We shift to our winter routine on Nov. 7 next week, which means tempo runs at 6 pm on Tuesday evenings, and then in January, indoor Thursday workouts at the U. of G. field house (more about that in December).

Our Tuesday run starts at the Running Works, and weaves around the Old University neighbourhood just south of the Speed River on residential streets. And we run on the roads, not the sidewalks, crossing Edinburgh Street four times at signalled crossings. See map of our 8K and 10K routes here.

There’s a big advantage to running on the roads — they’re usually free of snow and ice, and it’s much easier to run at tempo pace without making the transition from sidewalk to road with every block.

But running on the roads can be dangerous, if we’re not dressed in genuine night running gear. So this year, we want EVERY Tuesday night runner wearing a reflective top, plus flashing lights front and back. 

To that end, we’ve partnered with the Running Works store, the meeting place for our tempo runs, to offer a package deal: a new, Nathan Bandolier reflective vest with two running lights (they clip onto the vest) for a reduced price of $45 plus HST ($50.85 total) — that’s a saving of $15.

If you already own proper night running gear, great — wear it next week! Otherwise, you can pre-order your new vest and lights NOW to make sure we can have them on hand next Tuesday, when our first tempo run takes off! Email here to reserve your package, and bring your debit card or cash on Tuesday. You can purchase the items separately of course (vest $30, lights $15 each), or other Nathan reflective gear, at the Running Works store.

Simply wearing reflective clothing or shoes isn’t enough when we’re running on dark residential streets in winter. A 360º reflective vest and flashing lights are a must. Thanks for your cooperation!