IT'S THE LEAST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

While some folks are happy about the extra hour of sleep they'll gain tonight, for many runners, it signals the least wonderful time of the year. Standard time brings with it dreadfully early darkness, as well as added danger to those of us out on the roads on a daily basis. Finishing a afternoon training run before darkness casts its dark shroud upon us is a challenge, and it should not be taken lightly. Particularly bad are cloudy, stormy days, when it appears to be darker than dark.
Be sensible when running during these next few weeks. Make sure all clothing is brightly colored. Wear reflective 'everything,' if possible. Shoes, jackets, vests, gloves, and hats. Save your long runs for the weekend. Always face traffic, watch out for icy patches, as well as "black ice," and be particularly careful in the mornings, when motorists may not yet be fully awake. Finally, mark December 21 on your calendars. That's the Winter Solstice, which brings us a little more daylight each day.