Night Run Must-Have Gadgets by Peter Minkoff

Guest Writer: Peter Minkoff, health and fitness writer for That Indie Runner

There are two kinds of runners: the ones who wake up at dawn and start their day full of energy, and the ones who prefer running when the sun is far beyond the horizon. Day-time runners have it easy – all they need to do is wake up early, put on their running gear, and get on the track. Night runners, however, must consider a great number of things if they want to be safe. The usual tips to avoid the risks of nighttime running are to always run against traffic, run with a partner, wear bright colors, run behind vehicles at intersections, and, of course, don’t wear headphones. Still, one can never be too cautious, and to increase your safety, you should have the following gadgets:

Personal Alarm
 

If you are running in the dark, especially if you are alone, you are exposed to numerous threats, including being attacked by a stranger, a dog, or hit by a car. A personal alarm will help you alert others that you are in danger. These gadgets are compact and functional, and if you choose one of the athletic options, you can have adjustable wrist straps.

A Compact Pepper Spray
Warnings can sometimes come late, and it would be best to have some means of protection with you. A compact pepper spray will fit in the palm of your hand, and you can acquire one with an adjustable hand strap, which will make it easily accessible and functional.

Pepper Gel
An alternative to the previous item, pepper gel eliminates wind blow-back because of its formulation, which makes it more precise. An adjustable hand strap enables simple accessibility, so you can feel confident that in a risky situation, you will be prepared to react quickly.

Reflective Gear
One of the most important things during a night run is being seen. Bright running clothing can be helpful, but it’s not enough. Make sure you are highly visible by wearing neon running shoes, a reflective belt, and using iron-on reflective tape for clothing so that you can be highly visible, no matter what you’re wearing. That is much more useful and versatile than simply wearing a reflective vest.

Knuckle Lights
Another important thing during a night run is for you to see. Knuckle lights are a great alternative to uncomfortable headlamps. They’re designed to be worn on the hands, which makes them perfectly positioned to both light your path and make you visible. The fact that the light moves along with your arms only makes it easier to track.

GPS Watch
It's easy to get lost in the dark. Carrying a smartphone with GPS installed is one option, but it’s not very efficient to carry your phone in your hand while running. A better alternative can be found in the form of a GPS wristwatch. There are plenty of such products available, but you should look for one that has an option to send your exact location to your contacts via message.

Moisture-Wicking Clothes
Running at night, especially when the weather gets a bit chilly, can require much more than your regular running outfit. Sweating and drying at low temperatures can cause discomfort and give you a cold. Try to minimize those risks by wearing moisture-wicking fabrics. There are workout clothes that are lined with reflective panels or sewn with reflective thread, so you can use them to further improve your safety.

The lack of sunlight shouldn’t deter you from going on a run, but you should do your best to stay alert and take all precautionary measures. All of the mentioned gadgets can be used together to make you both safe and confident.

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