Running Essentials.

By Jess in Minneapolis

"Winter is coming."

This isn't just a quote from Game of Thrones. It's the truth. Winter is indeed coming, and runners in Minnesota (and the rest of the Midwest) need to be prepared.

All you warm weather readers, I am going to tell you something shocking. I run outside all winter. Yep. All winter. In Minnesota.

I have run through hail and blizzards, and you can too, as long as you have the right fits in terms of winter running gear!

Based on my personal experience, here is my list of the running essentials that you need to keep running all winter long.

WINTER RUNNING ESSENTIALS FROM THE RIGHT FITS:

1. Dress for Success Chart:  Keep this chart handy, runner friends. This helpful chart from Runner's World is definitely one of my winter running essentials. I reference this chart all the time before runs to figure out what to wear.

Dress for Success
Here’s a cheat sheet to help you dress appropriately for your runs, no matter what the thermometer says. This chart factors in the 10-Degree Rule but doesn’t account for a significant windchill. On very windy days, you may need to dress warmer.
TEMP (in degrees)	BASIC APPAREL
above 70	Lightweight/light-colored singlet and shorts
60 to 69	Tank top or singlet and shorts
50 to 59	T-shirt and shorts
40 to 49	Long-sleeve shirt and tights or shorts
30 to 39	Long-sleeve shirt and tights
20 to 29	Two upper-body layers and one lower-body layer
10 to 19	Two upper-body layers and one lower-body layer
0 to 9	Two/three upper-body layers, one/two lower-body layers
below 0	Three upper-body layers, two lower-body layers

2. YakTrax Run I did a full post on the YakTrax Run HERE. Now, if you don't want to pay up for the YakTrax Run, you can try a pair of regular YakTrax, and you'll be alright for a little while. But honestly, the YakTrax Run version will last so much longer. They are designed specifically for running and they can hold up to the wear and tear of cold weather training.  Order a pair today at R.E.I.  HERE

3. A Great Sports Bra- Well, this running essential applies in both warm or cold weather, but a great sports bra is just as important in the winter, even though it's going to be covered up with multiple layers. You know that I love the Serena bra by Moving Comfort and the Bitty Bracer by Lululemon. Chafing can still happen in the cold temps, so find a bra that fits you!

4. A Wicking Baselayer: There are a lot of great options out there for base layers, so stock up on a bunch. I love my new Long Sleeve Twist Top from Athleta, but the Brooks Heater Hog is definitely a good one, and I've had good luck with the base layers at Lululemon like this one

5. Warm Socks: When its really cold, I actually wear my snowboarding socks. They're wool and very warm. SmartWool brand is probably one of the best. Find them at REI

6. A Wind-Stopping Softshell/Jacket- This Craft one looks awesome. One or two really great winter running jackets is all you need. (You probably don't have to wash them every time you run, if you have several wicking base layers underneath.)

7. Warm Running Tights: Again, Craft makes a really good pair, and you can always go down the SportHill route (though they are somehow the least flattering pants in the world!) Brooks makes a fleece lined pair that is pretty warm as well. Here's a great list by Runner's World of good winter running pants.

8. Quality Running Gloves- I have a pair of Craft gloves that are extremely warm. The two-finger split makes this glove more like a mitten, and my hands stay super cozy in these.

9. Fleece Neck Warmer: A fleece neck gator (like this one) will really make a difference in your winter running. It will keep your neck and chin warm while also helping to prevent burning lungs.

10. A Warm Hat or Ear Band: I like the ear bands the best, but sometimes you'll need a really warm hat like this one or this one.

I also love running hats that have a hole for your pony tail as well, like this one by Saucony:

11. Lip balm with SPF: The wind and cold can make your kissers pretty chapped. I load up on Aquaphor before a cold run.

11. Knuckle Lights: Okay, you can get away with a head lamp, but you know I prefer the knuckle lights. (They were Friday's Favorite Fit a few weeks ago!) Knuckle lights are a winter running essential for both the early morning runners and the evening runners, now that our daylight hours are limited.

12. A Face Mask. Unfortunately, when its really windy and cold, you need to protect your face with more than just some SPF/Moisturizer.  Sexy? Not so much, but unfortunately a face mask is definitely a winter running necessity.

Now, if you just can't face the cold, there is always the treadmill or Metrodome running (at least for a little while) But if you purchase the items I have listed above, I think you'll find that winter running isn't so bad after all! It's invigorating! It keeps it interesting! It toughens us up, and that's what makes us real Minnesotans!


Previous posts by the Right Fits about cold weather running:
Fit Fanatic: So Cold
Fitting Debate: Running in Cold vs. Hot Temperatures
Fitting Debate: Running in Cold vs. Hot Temperatures Pt. 2

Fits Do Product Reviews: YakTrax Run 

Friday's Favorite Fit: Knuckle Lights

Jess in Minneapolis

Friday's Favorite Fit is the knuckle light!

Its sad to admit, but unfortunately it's already dark enough again at 5:30 am to necessitate busting out the knuckle light. Seriously! Fall is creeping up on us too quickly. Dark running is here and its only going to get worse. Knuckle light season is back already!

