There has been a lot of talk lately among this group on who will be riding the night legs of the Baja 1000 and that got me thinking about my own night moves. Running in the dark. The dead of winter is one of the least appealing times to run outdoors but it has to be done to keep up your base mileage and fitness. Yes, I have heard of the treadmill, but cannot stand it so I head outdoors to get my miles in.

Now I wish I could impart some great advice or trick on how to get out there, but there is none, sorry, you just need to brave it and get the hell out there. What I can give you are some items that I think about when going out there for those cold runs in the dark which trust me I do not look forward to, but end up enjoying once I am done

• Wear something reflective – this may not look cool but it will keep you alive.
• Wear something wind resistant – the wind is what really chills you when you are out there. I take care of the reflective and the wind with one item. A Pearl Izumi Barrier vest. This is a favorite among the Dukes of Flatbush, as I think we all own a model of this vest.
• Plan on running with a partner – If you make a date to meet with someone, you are less likely to just stay home and order General Tso’s chicken.
• Warm up in your house – Do some jumping jacks or something like that, so that by the time you go outside you are warm and ready to run.
• Forget your times – running in the cold night, you need to focus on where you are going and the cold and layers will slow you down, so do not worry that your normal 5 mile run takes you a little longer.

My last bit of advice which I plan on following, is GO SOMEPLACE WARM. Why suffer all the time when in two hours on a plane you could be in a much warmer location. On that note I am packing my gear for 5 days in sunny Los Angeles, everyone needs a break.