Hello! This morning I woke up around 5am with Ben’s early alarm (he’s on an early sched this week). So, I was up and ready to run a few easy miles before the sun. I’m always hesitant to run before the sun (mostly because I’m scared of the dark) but Brooks recently sent me the perfect piece of gear for this –
The most obvious thing that makes it great for low light runs is the color. I got to choose what color I wanted and picked PINK. Yes, it’s BRIGHT and I love it! It also comes in yellow or green.
But there’s a lot more to it than the color – this week I interviewed Brooks apparel expert, Gabe Maricich. He gave me the scoop about how they designed the reflective pieces on their night gear to show drivers that it’s a runner NOT a mail box or something else reflecting on the side of the road. 
Southern California was finally a little chilly this morning too. The vest offered the perfect amount of warmth without making me want to rip it off after 1 mile.
Other features of the running vest:
• Fit: Semi-fitted
• Windproof and water resistant with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating
• Full front zip with inner storm guard and zipper garage
• Back vent for added breathability
• Internal moisture-proof media pocket and two side zip pockets
• Front/back 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity
Brooks also sells a Nightlife Jacket. I went with the vest because I don’t need that much warmth in Southern California, but this is a great option if you’re in a cooler climate. 
I did 4 easy miles. I’m still trying to figure out how my legs feel after this weekend’s marathon so I didn’t take any music or a watch – I focused on how my legs feel. My IT band is pretty tight and really needs some stretching and foam rolling. Other than that I’m okay.
Post run I did most of Jillian’s 30 Day Shred – I really wanted to do 6 week six pack, but I can’t find my dvd. Boo. So, I did the 30 day until the last part of Level 1.
Breakfast – eggs and pumpkin oat bran. I love that the oat bran sits so heavy in my stomach – I was hungry and needed that!
Question: Have you busted out your Fall workout gear yet?
I run at 5am a few days a week. I bought a headlamp last month and just ordered two jackets on REI outlet to pick between. Gloves have been on for a few weeks. Here comes the wind and rain!!!!
Brooks is all I run in and love their Nightlife gear, but haven’t been able to fork over the money for the vest or jacket yet. I did just order their thermal longsleeve though
I have gotten out the fall workout gear here! Gloves check, jacket check, hat check, nothing to heavy but enough to keep me warm on cold mornings. My little fingers get so cold sometimes. Nice vest, thanks for the review. Have a great weekend. ^_^
It has been 40s-50s here in Buffalo so yes ma’am, I have busted out some cooler weather running gear!
It’s the rainy/monsoon season here which means shifting outdoor runs to mornings for most peeps.
I would have picked pink, too! I have been eyeing the jacket for awhile now.
I really like the Brooks vest — looks awesome! I have been thinking about trying to get some kind of reflective gear now that the season is changing
I would LOVE to get one of these vests, though I have to admit I had a bit of sticker shock when I saw the price tag!
I finally had to bring out the warm weather gear too! I run early/in the dark but the next run I’m doing gives us a headlight with registration… I’m not sure how dorky that will feel but it will definitely be safer!
QUESTION: I need another exercise dvd like I need a hole in the head but it seems like lots of people really like Jillian Michael’s dvds. Which one do you recommend?
Love the vest!! I actually love cold weather b/c I get to wear my fleece lined UA pants. They’re my favorite and got me through all of last winter!!
The fall workout gear never even gets put away because you just NEVER know what the weather is going to do in Minnesota! We’ve already seen snow in some parts of the state!!
Love the vest! I usually workout indoors so I just add a coat to wear to the gym during the fall and winter!
I love the vest
Jillian’s workouts are killer. Glad you’re enjoying the vest.
So crazy – Gabe is one of my good friends from college brother in law!
That is crazy!
Your vest is cute my reflective vest is the same thing road crews and crossing guards wear.
I’m so glad you posted this. I’ve been casually shopping for safety gear. Last night it was dark by the time I finished my run so it’s time I start getting more visible.
OH yes…around here we are totally running in cool temps..40’s to be exact (b/c I like morning runs still). That means…long pants and shirts for sure…headband over my ears definitely …and gloves are optional. 😉
The vest looks cute.
fall work out gear?! try WINTER! it was 35 this morning when I ran at 4:50am!
pumpkin oat bran?
oats with canned pumpkin mixed in?
do I have it right?
Yes, oat bran with pumpkin and pumpkin spice mixed in 🙂
oooo that vest looks so neat! I’ve never really understood the application of vests (especially those big puffy ones!!) but this one I can actually understand how it would be useful (aside from the reflectivity). That color looks great on you too! I wore a light jacket for my 5k last weekend but by 3 minutes in I was ripping it off and trying to tie it around my waist while holding my water bottle AND taking off my armband. I will NOT do that again! (Also it made my butt look bigger!!)
Love the vest! does it run true to size?
I have the yellow NightLife jacket and I love it! I was happy when I heard they were coming out with pink and I love that vest! I have pulled out capries and short-sleeved shirts (my fall attire) a few times. I am not happy about the cold weather approaching! (AKA New Hampshire winters)
Fall clothing? we’re way past that, I ran in -2 and snow yesterday… with 2 pairs of gloves.. haha!
Brrr! Stay warm 🙂
Weird timing! We had a Brooks rep at run club last night and we all tried out those vests, I wore the pink one. It was a little humid (read: hot) in Boston for last night’s run > but I loved it because it was light and not LOUD while I ran. Definitely can’t miss a group on 15 runners all wearing those! I might have to get one now.
I have a Brooks Nightlife Half-Zip in green, and it is AWESOME. It’s like wearing day-glo clothes to run in, and I can wear just it until the temps dip below 35 (which they already have here in Indiana). The cost can be a bit steep but it’s worth it. I always snag deals at Running Warehouse with Skinny Runner’s discount code FTW.
Love the color! I’m looking for something reflective since the sun is starting to set earlier everyday. No fall gear yet, north Florida still thinks its summer 🙁
I’ve been in tights and hoodies already in Denver — BOO!!! Lol.
I’ve been dying for this vest. I work until 6pm and by then it’s already dark (and cold) in Boston. I just can’t justify the $75 right now.. did they give you one to give away? eh? 😉
Sadly, no 🙁