I’ve always been an Evening Exerciser.

I don’t bound out of bed in the morning, ready to hit the gym and start my day.  Normally I blindly fumble for my glasses followed by my cell phone.  I check my e-mail and relocate to the couch where I spend another 15+ minutes trying to wake up.

But in the evenings, I’m always hit with a burst of energy.  I want to get my blood flowing.  I want to feel my muscles working hard.  I want to exercise!  Sometimes I’ll hit the gym, and other days, I’ll grab my sneakers and head outside for a run.

Running at night can be challenging now that it’s winter and the sun sets so early.  Here are some tips for running at night from Charityteams.org:

• Wear reflective gear. (Bright orange and yellow are the most visible colors.)
• Wear something lighted in addition to your reflective gear.
• Run in well lit areas. (You want to be seen and you also want your footing to be more certain.)
• Turn off your i-pod or remove one ear bud. (You need to stay alert!)
• Run with a friend. (Safety in numbers.)
• Carry an ID whenever you run, day or night.  (Carrying your phone is an additional option.)
• Tell someone else where you’re going and what your planned route is.
• Vary your route. (Don’t run the same route all the time.)
• Run against traffic.
• Follow all of the traffic laws. (Obey lights and stay in cross walks.)
• It’s generally colder at night. (Dress for the weather and wear layers.)

Running at night can be safe and enjoyable as long as you take the right steps to protect yourself while you’re out and about.

*Are you an evening exerciser or runner?*