OK, so you missed the opportunity to exercise during the light of day, but you still want to get in a quick three miles before turning in for the night or before the sun rises. The best advice when exercising while it's dark (or even during daylight) is to get off the streets and head to the security of a well-lighted outdoor track or consider running on an indoor track or tread mill. If you are a walker, consider laps around an indoor shopping mall. If these options are not available or just aren't for you, consider these tips before heading out:
Plan your outing. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Tell friends and family of your favorite exercise routes. Know where telephones are located along the course. Consider carrying a cellular phone. Wear an identification tag or carry a driver's license. If you don't have a place to carry your ID, write your name, phone number and blood type on the inside of your athletic shoe. Don't wear jewelry or carry cash. Wear reflective material. Many athletic shoes have reflective qualities built in, but also consider a vest complete with reflective tape.
Stay alert at all times. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are. Run or walk with a partner or a dog. Don't wear headsets. If you wear them you won't hear an approaching car, threats from animals or humans. Listen to your surroundings. Exercise in familiar areas. Know which businesses or stores are open. Vary your route. Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Especially avoid poorly lighted areas at night. Watch the road: Wet or icy spots are considerably harder to see in the dark. Run clear of parked cars or bushes. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving. Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. Trust your intuition about situations, people and locations. React based on that intuition and avoid areas you feel unsure about. Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions. If you answer, keep at least a full arm's length from the car. If you think you are being followed, change direction and head for open stores, theaters, or a lighted house. Have your door key ready before you reach your home. Call police immediately if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is also a good idea to check with police about any criminal activity in the area you plan to run.
Source: National Crime Prevention Council
