What to Wear Running: What Not to Wear Running

Situation: Running in the dark

What Not to Wear: Black. Even if it has reflective elements. Those little silver strips will only prevent walkers from crashing into you. And only if they are wearing a headlamp that makes those elements reflect. Car drivers, bicyclists and even other runners will not see you. So, unless you're a running ninja...

The Fix: If all your gear is black and you refuse to buy anything lighter, then at least buy and wear something that lights up. Reflective strips (to which I'm pointing in photo) do NOT count. You can barely see them in the picture and I'm only 3 feet from the camera.
My two favorite items:

• Marmut headlamp - bright light lets me see the path, avoiding cracks and twisted ankles, and be seen. Comfortable enough for mid-distance runs, but I prefer to wear a beanie under it for long-distance comfort.
• Amphipod arm band - multiple LEDs can be seen from at least 30 feet and it fits snug around my arm thanks to Velcro. I like to wear it wrapped around the arm that is facing street side for maximum visibility.

 Be safe and happy running!

What to Wear Running in the Dark

I don't want to be dramatic, but if you exercise outside in the dark without lights, you're running a real risk of being hit by a car or cyclist. Be safe: if you've already invested in running shoes and wicking tops, spend a little extra on gear that will help you be seen:

1) Lights - give drivers up to 60 feet to see you with clip-on lights. The new family favorite light: Amphipod's arm band. Wrap it around the bicep of your street-side arm (should be your right, if you're in the U.S., left in England, etc.).
Headlamps are also good, if you want to light up the path in front of you. However, some people complain of getting motion sick if they watch the light bouncing off the ground.

2) Reflectors - If you're only using reflectors, keep in mind: drivers will not be able to see you until they are about 30 feet away. I like to combine reflection with lights - it doesn't add any bulk and it gives me a chance to sport this ultra-sexy, mesh crossing guard vest with front and back reflective strips!

3) Jacket - the latest addition to my night-time running gear is this fluorescent yellow jacket by Brooks. It is not reflective, so it isn't visible until about 10 feet but the light color gives my lights something bright to bounce off of. Plus, it's wind and water resistant, so it's a good piece for autumn/warm winter runs. Extra bennies: inside pocket that velcros shut for my iPod; silver threads to fight odor; a slightly longer tail, so it's good for biking and running; and a couple small reflective elements (see arrows)

Happy safe running!