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THE NUMBER OF DAYLIGHT HOURS ARE DEFINITELY DECREASING as the calendar days lead us closer to the solstice December 21, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Whether you exercise outdoors in the morning or late in the day, it’s likely getting darker. Visibility is poorer and it’s time to take action to address safety concerns.
Today’s post highlights a product tested by me for Earned Runs, Noxgear’s Tracer 360. It totally fits the safety needs generated by my early morning habit of walking/training before the sun rises. The Tracer 360 was tested because the measures I had previously taken for higher visibility did not seem adequate for either dark rainy or snowy conditions, soon to be rather regular occurrences. My heel flashers might be hidden from the view of vehicle drivers, coming from either direction, by piles of fallen leaves or plowed snow mounds. The high-intensity white headlight that I carry in hand shows the path ahead but cannot be seen simultaneously from all directions. This quick personal safety inventory indicated that the heel flashers need to be replaced or augmented. The intense, white-light, hand-held device remains useful for showing the way forward and for deterring would-be attackers (shining the blinding light into the eyes of someone intending harm can be a deterrent). Because outdoor exercise apparel can change depending on weather conditions, it seemed that the best safety device would be worn on the outside of clothing. Preferably it would affix to the upper torso and shoulders, so as not to be blocked by low shrubs/plants, waste receptacles, parked cars, and snow banks. The Noxgear Tracer360 promised to fit my ‘darkest hour’ safety requirements. As the name indicates, the wrap-around tubing insures visibility in all directions. The tubing light is intense and flashes one or multiple colors, slow or faster speeds; it can remain one continuous color as well. The adjustable fit waist-band (safety neon green with a reflective center stripe), and tubing fits snugly. The entire apparatus is lightweight. The one issue I encountered was annoyance; the flashing of the frontal tubing was too bright and distracting in the dark. The solution was to change it to a red/continuous setting. Red light is allowed at dark sky parks so it is also environmentally friendly. I can still easily be seen and enjoy the beauty of a quiet morning outdoors. The device is not ‘cheap’ (see GEAR LOVE PAGE, ~ $60 on Amazon.com) but is less expensive than some other options, and completely accomplishes the job of making wearers highly visible from all directions. RUN & MOVE HAPPY! https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/winter-solstice.html https://www.amazon.com/Tracer360-Visibility-Vest-Medium-Large/dp/B00GI993YG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540226760&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=tracer+360&psc=1
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BRIDGE TO PHYSICAL SELF
Running, walking, and fitness activities enable us to experience our physical selves in a world mostly accessed through use of fingers on a mobile device. AuthorEARNED RUNS is edited and authored by me, runner and founder. In 1978 I began participating in 10K road races before 5Ks were common. I've been a dietitian, practiced and taught clinical pathology, and been involved with research that utilized pathology. I am fascinated with understanding the origins of disease as well as health and longevity. Archives
November 2023
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