Running in the Dark and Rain

Some times I run out of options and I am forced to run in the dark while it's raining.  I don't mind either, or even both at the same time, but together it can be dangerous.  The safest option is to avoid it all together, but if you can't, there are some things I do to help stay safe.  Actually, sometimes the biggest problems aren't cars.

Infinite darkness.  Sometimes the moon isn't even there to keep me company.

While I've had some close calls with automobiles, scary close at times, potholes and bad sidewalks are my biggest enemies.  For, it's the enemy you can't see, or even know exists, that is the most dangerous.  It's amazing how dark a country road can get when moon-light blocking clouds are out.  Add in fog or mist, along with the rain itself, even a bright flashlight has trouble illuminating all the obstacles in your path.

On a well lit city street, a flashlight might not be necessary, except that the lighting probably isn't as good as you think.  There are gaps in coverage and the ever annoying on/off power saving.  It's easy to get a false sense of security because you can see down the street, but chances are the ground beneath your feet is fuzzy.  The dark areas, shadows, and optical illusions from the bright, but well separated, street lights are just waiting to trip you up.

Headlamp and weather-proof
flashlight combination.

In the country or in the city, I think a flashlight is necessary.  In the city, a single hand-held flashlight or headlamp will probably be enough.  In the country however, I would recommend a bright headlamp, with fresh batteries, and a weather proof hand-held.  It might be tough at first, but you really have to focus on the ground almost directly before you.  Avoiding puddles whenever possible is a good rule.  There is no way to tell how deep they are or what's in them.  No matter how well I think I know the road, I've learned the hard way that I don't have every exact rough spot memorized.

I've twisted my ankles many times this way, luckily none have been serious.  Cars, however, can kill.  Obviously a headlamp and flashlight help on-coming cars see you, especially if you flash the light in their direction.  Cars coming from behind, although on the far side, still need to see you.  If you drive, you know how hard it can be to see the lines on the road when it's dark and raining.  Sometimes it seems the headlights on the car aren't working.  So it becomes important to indicate you are there somehow.

The combination of a reflective vest and weather proof red flasher are a good idea.  I even where a white shirt under the vest, as well as a reflective hat (which helps with the rain too).  Any extra reflective striping on clothes is a nice bonus.

The reflective strips alone are pretty effective.

This morning, for example, it was pitch dark out on Oakwood Ave.  The rain was on and off, sometimes coming down pretty good.  I had all the items I described above, and still I wasn't able to see more than 6 feet in front of me.  It truly is an odd sensation, like you are running into a black-hole, with all these stars shooting around you (the rain obviously).  I had to do speed work, which is kind of a stupid idea when you think about it, and my brain knew it.  It just wouldn't let me get up to any real speed.  The faster I went, the less time I had to process what I was seeing, trying to determine the harmless shallow water from real potholes.

Otherwise, of course, you have to follow normal rain condition rules, especially if it's chilly out.  As I said, I try to avoid the situation all together.  Sometimes though, I have to do it.  When I do, I don't cut corners and do everything I can to be safe.  It's no guarantee obviously, but it's not worth getting sidelined while my ankle heals, or worse, playing chicken with a car who doesn't know I'm there.

Related tips and resources:

• About.com: Other tips for running in the dark
• RunnersWorld.com: Wondering what to wear?
• NYDailyNews.com: Tips for running in the rain

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