Running safety is something never talked about, but always important. Here's a few tips to remember next time you head out the door
Run on the LEFT side of the road: As a runner you are supposed to run facing traffic (opposite from when you are biking). To remember this I tell myself left=live and also that I need to be able to write down the license plate # of the car that is going to hit me :) haha
NEVER RUN ALONE AT NIGHT: Okay women, I see this ALL the time. Are you trying to get yourself raped or killed? Seriously. No matter where you live, no matter how "safe" the area is, do not run by yourself at night. Ever. I cannot believe how many people do this. It is so dangerous!!
Always tell at least one person where you are going: I always make it a point to tell my husband where I am going to run at that day. You never know what might happen. Especially on trails. It is good to be safe and have someone know where to look for you if you were to go missing. If you don't want to tell someone at least leave a note
Run with pepper spray: My parents gave me pepper spray for Christmas 2 years ago. I have to admit I have yet to run with it....but I can see how it would be really good to have. You might run into a moose, a bear, a dog, a freaky rapist man....They make really small, easily portable ones. My mom got bit by a dog a couple years ago and she ran with pepper spray all the time after that. Better safe than sorry right?
Dress accordingly: Right now its summer, so dress light! If you are going longer than 30 minutes make sure you either bring a water bottle with you or plan your route so you will run by a drinking fountain (parks always have one). Also, don't plan your run at the hottest part of the day. If you do, BRING WATER. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can happen so fast.
In the winter, dress warm, dress in layers. I thought I dressed warm enough one day, and 25 minutes into my run, I was so cold I couldn't even think. I stumbled to the nearest building (which fortunately was a Walmart) and had to call someone to pick me up. This makes running miserable.
Dress for the weather, and if it is too cold or too hot, its probably best to stick to the treadmill.
Before crossing in front of a car, make eye contact with the driver: I've been almost hit probably...oh at least a gazillion times. Even when I have made eye contact. You have to assume that cars don't see you and that they aren't looking for you. Be cautious and assume you are invisible.
So think twice before you head out the door on your next run, you want to make sure you will coming back in that door again.
I am being dramatic yes :) But better prepared than sorry!
I have a few more to add to keep safe from rapists or stalkers.
ReplyDelete1. Be unpredictable - Don't run the same route every day.
2. Vary the time of your run. Even 15 minutes earlier or later can throw off a stalker.
3. Have a running buddy or get a dog.
4. Many attacks happen in broad daylight on less traveled paths. Stay away from wooded areas or alleys where it's easy to hide.
5. Carry a whistle and cell phone. I know, it's a hassle to carry extra things when you run but you can wear a whistle around your neck and tuck it in your top.