I GLOW + giveaway

Running at night scares used to terrify me.  But, it all comes down to if I want to run I had to get over this fear.  Running in the darkness is my only option if I plan on running Monday through Friday since it’s dark before school and getting dark when I leave school and it’s going to be this way until mid February/March.  I supposed option B would be to rejoin the gym, but I really don’t want to spend the $$ and I don’t really enjoy the treadmill anymore.  So, outside it is!

I’ve put a lot of thought into what I need to feel safe to run at night.  First and foremost, I needed some new gear to help me out, which lead me to RoadID for some help in this area. This company is fantastic.  It was founded by Michael and Edward Wimmer, a father/son owned company.  Read the story here. 

Last fall, I had purchased my own ShoeID.  I like the simplicity of it and that ease of putting it on any pair of shoes (with laces) as I head out the door.  There is some great comfort knowing that I will be identified if something were to happen while I was out on a run and my husband would be notified.  Since the company’s focus is on athlete safey, I was hoping I would find what I was looking for and I found the RoadID’s Firefly High Visibility line. 

When I first started running at night, all I had was a headlamp, white shirt, and Ward’s vest.  I hated the vest because all it seemed to do was twist and turn the entire time I ran.  Very annoying and quite a distraction.  I didn’t feel very reflective so I would stay very close to the house with my runs – I had a .4 mile back and forth thing going in front of my house.  If I could still see my house, then I felt I was fine.  Sorta safe, but incredibly boring.   

Since Scott hooked me up with some great new gear: Firefly Supernova, Firefly Belt, and Firefly Ankle, I have a new and safer look for running in the dark. All of this gear is easy to use and lightweight.  I chose the red flashing light for my head, the belt for my waist, and the ankle straps for my feet area.  It is important to me to have reflective gear spread out on my body to increase reflectivity. 

One thing I did do was put the Supernova on the strap to the headlamp I already own.  That way I have the headlamp in the front and a red flashing light on the back.  

Ward actually saw a headlight very similar to this one online & it cost $100 - here you can do it for under $30 - cheapo Target headlamp (the head is adjustable and has a red light as well) and the supernova on the back.  

I usually pair my new Firefly gear with a hat (either a white reflective hat or beanie) because it helps with keeping the headlamp in place, and a white shirt.  If I owned white running pants, then I would feel way better, but I don’t think that is going to happen anytime soon.  In addition, I have been bringing my cell phone with me.  I have been putting it in the iPod arm strap I bought a few years back.  It’s perfect for holding my phone and adds another sense of safety when I head out on my runs. 

ignore the boots in the background 

I’ve been going a bit further in my runs, and I’m still feeling good.  I’ve even challenged myself and have run through the dark wooded sections.  Remember, I don’t live in town.  I have dark back roads to contend with and zero street lights. 

wow, another shoe mess!  someone better clean those up.  

Here are some important facts about the gear I have been using:

The Firefly Supernova

-       visible over 1 mile

-       rugged construction

-       Lifetime LED bulb

-       Long-lasting battery pack (included)

-       250 hours of battery life in “flashing” mode

-       Extremely bright light

-       Weighs less than 1 oz.

-       Dual mode: “flashing” and “steady”

-       Waterproof up to 300 feet

-       Simple twist on/off operation

-       Omnidirectional light (be seen from all sides with our unique optics)

Firefly Belt

-       durable construction

-       provides 360 degrees of visibility

-       lightweight

-       one size fits all

How it works –

Did you know that it takes a driver over 600 feet to react to obstacles at night? 

Firefly Ankle

-       durable construction

-       360 degrees of visibility

-       one size fits all

-       comfortable elastic bands

Do you want to add some safety gear to your running attire?  RoadID has graciously offered an eCard for RoadID for one lucky winner. 

What do you have to do?  First, read through the official rules.  

Official Rules

1. By entering your name below, you are agreeing to the official rules. 
2. No purchase is necessary to enter this giveaway.
3. Giveaway will start today 12/11/11 and close on 12/16/11 at midnight.   Void where prohibited by law. 
4. What you win – an eCard to use toward your RoadID purchase. 
5. The odds of winning will be determined by the number of eligible entries received. 
6. The winner will be selected on 12/17/11 by using Random.org.  A screen shot will be taken of the random entry chosen as well as a screen shot of the winner’s comment and will be posted on this blog on 12/17/11. 
7. The winner will have 72 hours to respond via email to runningwiththegirls AT gmail.com.  If the original winner does not respond within that time period, a new winner will be chosen using the same procedure listed above.
8. RoadID is the sponsor of this giveaway.  Contact information is here. http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx

Now how to enter

Mandatory:

1. You must be a follower of this blog by using GFC.  Comment below. 
2. Respond to the  following prompt:  Are you a night runner?  What gear helps you get through a dark run?  What tips do you have?  Comment below.

Additional entries (can only be counted IF you've done both mandatory entries!):

3.  You can “like” RoadID on fb and/or follow RoadID on twitter.  1 comment each.

4.  Share - tweet, facebook, post on your blog.  1 comment each.