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BY DENA ROSENBERRY
THE GAZETTE
We haven’t even switched to daylight saving time (Nov. 6) and it’s already dark when we get up and often near-dark when we get off work or out of class.
But that doesn’t mean we have to abandon our runs, walks, hikes, bikes and climbs, nor move all that fun indoors.
It does mean it’s time to pick up some new gear. Bright gear. Gear that illuminates our path or reflects whatever light is available.
We’ve got lots of options — from headlamps and tiny flashlights to reflective shoelaces and wristbands — and some combination of gear will give you enough confidence to continue your workouts in the dark.
Brendan Preston, of Colorado Springs, suggests looking at Road-ID’s Firefly line, which includes lights and reflective bands, tape and shoelaces. You can use Firefly’s products to increase your visibility — and it’s transferable, so you can use the items on a run one day and on a bike ride the next.
Tim Twietmeyer, a five-time Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run champ, wears a Petzl RXP2 ($90; 160 lumens) around his waist (by removing the head strap), a Petzl Tikka Plus ($40; 50 lumens) on his head and carries a Fenix LD15 ($80; 337 lumens) hand-held strobe “for when I need to get directional light in a place that I’m not looking.” The waist light, Twietmeyer says, focuses the light closer to the ground and gives “better depth perception.” Using all three is overkill on the street, but “when running downhill in dicey terrain, you might need all three.”
Recreational distance runner John Blue uses a Black Diamond Icon ($65; 100 lumens) that has a “less-bright setting that can run for about two days.”
Jen Pfeifer, a former Olympic Trials marathoner who now runs trails, endorses the Petzl Tikka XP2 ($55; 60 lumens) because “it’s light and distributes the light over a wide area.”
Western States 100 runner Mark Lantz uses the Princeton Tec Apex Pro ($95; 200 lumens) because of its brightness, but he says it has two drawbacks: a strap that goes over the top of the head and a battery life of only about three hours — “so you either run fast or carry extra batteries.”
A new lamp for runners that’s getting a bit of buzz is the Knuckle Light. It was developed last year by an Oregon runner who didn’t like carrying a flashlight and found wearing a head lamp too uncomfortable. The wide-beam LED lights are worn over your fingers (like brass knuckles!).
They’ve proved to be so popular they’re on back order, although a shipment is due in a couple of weeks. People seem to like Knuckle Lights for their comfort, because they’re closer to the path you’re running than a headlamp, because you can turn your head without losing your forward illumination or see what’s off to the side without turning your entire head, and for their visibility to others. They cost $40 and if you order now (knucklelights.com) you’ll get a $5 discount and a free clip-on reflector and reflective armband.
On the topic of reflecting, you want to be visible to others, especially those driving vehicles. This isn’t a top priority for trail runners, but if you cross roads, run along streets or use paths with other runners or bikers, it’s a good idea to “announce” your presence.
Saucony is promoting its ViZiPro pink and orange products, saying the added color is more visible than a plain white light. Its Ethereal jacket ($90) is wind- and water-resistant and has a built-in LED light on one sleeve and reflective strips. In addition to other jackets, shirts, shorts, pants, hats and gloves, Saucony has ProGrid Guide and Peregrine shoes ($90-$100) in ViZiPro pink or orange. The Peregrines are lightweight trail shoes with knobby grip and reflective strips and soles. See the entire ViZiPro line at Saucony.com.
If you were at the 24 Hours of Colorado Springs mountain bike race late Oct. 1 or in the wee hours of Oct. 2 at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs, you saw some of the most high-tech lighting systems for cyclists. The high-powered LED lights the pro racers use cost $1,000 or more and are as bright as, if not brighter than, car headlights.
But top-end equipment isn’t necessary, says local cyclist Rob Lucas, who competed in the Race Across America in 2006.
Lucas uses a light on his bike and a headlamp when he rides in the dark, and suggests adding reflective tape to your bike, helmet, clothing — whatever works — to increase your safety. Reflective tape is cheaper than buying new gear, and it’s available at Wal-Mart.
So, don’t let shorter days or funds put an end to your outdoor workouts. Slap on a light, shiny wrist band or piece of reflective tape and hit the trail.
HAVE FUN IN THE DARK
Local runners and riders offered these tips for safe and fun workouts before sunrise or after sunset:
• Wear reflective clothing and gear.
• Use a light and/or headlamp.
• Use lights/reflectors front and back — and sides don’t hurt.
• Go with a partner.
• Let others know your route.
• Make sure your batteries are charged and/or take spares.
• Know your route; the time to try a new trail is daytime, not nighttime.
• “It doesn’t hurt to know how to kick like Chuck Norris.”
McClatchy Newspapers contributed to this report. Thanks to OutThereColorado.com members for contributing as well!
PHOTOS: Solo rider Mike Schroden rides through the night Oct. 2, 2011, during the 24 Hours of COS mountain bike race in Palmer Park. Christian Murdock, The Gazette
Marty Fritzhand of Cincinnati, Ohio, celebrates Sunday, July 11, 2010, after finishing the Hardrock 100 endurance run. Christian Murdock, The Gazette
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