Fire Up Your Run

A few years ago I saw a 3M YouTube video called "No White at Night" that showed how important reflectivity gear is when running at night.

In the video, several runners are running towards the camera in the dark. At first you only see three runners, but there are actually seven. Four of them are wearing white t-shirts and you can't see them until they are 250 feet away. That's too close for comfort if there are vehicles around.

The video is from 2011. While its message is just as critical today as it was in 2011, reflectivity gear has come a long way in the last five years.

Today's Technology

Last week's Reston Potomac River Running fun run was sponsored by Nathan and we had the opportunity to try out headlamps, shoe lights, strobelights, torches, reflectivity vests, and arm bands.

Cole, the Nathan rep, reminded us of the importance of multiple points of light. He recommends at least three: a headlamp (so you can see where you are going), and two lights so others can see you (one in front and one in back).

Cole maximizes his points of light

shoe lights, arm bands, strobe lights,
reflective slap bracelets

headlamps!

torches, reflective vests, strobe lights

fun stickers for my son (his favorite is the zombie head)

Important safety facts

We're fired up for our run!
(photo courtesy of Cole)

Raffle time with post-it notes

After the run, Cole raffled off five pairs of reflective Lock Laces (I won a pair!) and a Light Bender LED Armband. We couldn't find any raffle tickets so we improvised with post-it notes...at least some 3M technology never goes out of style.

Be safe, be seen, fire up your run!