This morning I got up earlier than normal, about 4:30am, took a few ibuprofen and went for an 8 mile run. I took it at a slow, comfortable pace and it was a great run. A light drizzle started during my last mile that felt very refreshing.
It was very dark (obviously) at that time of day, so I decided to try running with a flashlight. I had my water bottle in one hand and a flashlight in the other. At first I didn't think I'd like having something in both hands, but I got used to it and it wasn't so bad. I have a small LED flashlight that puts out a good amount of light for its size. It's small enough that if I don't need it or want to use it, I can stick it in my pocket. I aimed the beam about 10-12 feet out in front of me and I really liked having the path in front of me lit. I've run in the dark many times and stepped on rocks, cracks in the road, sticks, etc...
Do any of you run with flashlights or headlamps? I've been looking at some headlamps but after today's run, I think I might prefer the low beam versus a high beam coming from my head. Plus, I like to wear visors when I run, and I haven't seen any good clip on headlamps (although I'm sure they are out there). The ones I've seen all have elastic bands. I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts on this subject.
15 comments:
got the early bird bug? I was out by 5 this morning and got a small shower around 6.
I know first gear has several lights, possible one that clips to a hat brim.
Good work getting out early!
Before sunrise, I run on a lit path. The one time I didn't is when I fell, needing stitches and crutches for 2 weeks. Oops. So now I stick to well lit areas.
There are hats/visors with light built in or the clip on lights like these: http://www.amazon.com/Cyclops%C2%99-LED-Hat-Clip-Light/dp/B000GTI8RC, but if the flashlight doesn't bother you, I say go for it.
The streets in my area are all well-lit, no matter the time of day, so I've never needed any lights.
I go for the darkness. One thing to keep in mind, bugs are attracted to light and if the light is on your head...well, that's what all my nite time mtb friends tell me. It can be a pain. Something to think about.
WOW, is it really that dark out? I would just run in the dark and not worry about a lite path. If I did need light I would go with the head lamp, I can't stand holding anything in my hand.
nice job getting up so early! i've never run with a light (just the moon, or sun obviously). i tend to wipe out just as easily in broad daylight as i do in the wee hours of the morning anyway :)
I have a clip-on light like the one RunningLaur linked to. I've run with it on my visor but not turned on. I thought I was going to be out later than I was but I ended up making it home before dark.
I've run carrying things in both hands. In fact, that's how I ran my first half-marathon! I'm trying to cut down on it, though, because I like to think that having my hands free helps my form and speed. Don't know if it's true, though!
I'm really glad you posted this! I need to get a head lamp for the ET Marathon next month since we're required to run with some sort of light, and I hate running with anything in my hands.
I have run with a small flashlight like that and it wasn't bad. It was a short run, so I didn't have anything in the other hand.
As far as a clip on light, I think looking at a bike store will give you more variety. My husband has something that clips to his bike or his helmet. He also has a flashing red LED light that is good for other people seeing you, which is important if you are on a road.
No - never tried it. It's it's too late or too early, I just go by the LITTLE light from the streetlights. But glad to know a good flashlight will help!!
I run with a headlamp during the winter but its one with a strap. I like it though. My husband has a clip on one to the end of the bill of a hat and he really likes that one. its really small too.
i dont run when needing a flashlight.
In the winter I run with a headlamp since it gets dark so early. But during the summer: I just don't get up that early...you are disciplined, my friend!
My husband has a ridiculously big and bright one that he has used for night snowshoe trips. I'd really like one, too, for trail running when we go for our weekly early run-a smaller one, that is. I can see decently by about 5:30 but when we start at 5:10, it's DARK.
If you can run while holding a light, go for it! If you're running in the dark though, just make sure you're visible to drivers. Have fun!
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