Welcome Back!
Last week's newsletter was all about products to help cars and traffic see you. This week is all about helping YOU see in the dark. We know proper reflective gear is essential, but it's just important to see in front of you when you're running.
Who wants to step in a pothole or roll an ankle on the curb? Have I done both things? Maybe...
This newsletter is sponsored by Safety Skin. If you are looking for an inexpensive and not bulky way to stay seen, Safety Skin is for you. You can use code FueledbyLOLZ to save 20%, which makes it about $20. I also wrote a review about Safety Skin here.
So How Can You See When Running in the Dark?
First, it's essential to know about "lumens." What are lumens?
"Lumens” means the amount of light put out by a light source. The number of lumens in a light source indicates how bright a light will be. Many lights are adjustable and allow you to toggle between various lumen settings.
Keep in mind, lumens are not the same as watts. Watts is the amount of energy required to power a light source, while lumens is the amount of light put out.
Most light sources range from 15 - 500+ lumens. The brighter, the better, but you don't want to be the person running with lumen "high beams" and blinding other people out.
Something to also keep note is that when the battery power decreases, the number of lumens also decreases. This means your light source will dim. Keeping your lights charged is just as important as having a light. Your 5-year-old flashlight that flickers on and off doesn’t put out the same amount of lumens as when you bought it.
What Type of Light is Right for Me?
The more you run in the dark, the more light you will need. If you are running around sunrise or sunset, lights with above somewhere around 100 lumens will be ok. Keep in mind; you can never go wrong with more light.
If you spend more than 30 minutes in complete darkness, consider a light with at least 200 lumens. Typically, the more lumens, the more expensive a light is, but you always need to be safe. Most running lights have at least 150 lumens.
Flashlights:
The simplest thing to do is run with a flashlight in front of you. It's cheap and it works. But there are much fancier and less cumbersome ways. Cheap flashlights have about 15 lumens, but many flashlights go to up to 100 lumens.
Headlamps:
Like the name suggests, the Biolite has a max output of 330 lumens. We just started carrying these at our local running store and they are bright. Biolite's only weigh 69g, which is extremely light.
As someone who gets migraines (sometimes triggered by things on my head including headbands), I don't have to worry about them being too bulky on my head. Plus the headband piece is moisture-wicking so you don't have to worry about sweating up a storm.
This one of the tried and true headlamps. The max output of lumens is 325, but it also has a 160-lumen setting. What makes it even more special is it's rated IPX8. This means it's been waterproof-tested to work if submerged in 1.1 m underwater for 30 minutes.
I included this because while browsing the Nathan website, I noticed it was marked down from $120 to $30. It looks like Nathan is coming out with the next version soon. With a max of 288 lumens, you can't beat that and the price.
Handhelds:
Knuckle Lights just attach to your knuckles and allow you to run without holding anything. The Knuckle Lights Advance have 280 Lumens.
If you don't know where to look for a light, I recommend checking out the Nathan website. They have every type of light from handhelds to headlamps. They have lights out that you didn't know existed.
One of my favorite Nathan lights is the Zephyr Fire 300 Rx Hand Torch. It uses a 24-degree downward-pointing lamp so you don't get dizzy while running, plus it allows you to see the ground easily.
Non Handhelds:
Chest:
RODH Running Jogging Chest Led Running Light
The chest strap is adjustable and isn’t bulky. In addition to the light, there is also a reflective red triangle so others can see you. Plus, it has rechargeable batteries. It’s basically a fancy reflective vest with a light so you can see. A win for everyone?
Waist:
If you use a Flipbelt, Flipbelts now have an attachment that fits right in your belt. It allows you to see without holding anything.
So while being seen is essential, being able to see is just as important. Make sure to get yourself a good light, so you don't end up hurting yourself.
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
Women runners were ‘falling through the cracks.’ Then Mary Cain spoke out.
Final Surge Podcast: I talked briefly with Final Surge about my running history and shoes. I listen to a lot of running podcasts, but I'm rarely on them.
Ali on the Run Podcast had 5 running couples on her show last week. As someone who also likes Valentine’s Day, I enjoyed hearing professional runners balance their relationship, running together, and marriage. Plus, it validated marriage arguments happen the most in the middle of hard runs. ;)
Saucony Ride ISO 2 Shoe Review
Thank you again to Safety Skin. By supporting products that support the newsletter, you help support the newsletter.
Finally, thank you to YOU, the subscribers! I wouldn’t be starting Year 2 of the newsletter without the support and sharing from readers.
If you have any comments, you can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful!
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