Have you looked at the moon? No, I mean have you really looked at the moon? Running in the dark has given me a new found respect and for the moon. We take it for granted most of the time. Yes, it’s always up there making the same trek around the earth and manipulating our oceans tides but have your really noticed it?

The next time your outside and the moon is full, look down. The light from the moon is bright enough to cast a shadow. Freaked me out the first time I noticed that. I was running alone in the desert and was suddenly alarmed when I saw my shadow and a car wasn’t behind me.

I’ve come to rely on this beacon in the dark. I can see the terrain and now that I have an additional friend above me leading the way and making me a little more visible to traffic. Next time your outside at night, take a look at our old friend and give it a wave. You never know the next time it will lead your way.

I love running early in the morning. With the changing of the seasons, it’s getting lighter later and darker earlier which means most of us are running in the dark. It’s a goal of mine to make runners more safe on our nation’s roadways and you’d be surprised how many people I see and pray for their safety. I’m not talking about somebody just out for a leisurely jaunt, I’m talking about serious runners that I see on a consistent basis. From what I’ve seen, I’ve come up with some suggestions:

Against Traffic. Run against traffic when you’re running on the road. Most roads have a shoulder or bike lane and you should stay near the edge (away from traffic) if at all possible. Running against traffic let’s you see oncoming cars and cyclists. Those running with traffic will never know if somebody didn’t see them before it was too late.

Warning Signs. Watch oncoming cars and cyclists. Is there a car coming around a curve wide and fast? Is there a large group of cyclists riding 2-3 wide? Does that car making left turn see you approaching the intersection? Be aware of your surroundings. Expect the best…prepare for the worst.

Anticipate. When you see the warning signs, anticipate what actions need to be taken. 99% of the time when you take action first, you can avoid many of the dangers. Car’s coming wide and fast? Move off the road or to the extreme side in case they don’t correct their actions. Car doesn’t see you? Make yourself seen or get out of their eventual path.

Reflective Clothing and Lights. If aware started with an R, this would be first. I consider this the most important thing runners can do. Make people see you. While you may wear bright colors, they lose their impact with no light. Find clothing with large areas of reflective print – the tips of your shoelaces don’t count. Use a headlamp or carry a small flashlight. I run with a small flashlight – not to light my way but to make sure cars and cyclists can see me from a distance and know I’m there. Blinking lighting is also another option. Most units are small and unobtrusive.

Enjoy Silence. Music is great but don’t use it in the dark. When one of our senses is dulled, the others take over. You can’t see as much in the dark and using your ears is important. You may hear an obstacle before you see it. Save the tunes for your car or at work. You’ll thank me later.

We’re looking at creating and offering reflective running wear either in partnership with sponsors or on our own (let us know if there’s any interest). As part of the running community, I pray that you all be safe and tear it up on the pavement.