Training

Time to get reflective!

September 27, 2011
By Samantha Durnford

It’s been a busy couple of weeks and now that summer is winding down, my midday or morning runs are turning into late night post-dinner jogs.

When it comes to running at night, I never really gave it much thought. I wear the same clothes I usually do: black run tights and whatever sweater or t-shirt I have lying on my floor.

I usually run through Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park, up the side streets, and whatever back alleys I can find since I tend to enjoy staying off busy sidewalks in order to avoid dodging people.

This all seemed fine until it occurred to me: I’m not being very smart. When I run I have no ID, no reflectors, no cell phone, and no one even knows where I am.

I realized I was breaking all of the common sense rules of running at night. How many other people run at night without even thinking? We often tend to forget about simple safety when it comes to everyday things like going for a run.

I never carry my cellphone (where would I put it?), I haven’t bought reflective gear since I haven’t been running at night until lately, and I have nowhere to put my ID either.  Also, I never tell anyone I’m going for a run because I’m an adult and have stopped checking in with people since I moved out of my parent’s house.

I really hope my mom doesn’t see this, since she would shoot me if she knew I was being so careless. But, before she finds out, I’ve decided to make some changes to my nighttime run routine:

• Stop being cheap and go get reflective gear! The dollar store has some armbands that will do the trick.
• Text someone and tell them I’m going for a jog and that I will message them when I get back because you never know, I might fall and hurt myself, get lost, or any number of things.
• Run with a friend when I can.
• Suck it up and run on the main roads. At night, it’s not as busy anyway.

These things should put my mind, or should I say my moms mind, at ease!

What are some things you do to stay safe when running at night?