When your day is packed with work, family, school, children, and relationships in general, you would so like to squeeze in a workout regimen to boost your health and fitness. How can you find the time to jog or run to pump your adrenaline and burn calories?
Modify your schedule, so to speak. Be stealthy about it as you put your running shoes on and train at the time of day that suits you most. There's before-dawn or after-sunset running!
If you're a regular or serious athlete, you'll find many benefits of running outdoors- whether in low light conditions or actually in the daytime. For one thing, you get to breathe fresh air and train on different terrains. These, while you're burning extra calories.
However, if you're a pre-dawn or evening runner, you have to be wary. Carefully consider the gear that you need to keep yourself safe. Potential dangers linger no matter what time of day you are out, but these are significantly increased when you're running in the dark.
Read also; How to Stay Safe and Visible When Running at Night
The difference between running in the daylight hours and nighttime running is your reflective running gear. Each of these items allows you to see and be seen in the dark.
Wearing reflective clothing is a must, including a reflective vest and some lighting options. The latter includes a waist light and a LED headlamp. These reflective items make running in the dark easier and safer.
Before tackling your gear options, this article will elucidate the factors to consider when choosing your nighttime running gear.
How To Choose Your Reflective Gear For Safe Night Running
Are You Distinctly Visible?
You must allow motorists and pedestrians to see you when you are running in low-light conditions. That's why you have to be equipped with reflective clothing and other reflective material. Night runners have to be particular about their lighting options, too.
The most basic yet crucial reflective item that you need to have with you is a headlamp. The NightBuddy LED Headlamp gives you ultra-wide illumination with its sleek and modern design. It permits you a wide range of motion with its 100-meter reach.
Designed with state-of-the-art reflective detailing, the NightBuddy LED Headlamp emits a powerful 350 lumens, with 5 varying light modes that give you a wide range of bright colors. With zero-bounce technology due to its adjustable straps, you'll run in the dark with full efficiency and safety.
Other than a night running headlamp, you should also sport with your reflective details such as a waist light, reflective bands, and a reflective running belt, among other visibility gear.
Don a reflective running vest as well or a reflective running jacket. Keep an extra layer or outer layer for urgent use. If you come across fellow runners, you have to be seen while your night vision is clear.
Are You Warm Enough?
Temperatures at pre-dawn and in the nighttime are chilly. You're not likely to work up a sweat in this circumstance, and you must keep yourself warm. An excellent option is a reflective running jacket or long-sleeve shirt paired with reflective or compression tights. Apparel with reflective strips is handy.
You'll want to regulate your body temperature so that you can do your thing with gusto.
Are You Comfortable?
Be practical when choosing your nighttime running gear. Have them on properly so that they don't become cumbersome. You have to be cozy instead. Look for zippered pocket features when buying your reflective clothing.
Take note of the hours of battery life of your headlamp and lighting devices in general. Having a battery pack with you makes sense, especially if you're running long distances for hours.
For added comfort with your night running clothing, opt for those that are made of stretchy fabric or moisture-wicking fabric. Upon your purchase, you'll find a range of sizes, but consider something that allows you to do critical motion and workouts.
When doing your nighttime runs, see to it that your apparel is not intrusive. It should support you accordingly when you do your training while steering you away from potential hazards. Think of the same when selecting your reflective shoes.
Final Thoughts
There are a variety of options for your nighttime running gear. Your personal preference is essential, but consider the practicality and effectiveness of your equipment. Whether you have a daily running routine or are involved in an overnight race, see to it that your gear provides you with extra visibility.
It's a smart choice to go for lightweight reflective apparel for your nighttime road runner sports. Make sure that it offers you the degree of visibility that you need to guarantee that you are safe and sound.
You can pretty much take your pick of reflective gear for your dark hours of running. You can go for the basic or else add on more layers, especially if the nighttime hours are chilly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper clothing to wear for nighttime running?
Your clothing of choice matters in this aspect, and they have to be reflective. There is an array of color options for these, but look for utility features, such as functional pockets or an item that has plenty of pockets.
The proper headlamp is a necessity to provide you with bright lights when running on a trail. Use a reflective vest, or shoe light, among others, to keep you safe for all your countless hours of running.
What are the best colors for my clothing when running at night?
If you're a competitive runner or else are just a regular running enthusiast, you should wear reflective gear with colors yellow, white, or orange. As visibility gear, this clothing makes it possible for drivers and pedestrians to see you in low-light conditions.
Reflective jackets, for the most part, should be of these colors, and also for an extra layer when it is cold. Your tights should be highly visible, specifically if they are designed with reflective trim.
What should I avoid wearing when running at pre-dawn or after sunset?
Avoid wearing cotton-material jogging clothes because they soak in perspiration. In turn, you're apt to feel cold and uncomfortable.
You have a variety of options, but these are specific to reflective gear. These tend to be made of moisture-wicking fabric that easily absorbs sweat. If you're running long distances, a hydration vest is useful to replenish your fluids. Your lower body can be insulated if you sport dry-fit tights, especially in chilly temperatures.
When is the best time to run at night?
Your daily running can be carried out in the evening. Studies have shown that nighttime running aids in better sleep, but only if you do it at least 1 hour before bedtime. To be sure, run 2 hours before dozing off.
Since there is reduced visibility when running in the darkest hours of the evening, make yourself as a runner visible by wearing reflective apparel and bringing a certain degree of illumination via a headlamp or a waist light, to mention two.
Why does it feel better to run at night?
The stresses of the day tend to have been done with by the evening, that's why it is more relaxing to run at night. Chilly temperatures? Wear an extra layer of a jacket to make you feel warm. This makes jogging cozy. Aside from this, you're likely to have had sufficient meals during the day, giving you more energy to work out.
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