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Reflective Running

While enjoying my cool December evening runs this week, my reflections were more aligned with being able to run than my usual thoughts on facilitating learning environments. When I am in my optimal training condition, I am guilty of taking for granted the blessings of being healthy and injury free. This week I certainly was not taking for granted being able to run and enjoyed the cool wind in my face and the ability to take wonderful deep breaths. It was fantastic!

While running at twilight, I was reflecting on starting this new blog and suddenly the irony of being a reflective runner (thoughts) and a reflective runner (visually) entered my thoughts. My thinking then went to running safety and how it may benefit some to mention some basic safety recommendations for evening runs.
  • Wear reflective clothing...most running hats, jackets, shoes, etc, have reflective material
  • A blinking light is even better...bottom line is that you want to be sure motorist can see you
  • If road running, run against traffic...you want to see cars coming towards you...and have a plan to avoid them if they don't see you or they are distracted and swerve in your path
  • I recommend NO earbuds...you need to be able to hear approaching people, animals, and cars...but if you MUST have music...only one ear and keep volume low enough to hear danger
  •  Layer for appropriate warmth...a general rule of thumb is to layer to the point that you are still slightly uncomfortable at the start...you will warm up as you run...if you are too cozy to start you will overheat...while you can unzip and remove items...it is annoying...better to find balance...a little experience and you will be able to determine what is best for you
I enjoy evening/night runs year round, but this time of year it is quite enjoyable to take in the Christmas lights while reflecting on the meaning of Christmas. I will keep running and reflecting while also being visually reflective to cars.
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