As the days grow shorter, I find myself doing more and more of my run in the dark. These days the sun is just coming up as I'm finishing my morning run. Which means, of course, that visibility becomes an issue.

As my running friend, Chuck, is constantly reminding me -- Runners make ugly hood ornaments.

I have a few Illuminite vests and jackets for winter running, but I can't wear them on 80-degree mornings. So, I take my chances and go without, knowing full well I am taking my life in my hands.

The sad part is -- it's all in the name of vanity because I simply will not wear those ugly orange and/or yellow reflective mesh vests. Sorry, can't do it. I would feel like I should be working on the nearest road crew.

But, today, a running friend showed up wearing this pink vest. How cute is that? Finally...a warm-weather, reflective vest I would actually be seen wearing!

I just ordered myself one (by the way, I highly recommend doing business with www.kellysrunningwarehouse.com -- they have excellent customer service and they don't play that game that roadrunnersports.com does where you have to buy a "membership" to get the good prices). The vest is now on sale for $20 -- shipping is $5.

If you're walking and/or running outside in the dark (and, even worse, dawn or dusk when it's just barely light!), get yourself one of these now -- you may just be saving your own life for a mere $25.

(Happy now, Chuck?).