Running in the Dark - Unlit Country Lanes

Redjeep!

I've read the thread on running in Dublin in the winter, but what does everybody who doesn't live in one of the cities do ?

I live in the country and all of the lanes around me are unlit and I'm wondering about going for a run in the dark.

I was thinking of wearing a headtorch and high vis vest, but am not sure how safe even this would be. The roads are quiet enough, but then it only takes one car...

Does anybody have any experience of running in the dark down unlit country lanes ?

There are some small lights someone posted up a link to on the cycling forum which are meant to be put on your body. Can't find the link right now but I'd have as much lights on you as possible, particularly on your back. High vis is good but it isn't a substitute for lights (I'd wear both).

Plus if you're running on country roads bring a torch to light the way. You don't want to injure yourself!

Redjeep!

Myth - thanks I'll take a look at those. I do a fair bit of cycling so can probably find a source for them.

plodder

Redjeep! wrote: »

I've read the thread on running in Dublin in the winter, but what does everybody who doesn't live in one of the cities do ?

I live in the country and all of the lanes around me are unlit and I'm wondering about going for a run in the dark.

I was thinking of wearing a headtorch and high vis vest, but am not sure how safe even this would be. The roads are quiet enough, but then it only takes one car...

Does anybody have any experience of running in the dark down unlit country lanes ?

I've been running at night, in the country, during the Winter for the last few years. Near where I live, the roads are fairly quiet, and I've never had a problem. Definitely wear a high vis jacket/vest. I also use a flashing LED light tied to my arm. Get to know the roads, and locations of pot-holes etc. If it's very dark, I'd carry a small torch, and switch it on when a car comes near. Obviously, iPods and such are out of the question.

Last Winter, I also started running somewhere else, around tea-time, where a lot of commuters would be driving home. That was not fun. It seemed like every second car approaching would switch on its full headlights, to get a good look at the eejit out running.

[edit]Thinking about visibility again. I would strongly recommend the yellow. high vis jackets. I have two - one is a heavy, semi waterproof one, for really foul/cold weather, and the second is a real light running jacket. Either way, the level of visibility is much greater than vests (I think when drivers see them, the first thought is "Garda" )

newtipprunner

just to add to plodder post when running at night .
may be obvious not sure...
but a baseball cap is handy for when the drivers don't have the sense to dim there full light's..can drop the head a bit and won't end up being blinded completely...:)