The end of daylight saving time brings dark evenings for that after work run. Since 70% of all pedestrian deaths occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you need to take steps to mitigate your risk when running on dark roads or even trails. Here is the gear I am running in this fall–it is all about comfort and maximizing my visibility.
- Pearl Izumi Fly 3/4 Tight ($55) : Pearl Izumi’s new BioViz collection uses a combination of fluorescence and strategically placed reflective hits to increase your visibility both day and night. The company found that by accentuating the parts of your body that move the most, drivers are more apt to not only see you from far away but understand that you are a runner or pedestrian–the reflective hits on the knees of these 3/4 tights add visibility to a key part of your leg. A zippered pocket at the back of the wide waistband (no muffin top!) holds an iPhone 6 securely against your back so it doesn’t bounce up and down as you run. Mesh venting behind the knee cuts down on sweat while your quads and hamstrings remain warm.
- Pearl Izumi Fly Jacket ($85) : The screaming pink color of this jacket makes you better seen in broad daylight, especially with the contrasting screaming yellow on the arms, one of the other body parts that moves the most during your stride. Reflective hits on the arms add strategic 360-degree visibility at night. Open, hidden vents at the back keep you from overheating while still protecting you from harsh winds and even light rain. A zippered pocket securely holds the essentials and one of my favorite features–the internal fist mitts–keep your hands from freezing on your run without the need for full gloves.
Here is a video of me doing dumb things to show you how BioViz looks when running at night.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCxYdzpciCk&w=640&h=390]
- Mountain Khakis tank: The days are still quite warm here in San Francisco so I normally start out in a tank and as the sun sets, throw on a jacket. I love the flattering fit of the new Mountain Khakis tanks–you will sadly have to wait until spring for this one.
- Light & Motion Solite 250 EX ($180) : For trail running at night and even along the multi-use path or roads, I always wear a headlamp. The Solite delivers 250 lumens to light up the trail in front of you for up to 4 hours and sits comfortably on your head as you run.
- Pearl Izumi running shoes: The Trail N2 is still my all time favorite trail running shoe and now with version 2 ($120) , Pearl Izumi made it even better with a seamless, foot-hugging upper and an enhanced Carbon Rubber outsole for improved wet weather traction. The Road N3 ($130) I use for road or multi-use path running and it has also become by trade show shoe of choice. The cushioning is a bit firmer than other ultra-cushion shoes but this helps propel you forward rather than sinking on each stride. The E:MOTION midsole of both these running shoes makes for a smooth, rolling ride that can’t be beat.
- Feetures! Elite Light Cushion socks ($14.99) : These lightweight socks wick moisture and ditch the toe seam to keep you running blister free while adding cushioning in high impact areas for extra protection.
