10 Tips For Running In The Dark

It's often difficult to find time to fit exercise into your life, but here are ten tips for running in the dark that will help you set aside a little workout time before the sun comes up or after it goes down.

1. Don't wear black. This one seems obvious, but most people have an overabundance of slimming black in their workout wardrobes. Wearing black practically guarantees that drivers, cyclists, and other runners won't be able to see you when you're running in the dark, greatly increasing your chances of getting in an accident.
2. Wear reflective strips. Some workout clothes come with built-in reflective strips. You can also buy reflective tape to stick onto your clothes.
3. Wear a lighted hat. Not only will the light help you see the ground in front of you when you're running in the dark, making you less likely to stumble and injure yourself, but it will also help cars see you.
4. Don't run alone. Not only are you less likely to be assaulted if you run with a partner, but you also have backup in case you get hit by a car or cyclist. Without a running partner, you could end up in a ditch, and nobody would be likely to notice until the sun comes up.
5. Don't run in deserted areas. This running tip makes sense even when the sun is up. If you run in an isolated area, you run the risk of not being able to find help if you become ill or injured, or are attacked.
6. Don't run on busy streets. Even with reflective strips and lighted hats, it can still be very hard for drivers, half blinded by street lights and the lights of oncoming cars, to see you on the side of the road. If at all possible, run in a well-lighted busy park or track instead of running in the dark street.
7. Don't forget to hydrate. Just because it's dark out doesn't mean you don't need water.
8. Don't wear headphones. At night your visibility is limited and there's an increased chance of running into unsavory types. Don't rob yourself of your hearing, which could alert you to a dangerous presence long before you see it when you're running in the dark.
9. Carry cash. This is a tip you should adhere to even when you're running during the day. Always carry enough cash to pay for a taxi ride home. If you sprain your ankle or become overheated, you'll be happy you thought ahead.
10. Always carry a phone. There's no excuse for not carrying a phone when you go running in the dark. You'll never regret having it with you, and you might very well regret not having it.