Fortunately, the knuckle light is really functional, which makes it this week's favorite fit, even if I'm not quite ready for fall and dark running.

What I love about the knuckle light is that it doesn't give me a headache like the headlamp, nor does it leave a mark on my forehead after wearing it. You just strap it on your hand and head out the door. It's easier to manage where and what you're lighting up on the path. You control the light, and the knuckle light is in the perfect position to light up your path and be seen! It casts a strong light about 12 feet in front, and I like the ability to move one (or both, if you decide to use both) to a specific area, as needed. I also feel that the motion of the light on my hand when running makes me more visible to cars and other runners/bikers, etc.

Yes, you do hold it (well, strap it) in your hand, but I don't find it to be annoying at all. The one thing that is kinda sorta annoying is that lately, by the time I finish running in the morning, the sun has risen and I no longer need the knuckle light. It would be nice if there was a little clip for your shorts or something just to store it away when you no longer need it, but that's just wishful thinking. Generally, I don't even think about having it in my hand when I'm running, so this isn't too big of a deal.

I am referring to my knuckle light - singular- even though they come in a pack of two:

However, I think that you only need one at a time. They are SO bright- brighter than the headlamp.

Check it out: all the lights are out in my house except the knuckle light in this picture. No problem at all seeing Matilda, thanks to the knuckle light!

One small downside of the knuckle light is that it does go through its two AA batteries pretty quickly. Be sure to keep a stockpile of batteries around because you'll need them. Since you're only using one of the two at a time, you should usually have one fully charged and ready to go each morning- or night- whenever you're running in the dark!

Read more about the knuckle lights here: http://www.knucklelights.com

It looks like they are currently sold out on amazon, but you can find them online at Dick's Sporting Goods. I bought mine locally at Gear running store. The average price seems to be around $40, but they are worth it! You could always split a pair with a friend, since you really only need one. Then you'll only investing $20. That's a price that fits the bill!

Knuckle lights- Friday's Favorite Fit here on the Right Fits!

Fits Do Product Reviews: Travel Foam Roller, Nike Flyknit shoes, and Knuckle Lights!

By Cool J in Minneapolis

Today was definitely a running focused day. It started with a strong 12 mile run with the Calhoun Beach Running Club. The trails were a little slippery, but the temperature was a little more tolerable, and the company was great.

After a quick shower and a coffee run, we zipped over to a suburban dog park, the Bryant Lake Dog Park to give Matilda an opportunity to do her "running" off-leash! The Bryant Lake Dog Park is part of the Three Rivers Park District of dog parks, and Matilda had a great time there with some new friends.

The reason we went all the way to the suburbs is because we wanted to stop by the TC Running Company after the dog park stop.

 TC Running Company  is a great running store located in Eden Prairie. Even though there are other running stores closer to home, TC Running Company is still (in my opinion) one of the best in the Twin Cities area.  They carry a wide variety of shoes and a great selection of apparel. The employees are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They are all great runners, and they know their stuff!

While there, I picked up a few "necessities," such as a travel sized foam roller:

Only $15! I wanted to have one to bring to the cabin and other weekend getaways, as my normal sized foam roller is a bit cumbersome to bring along. I figure this tiny one could fit into my suitcase on flights as well.

And another reason I went to TC Running Company today? Because I got to pick up my FREE Nike Flyknit shoes!  Free, you say? Yes, free! I won them as part of a Facebook promotion for the Moustache Run.  *Remember the Moustache Run? If you missed it, read about it HERE

So, yes, I got a pair of Flynit shoes, courtesy of the Moustache Run. Bright, aren't they? They're definitely not a winter shoe, but I plan to test them out on the treadmill soon. They're supposed to form to your feet as you wear them.

According to Nike's website, "the innovative Nike Flyknit Racer Unisex Running Shoe gets its structure and support from Nike Flyknit technology. As a result, it's incredibly lightweight, with a precision that feels like a second skin.The one-piece knit upper seamlessly integrates areas of high support, breathability and stretch where you need them most—without overlays, which add weight. For an adaptive fit, lightweight dynamic Flywire wraps the foot and is adjustable through the laces."

So yes, it's a unisex shoe, which means I got a size 7. The retail price is $150 (though free to me, thank you Moustache Run!). The entire shoe front is made from one continuous thread.

 I'll give a full review after I try them out!

I couldn't walk away without throwing in a new Brooks running top and headband. 

Subtle, right? A girl can never have enough winter running tops.

And the FINAL running purchase of the day? 

Knuckle Lights!

TC Running Company actually didn't carry Knuckle Lights, but a helpful friend told me I could find them at Gear Running Store. Gear Running Store is much closer to home, and I also am a fan of this store, though it's definitely a bit smaller with less selection, But indeed, they did carry the knuckle lights! I'm excited to try them out on a morning run next week to see how they compare to my headlamp. Hopefully they won't lead to as much negative backlash as the headlamp did (in this post)!