Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to run in the dark? I realize that early morning winter means dark but I shift my running to weekend mornings just as the sun comes up and then I try to fit in something during the week. Until the time changes I do it after work, but before picking up the kids. Once the time changes I run at lunch and just shower at my office. For me the places I like to run I just don't feel safe as a women doing it when its dark (morning or night) and since there are fewer people out there I'm not comfortable, my running buddies stop in the winter. I aim for 2-4 days a week and fill in other times or other activities.

With that said you need good reflective gear, shoes and socks that keep your feet warm - be careful of black ice early in the morning. Reflective vest is a must. My head gets over heated so I prefer something that goes over my years (ear muffs or head band), a fleece neck up to breathe thru on cold mornings. I like long sleeve shirt that has a zipper so I can regulate temperatures. A good pair of tights. Layering helps.

I run with a weapon. Attack me and get shot.

Wow, great as long as they don't get the jump on you and take it. Or you fall or drop it, accidentally misfire and shoot yourself or some other hapless runner.

You'd be better off with a keychain self defense tool, like a Brutus self-defense keychain. there are all kinds of versions - plastic, metal - shaped like dogs or cats. You fingers go through them and they are pointed on top. So you can wear it on your hand with relative comfort. Less likely to drop, and it is right there if they the jump on you. In these types of situation, you are likely to be in basically close quarters combat, so having something on you hand would be better than a weapon you have to get out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to run in the dark? I realize that early morning winter means dark but I shift my running to weekend mornings just as the sun comes up and then I try to fit in something during the week. Until the time changes I do it after work, but before picking up the kids. Once the time changes I run at lunch and just shower at my office. For me the places I like to run I just don't feel safe as a women doing it when its dark (morning or night) and since there are fewer people out there I'm not comfortable, my running buddies stop in the winter. I aim for 2-4 days a week and fill in other times or other activities.

With that said you need good reflective gear, shoes and socks that keep your feet warm - be careful of black ice early in the morning. Reflective vest is a must. My head gets over heated so I prefer something that goes over my years (ear muffs or head band), a fleece neck up to breathe thru on cold mornings. I like long sleeve shirt that has a zipper so I can regulate temperatures. A good pair of tights. Layering helps.

I run with a weapon. Attack me and get shot.

Anonymous wrote:Interesting - I actually like more layers on top and less on the bottom. So 45+ I'll run in shorts with a long sleeve shirt and/or vest if its windy or raining. Under 35-45 one layer of tights, again if windy I might put on a under armor bike short (without padding) under the tights, sports bra, long sleeve shirt and vest. Lower than 35 then I'll add a light weight long john bottoms and tops. I believe in good quality materials and design - it cuts down on chafing, helps with moisture wicking although its expensive. So I only have a few of each expensive item and wash regularly. I disagree you don't need a good pair of tights/pants. On a really windy, cold snowy day having a pair of tights that is comfortable, wicks moisture and doesn't rub is very important. As is a good pair of socks to keep your feet from freezing. Warmer weather/spring I'll toss in more target items or cheaper stuff but for extreme temperatures or rain then you want the best.

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to run in the dark? I realize that early morning winter means dark but I shift my running to weekend mornings just as the sun comes up and then I try to fit in something during the week. Until the time changes I do it after work, but before picking up the kids. Once the time changes I run at lunch and just shower at my office. For me the places I like to run I just don't feel safe as a women doing it when its dark (morning or night) and since there are fewer people out there I'm not comfortable, my running buddies stop in the winter. I aim for 2-4 days a week and fill in other times or other activities.

With that said you need good reflective gear, shoes and socks that keep your feet warm - be careful of black ice early in the morning. Reflective vest is a must. My head gets over heated so I prefer something that goes over my years (ear muffs or head band), a fleece neck up to breathe thru on cold mornings. I like long sleeve shirt that has a zipper so I can regulate temperatures. A good pair of tights. Layering helps.