I rarely do it alone and only in very safe neighborhoods.

The local running shop also has these very small, but incrdibly bright strobes that you can clip to your shorts. They are so bright that you can see them for a mile.
<<<< also has a dork light.

I've considered one of the strobe lights for the bike. I dont ever plan to be out on it after sunset, but things can happen. I've seen bikes with them and they are much more visible.

But when it's 6 am, what choice do you have if you want to go outside in the winter??

Good point Jen, I could look into a headlight. It'll be as much for me seeing things as for others seeing me. I'll have to pick up another pair of glasses too. I've grown very accustomed to having my sunglasses on when running, and they're great for keeping the cold wind out of my eyes, but they're too dark for pre-dawn too. ::jots another item onto his birthday list::

Matt, I didnt realize how much I enjoyed being able to see the lovely (read: uneven) sidewalks and streets in our little town until I got the light. It fits comfortably like a headband, but then again I think the farthest I've worn it is 5-6 miles.

I've also noticed a couple other runners in town now sporting them. I'm amazed at how much easier they are to spot compared to without it.

I look down right alien at night.
Glow in the dark shoes
Reflective running gear
Strobes on back
Dorklight in front.....

I hope some alien conspiracy goober doesnt try to take me back to the mother ship!

I've seen several around here as well, a lot more with bikers, but still some runners. I'd much prefer that to flashlights, I need my hands empty. I'll look into it further, I'm sure I can find some decent ones at the local stores.

make sure you get an LED one. They are brighter, lighter and the batteries last much longer!

Well, this turned out to be a lie. I ran Sunday, just an easy 5K starting from my front yard, and felt fine. Ten minutes after I was done my knee started to hurt every time I stood up. I took a couple ibuprofen before golf yesterday and it was tolerable, and today it's just a little stiff. I did the eliptical this morning instead of the treadmill. I'm wondering if it's because I've mostly run on the treadmill lately that made my knee react to roads/sidewalks.

I'll be blinded by headlights, they'll be blinded by a combination of my light and my awesomeness...that's just a recipe for disaster! Then throw in a random deer or cat that shows up just in time to ram me and at least the scene will be well lit for the ambulence.

My PT has made me a believer...the treadmill is the devil. It messes with your stride and if you have any biomechanical issues it can often make them worse. I have been banned from it for life. Sorry...that wasnt really helpful was it? (stepping down off my soapbox)

My first thought on knee pain is how old are your shoes? Also, if the soreness is from repetition, the elliptical will be just as bad as running.

It definitely took adjusting to move from mostly treadmill to all outdoor running. The speed difference alone is crazy. I was indoor once a couple weeks ago when it was pouring outside, going 6 mph felt like I was flying, I made it up to 7 before I felt like I was going to get thrown off the back! Outdoor, that pace would be no issue at all. I'm guessing it's just the shortened stride that's required to stay on the darn thing.

Uneven surfaces, turning, you're doing more with your knees than they're used to, so it could be an adjustment phase as well as shoes or other issues. I had lower back pain when I moved outside too, from holding better posture than I was used to.

The shoes are pretty new, bought in late July. This is the first time my knee has hurt in a year. When I broke my ankle a year ago, I had to wear a boot, and it killed my knee, because the thick heel and inflexibility threw my stride off. I had to take ibuprofen to sleep. My orthopedic doc said, "yeah, that happens." But the pain went away about a month after I got rid of the boot.

The boot really messes with your biomechanics. I was in one for 4 weeks, the PT had me out of it ASAP, even though I wasnt allowed to run for 9.

Did you get fitted for the shoes at a running store? If you're getting more stability or not enough that can cause issues.

It's also possible that there could be something else off. When my hips get "out of whack" (yep...scientific term there boys and girls) I end up with everything from blisters, shin splints, runners knee and a stress fracture. The longer I ignore the warning light, the worse the damage. If the pain doesnt go away quickly, see your doc.

Alignment is huge. Spine and hips have to be in synch. I think a good massage therepist helps as a preventative measure, but it take a PT (make that a good PT) to fix it.
Its also been mentioned, switch sides of the road and dont run exactly the same way everytime.

Lots to absorb.

Heck, no, I bought the cool looking shoes that were on sale.

I did a 5k on the treadmill today just under 27:00 and I feel fine. I'm going to blame Sunday's pain on not warming up properly in cool weather. (Longest 27 minutes ever because the TV on the treadmill wouldn't work.)

<<< is putting together his winter running gear to avoid the dreadmill as long as possible.

I wish I had been the genius that invented these stupid sleeves.

I just put stamps on the envelopes for registrations for two November 5Ks. I hope it's not too cold. My only cold weather clothes are long underwear and blue jeans.

Just put a big, black checkmark/swoosh on your long johns. Nobody will know the difference.

You can buy really good tech wear (Under Armour and such) But Target and Marshall's both carry good stuff pretty cheap and it works well.

Check out Ross and TJ Maxx for discounted name brand running gear. All of my running shorts and tights have come from there. I also bought my daughter track gear from there at significant discounts.

ha ha, tights

do you pretend to be a superhero?

Yes, unfortunately TJ Max and Ross have a very poor selection of capes.

Hmmm... I didn't think to check TJ Maxx - I did just go to the Running Company and pretty much cleared the sale rack of summer gear. Threw in some arm-sleeves for good measure (goodness I love those things! Who knew?) I do probably need some more cold weather gear, but if I can get one or two really warm things I should be able to make do until they all go on clearance next spring.

Last year I bought cold weather training gear for my marathon and then only used it once or twice because we had suck a mild winter. But those couple of runs when I needed the gear I was glad I had it. I ran outside in shorts a couple times last January, something usually unheard of in my neck of the woods.

Did my first Duathlon this weekend. It went way better than I could have hoped. 118 on my race (2 mile run/10 mile bike/ 2 mile run). I finished 6 over all and won the grand masters division. It was fun and I will do some more of them, but that bike in the wind thing is tough!!