Running in Cleveland during the winter can be tough. You have to layer up correctly so you stay warm, but not too warm. You have to watch for icy spots that can lead to slips or falls and therefore an injury. As if that weren't already enough to deal with, it stays dark longer which means cars can't see you if you running on the road. That leads me to the topic of this post: Running at Night. I'll provide some of my best tips for running while it's dark and anyone who comments is eligible to win my free entry for any distance race in the
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race weekend, May 18-19th, 2019. There might be favoritism shown to the runner who provides the best advice! 😉
1. Run with a headlamp - At first I was hesitant to do this mainly because I knew I could see any cars heading towards me, since I always run facing traffic. One day while out running, A driver was not paying attention and I was forced into a ditch while running. Angered by this near collision with a mid sized SUV, I muttered under my breath and carried on. After running a loop down a side street I was flagged down by a man frantically waving his arms and yelling at me. This man ran up to me apologizing for running me off the road and admitted that he wasn't paying attention. He then pulled out a headlamp and told me he wanted me to have it. The man was a runner himself and just wanted me to be safer while running. I refused his offer, stating I have one at home, which I do. The man made me promise him that I would always wear one while running on roads at night. This gesture made me realize, that he was right and that something so simple could mean the difference of life and death for a runner.
2. Make sure to have a rear facing light - While a headlight seems obvious, this might not. I usually wear red armband LED lights that strap around my arms that might not seem like much. What I've noticed since wearing them is that cars coming from behind tend to slow down, which always makes running on the roads safer. They also are more conscientious towards oncoming traffic who can see me running and also slow down or move over. Being able to be seen by all drivers really does make the roads MUCH safer.
3. Where reflective clothing - This may sound like a simple thing to do, but we all have our favorite running gear and not all of it is reflective enough and warm enough to run in during the long, cold dark days of winter. This just helps augment any light you have, any light in the streets and any light from cars. I like to this of this as a way to highlight myself while running.
4. Use sidewalks whenever possible - Winter around Cleveland means snow. Snow means unshoveled sidewalks or snow plows that push snow on to sidewalks. These can create issues with trying to run through knee high snow and thus can force runners into the roadways. Whenever possible use the sidewalks, even if there is a couple inches of snow. This might mean running slower than one wants, but it's better to be slow and safe than fast and seriously injured.
5. Run bridle paths or well groomed trails - When in doubt, just avoid the roads all together. Trials are super fun and very peaceful to run in the winter and provide no chance of being hit by an unobservant driver. They do pose the risks of ice, rocks and roots so a headlamp is vital to do this and it helps to stick to trails that are wider and better groomed. As a side perk, often roads around these trails are less traveled and drivers are more observant due to the risk of hitting animals like deer, so stepping off a rugged trail and onto a road that connects to smoother trails is an option.
6. Shorten your stride and pick up your feet - At night it may not be possible to see every pothole that may be there, or tree root if on trails. Shortening your stride and picking your feet up a little higher, helps to mitigate this risk and if you do stumble on an unseen obstacle, your body is in better position to catch yourself without causing and injury. Running in conditions that may have icy conditions means you need to shorten your stride to prevent slipping. This helps keep your weight over your feet and minimizes the chance of twisting an ankle or knee, if you do slip. If you slip and there is a car coming, but it doesn't get over quite far enough, well I just hope that doesn't happen. Here is a link to some advice from Runner's World
7. Wear proper shoes - In the winter trail shoes is often a good idea as they provide more grip that most street running shoes. This again might result in slower times, but can really help prevent falls and sprained ankles. Microspikes are a good tool to use on trail runs, since they dig in more and can help ascend icy hills.
8. Keep a cell phone on you - If something does happen, this is your lifeline. Always carry it while running at night, no matter where or what time of year it is.
What are some of your running at night tips? Did I leave any off? Comment below to help your chance to win a free
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race entry or use the discount code EG2019 for 10% off any race!
See you May 18th and 19th!
