Disclaimer: I received the Sabre Runner Pepper Gel to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

It is that time of year again, when there are more hours of darkness than there are of sunshine. For us runners, that means we have to start thinking about how we are going to stay safe on our runs, as most of our miles will be logged in the dark. This used to just entail things like head lamps and reflective clothing, just to make sure we can see and be seen. However, we now also have to think about how to stay safe out there. And by “stay safe”, I mean self-defense.

I recently reached out to my Oiselle Volee teammates for tips on how I can motivate myself to get out the door for my runs in the morning. It’s not due to a lack of motivation to run. I am a morning runner! I wasn’t getting out the door because for the first time in my life, I realized I was scared to go running outside in the dark. But I also didn’t want to retreat to the treadmill, as I LOVE running outside. I was frustrated that my fear, or should I say the fear we now feel as a result of the recent attacks on women runners, was stopping me from doing what I love. My Oiselle teammates gave me many suggestions, but the lowest hanging fruit seemed to be to run with pepper gel.

I’ve resisted pepper gel in the past because we really shouldn’t have to go to these lengths. I also hate holding things while running, so altogether, it was never high on my list.  However, when I got the chance to test Sabre Runner Pepper Gel as part of being a BibRave Pro, I jumped on the opportunity. I’m now wondering what took me so long. It has brought me peace of mind and I’m finding myself having fun on my runs again.

Here is what I’m liking about Sabre Runner Pepper Gel:

• Easy to Use – This pepper gel is extremely easy to use and has an impressive spray range. There is a red safety lock at the top of the container. When you rotate the tab, the nozzle is exposed and you can point and spray. I practiced into the ground so that I’d be ready if I ever had to actually spray the pepper gel, and I will tell you it was very easy. The spray has a 12-foot range, but you still want to make sure to shield your own face in case of any kickback you might get from the wind. The only other advice I’d give is make sure the nozzle is pointing away from you! This is something I check before every run so that I’m carrying it pointed in the right direction.
• Fits Into Your Palm – I mentioned that I don’t like carrying anything in my hands while I’m running. I didn’t carry water with me on my runs for a long time because the idea of something strapped to my hand or around my waist sounds awful. Sabre Pepper Gel straps onto your hand and fits seamlessly into your palm to the point where you truly forget you’re carrying it. It’s so light and small that you don’t feel like you have to switch hands or “even out” by carrying something in the other hand. I tested the portability both with bare hands and while wearing mittens, and both are great. I also practiced spraying the gel while wearing mittens, which is just as easy as with bare hands.
• Peace of Mind! I feel like I’ve taken back my morning runs over the last few weeks. It is a safety net that I hope I’ll never have to make the call as to whether or not to actually use, but if I do, I’m ready. There is a sense of security there that is worth every step taken with something in my hand.

Sabre Runner Pepper Gel is only $12.99, and is good for 35 bursts. I highly recommend you practice spraying before you take it out on your first run, and remember to test it every 6 months.

I’d love to hear any other safety measures you take while you’re out on the roads. Stay safe, and enjoy those sunrise or sunset run-views!