General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Running in the dark Rss Feed  
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2005-11-06 9:56 AM

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Champion
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MA
Subject: Running in the dark

When I get home from work, it is dark outside. My neighborhood has few street lamps. On my run last week, I cut my leg since I ran into something. There is lots of stuff on the street now with leaves, twigs, acorns and it is easy to lose footing. I don't like running with a flashlight...feels odd. Anyone use those headlight things? How do they hold up? work well? We looked at them at the mall last night and saw two types...one with just the headlamp thing and another with a battery pack in the back in addition to the headlight thing  but this two peice type were heavier.

Anyone use one? Any suggestions on deciding which type to buy? Can you wash the band since I'll be sweating? Any place to get a sweet deal?



2005-11-06 10:08 AM
in reply to: #279051


47
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Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I have a cheapy three LED miner-type headlight. It doesn't really illuminate the road but it makes me more visible and thats why I like it. If you're looking for good lighting try something like these http://performancebike.resultspage.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=niter... they are pricey but work very well!
2005-11-06 10:41 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Veteran
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Arlington Heights, IL
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I am in the same situation as you. My neighborhood is full of 75+ yr. old trees that block out pretty much all light from the street lamps. This is fairly cheezy, but does the trick. I got the recommendation from a city sanitation crew that I ran into working a sewer line break in the middle of the night.
http://www.ledtronics.com/ds/VST-1004/default.asp
2005-11-06 11:07 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Member
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Lake Mary, FL
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I bought the FuelBelt headlamp, and tried it out last week. It worked pretty well - after adjusting the strap a bit, it fit snug and didn't jiggle. The strap is a simple headband. It threw out a good amount of light also, my running group was impressed. It takes 3 AAA batteries and isn't very heavy.

I also have a fancier headlamp from my backpacking/camping days. It is some Petzl model, and has a separate battery pack. It is brighter, but consumes fancier batteries, and has features which might be overkill for running (the lamp twists to focus the beam).

I'd rather clip on another blinker on the rear of my shorts or hang it off my reflective suspender thingy, than have an extra battery pack for a headlamp. I'm just not going to run THAT long in the dark. ;)

Edited by klbarrus 2005-11-06 11:11 AM
2005-11-06 11:51 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Not a Coach
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Media, PA
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I like and use the Petzl Zipka Plus. The "headband" is just an elastic string. Very light and three brightness modes. Works well enough on streets and reasonably cleared trails. Might want something more powerful if you were doing some serious trail running in the woods.
2005-11-07 8:46 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Extreme Veteran
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Delray Beach, FL
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I use the cateye light from my bike (not cheap but serves a dual purpose). It is small, light, powerful. I do not use it all the way but I turn it on in darker places...
http://store.nycewheels.com/hl-el-400.html


2005-11-07 9:05 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Pro
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Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I'm fortunate to have lights most of the way, but there are 1 or 2 parts where the lights are sparse and it is hard to see what's on the ground, so I run in the street (I live in a REALLY quiet town). I don't have a headlamp, but I use my red blinker from my bike clipped onto my racebelt over my shoulder (sort of like a purse). Even if I'm running on the sidewalk, it makes me feel better to know that the cars know I'm there.
2005-11-07 9:16 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Champion
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Two seat rocket plane
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I use a Petzel headlamp (I forget the model, but if cost abut $20 3-4 years ago) along with a mini maglight (the 2 AA kind) to trail run after dark on my singletrack trails. Either one alone will get me by, but with both I am pretty secure in my running and rarely trip on roots or rocks.
2005-11-07 9:26 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Coach
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Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Running in the dark

Kathy - just go to EMS or REI and look for any of the different head lamps models they offer. For the reach the beach race I bought the cheapest one (like $24.00) and it worked well while doing one of my legs at 3:00am through the dark roads of NH.

2005-11-07 10:35 AM
in reply to: #279051

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Elite
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
http://www.e-headlamps.com/energizer_3_led.asp

I use the attached. Cheap...I got mine at WalMart. Works great. Red or White light option. All my running is in the dark as well.
2005-11-07 11:21 AM
in reply to: #279051

Pro
3903
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Andover
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I have a Petzl that is a couple years old, looks like the FuelBelt model, and woks just fine.

Daylight savings time SUX!


2005-11-07 12:12 PM
in reply to: #279051

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Expert
702
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Manchester, NH
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
Kathy,
I just picked this up last week at my local running store. It wasn't the cheapest model at $35, but 4 LED's vs. 2 ($24) I thought would be worth it. So far, I love it. I don't even notice the weight on my head, and cars see me really well. Also, the front will adjust so you can have it shining right down at your feet, or further up towards oncoming traffic/tree branches etc... 3 AAA batteries are still pretty light, and the headband is adjustable and comfortable. I haven't had to wash the band yet, but it looks like it won't be too tough to detatch....Didn't look for any deals b/c I needed one asap. Good luck!
http://www.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?MotRecherche=Quick+Search...
2005-11-07 9:30 PM
in reply to: #279051

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Champion
19812
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MA
Subject: RE: Running in the dark

Thanks for the tips!

My daughter is getting it for my late birthday so I'm waiting for my hubby to order it. I have a long run Wed. night for 1.15 hours which I guess I'll carry a very small flashlight. I wish I could just buy it and have it count as the gift.

I agree daylight savings time suxs!

2005-11-07 10:34 PM
in reply to: #279051

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Coach
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Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: Running in the dark
I have 3 different Petzl headlamps, accumulated through the years. 

A Zoom has a separate battery pack, uses a "fancy" square battery that's good for seeing stuff far away.  I used it for canoeing trips where weight was not a big issue.

I also have the Tikka and the Zipka, basically the same with the exception of the head strap.  The Zipka, as someone else mentioned, is just a thin cord.  I don't find it stable enough for running and prefer the thicker headband on the Tikka.

The market is now saturated with the LED headlamps, however, and you can pick one up in any outdoor store.  I would go with a basic 3 LED model using 2 AAA batteries.  Lots of battery life, but good illumination only for the first 12 hours or so, the remainder of the battery life will help you be seen. 
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