Working out when it's dark outside: How to stay safe

As daylight hours grow shorter, many forced to exercise without much sunlight

(WDIV) -- Running during the winter months can be more challenging with the days being shorter, and many people have to consider exercising in the dark.

In Metro Detroit, a group of runners gathers twice a week to run at 5 a.m., long before the sun comes up, but the athletes only do it as a group.

Running in the dark should never be done alone, said Angela Carron, a community outreach coordinator for Gazelle Sports.

"This is not something I want to take on by myself in the dark," Carron said. "If it weren't for my running buddies, I know I wouldn't get up and out the door every morning. It makes me feel safe. It holds me accountable and it gets me my workout in before the sun comes up."

Carron recommends wearing bright colors and reflective gear, such as a vest. She said it’s called passive reflection, so when car lights come on and hit the fabric, the driver will see runners in the dark.

Carron said the vest lights up in the back, as well. She also wears reflection right on her skin.

"I got my reflector goo on my legs," Carron said. "I put it on the back, too, so when my legs are moving, it pops out for them."

Carron also thinks flashing lights are smart, because they can be so eye-catching. She wears a headlamp, but said it's for guidance, to make sure she doesn't trip and fall anywhere and for people to see her in the dark.

Carron also carries pepper spray in the palm of her hand after having an unusual experience during one run.

"We did have an encounter once with a man in the wee hours in the morning," she said. "(He) just didn't seem to belong where he was, and we had never seen him before. When we did come upon him, he didn't act normal, wouldn't say good morning to us and ran then ... the other way, so it was really scary. It's a little bit of extra safety (that) makes me feel safer."

When running, people are encouraged to stay on main roads, on the left side of the road, and to always be aware of their surroundings.

Runners are also advised to carry a phone, but leave their ear buds at home so they can hear trouble approaching.

Carron said she likes to run first thing in the morning because with families and jobs, there are too many things that can get in the way of doing the run later in the day. Other runners agree: Make a run first on the to-do list -- and that ensures it actually gets done.

"I think it enhances my day," runner Hannah Cavicchio said. "Honestly, I don't feel the same on days I don't run in the morning. It gives me energy. It is like my morning coffee, and it really just sets the tone for a great day."

"It really helps me get my stress out," runner Ana Buia said. "It really gets my body going."

Carron said she gets her running clothes, shoes and everything she needs out the night before, so that when she gets up, she can get out the door quickly -- another tip to ensure she gets that morning run in before her day starts.