My Journey With Health And Fitness – Apparently I Need To Rant

We are on day 4 and I am really doing well. I have done 4 fitness classes, walked every day and done 2 runs. I have not had any alcohol and while am happy that my resting heart rate is back where I like it, I am not happy that I am still not sleeping well. Remember, a benefit of not drinking is you sleep better, I do not.

I came home from fitness class early yesterday morning while it was still dark. I could see ahead at an intersection, where I would need to turn, a small flashing light. When I got there I realized it was on the back of a bike but that was all I could see. I realized that the man on the bike felt that was all that he needed to be seen. His clothing was black, his bike was black, his shoes were black and even his helmet was black. Seriously? That tiny little light is all he thought he needed for me to see him.

Now jump forward to this morning, the exact same corner and as I pulled up I realized there was a pedestrian standing at the corner. Now, it ended up he was going to cross right where I would be turning right. Again, he was all dressed in dark clothing and the only reason I saw him is because he had a tiny little flashlight and of course I am super diligent about watching for pedestrians at crossings.

I went for my walk/run at about 7am this morning when it was still dark. What was I wearing? My standard gear for when it is dark out and I will be a pedestrian, bright yellow jacket with reflective stripes as well as a very noticeable orange toque which also has a reflective stripe (I should note that I do have a toque that matches the jacket but I like to be colourful so I often wear my orange or pink toques). This is all about being easily seen. Even walking around the complex early morning in Mexico, I wear a vest that has flashing lights both on the front and back. I want people to notice me rather than run me over, end of story.

I realized when I got to the promenade (it was still dark) that of the 50 or so people I saw there was exactly 1 other person besides me had on any sort of reflective gear. I guess they figure they are safe because they are not on the road but quite frankly that is not an excuse not to be easily seen. Really, it is not that hard nor expensive to pick up reflective tape to put on your clothing (note, having reflective tape on your shoes is nowhere near sufficient). Hell, there was actually a dog being walked that had an awesome flashing collar but his owner was dressed wearing a long black jacket.

So, do what is right. If you are out walking/running/cycling when it is dark out, make sure you are very visible to not only vehicles but also to other walkers/runners/cyclists. Think of it as helping to keep everyone safe.