Running in the Dark

So, I usually run in the very early morning when it is still dark out. This leads to some interesting issues that I thought I might share. First off is the obvious darkness, this is easy to deal with given enough street lights. Unfortunately, not all the roads that I run have adequate lighting. My solution? Also obvious, a flashlight. However, while did start out with a normal flashlight, I have since advance (thanks to a present from my wonderful wife this past Christmas) to a rather high tech flashlight. The function that I find most useful of the flashlight I currently carry is the fact that it can change through a veritable rainbow of colors. Also, it has the ability to flash these colors in succession rather quickly. This function combined with the fact that this is a super bright LED flashlight helps me to feel safe running down the back roads sans street lighting.

Another issue that I am still trying to find the perfect solution for is the cold temperatures. Upstate NY is not known for balmy winters and this year has been no exception to that rule. I have gone through several combinations of various clothes and am still searching for the perfect set. This morning I stepped out wearing cotton thermals, a plain white tee-shirt, cotton sweatshirt, jeans, a jacket with insulated lining, convertible gloves/mittens, and an alpaca wool skull cap. This getup worked fairly well except that my lips and nose were quite cold by the end of my usual thirty minutes of running. So, as of right now, I am in search of something that will keep my lower face region warm, but still allow for adequate breathing (I tried a fleece neck warmer, but it didn't breath well enough and I felt as though I wasn't getting enough air.) If anyone reading this has any low cost suggestions, please feel free to comment.