If you haven’t read the previous post (A.W.A.R.E.) on running in the dark, please do (click here).

While on my run yesterday evening (yes I ran at night instead of the early morning) it dawned on me that there are a couple of things I do that might benefit you when running in the dark.

One of the most dangerous things to watch out for are headlights. If you’re running close to oncoming traffic you can be easily blinded by a cars lights. Highbeams…forget about it!!! To keep your eyes on the road and the car, look at the white line on the road. This way you can keep the car in your peripheral vision and not be blinded by the light. It also allows you to judge how close the car is to the white line and see the terrain in front of you.

After a car passes, close your eyes for a few seconds. I’ve found that this helps bring your sight back to normal and help adjust your eyes back to the low light.

If you’re running hilly routes, watch for lights coming over the hill. Don’t look directly at the headlights when the car crests the hill. Make sure you’re looking off to the side (unless the car is close, then look at the white line) to prevent being temporarily blinded.

We need to see the cars to avoid them and if you protect your eyes from a cars headlights, you’re winning the battle. RUN SAFE!!!