Runner Safety Tips!
Happy Friday friends! We’ve made it to the end of the week and I am so glad. It’s been busy and it’s been HOT. However, the miles are done and I’m proud of that. If you’re a runner, I’m sure you have been following the news lately. I debated on whether or not I would speak about this because it’s such a heavy topic. It’s not secret that women have to take safety precautions that men don’t. It’s a whole issue with society and I can go on a HUGE soap box rant about it. However, today I would keep it somewhat light with sharing a few runner safety tips that benefit ALL runners.
Runner Safety Tip #1: Let Others Know Your Location
There’s plenty of apps that will alert others of your locations but a simple text to let loved ones know you arrived is great. Depending on my run that day, I’ll usually let someone know when I leave and what time I should make it back. I’ve actually had this come in handy before because on a normal run around my neighborhood, I stepped on a pine cone and completely rolled my ankle. I’m talking, can’t even put weight on it. I was able to call my husband to come pick me up (literally two streets from our house) but his alarm would have gone off and he would have known that something was up because I wasn’t home. Also, this kind of keeps me motivated to keep running on not stop!
Runner Safety Tip #2: Be Vocal and Make Eye Contact
I struggle with this one because I totally grew up in the era of “Don’t speak to strangers.” However, my husband grew up in a small town so he’s a pro at this. Everyone we pass by he says “Hello!” very loudly so they have to look at him and then he makes eye contact and works to remember their features. He’ll often quiz me on what the people were wearing once we run past them to make sure that I’m paying attention. Yes, it can be awkward but people are less likely to bother you if you don’t shy away from them. Also, you’ll be able to start recognizing fellow runners in the area.
Runner Safety Tip #3: Change Your Running Route
If you’re a Type A person, I KNOW this is hard. However, changing up your routine keeps others from knowing where you’ll be at all times. I go out at different times of the day and run different routes all around the city. I never run the same place twice and I never disclose my location online until after I’ve left. I feel like it’s kept me safe so far so I feel others would benefit as well!
Runner Safety Tip #4: Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
This is a MUST! If you have to wear headphones, wear only one ear bud or wear headphones that allow you to hear your surroundings. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a run only to scare a fellow runner as I came around them because they had their music up way too loud. And even if you don’t wear headphones, keep your head on a swivel! Always be aware of what’s going on around you.
Runner Safety Tip #5: Be Prepared
On certain runs, I’ll run with mace. This type of mace secures to your hand and is easy to use. One thing I will say, if you choose to run with certain tools or weapons, know how to use them! It’s better to know how to use it and never have to than not being able to figure it out in a time of need. Keep it simple and readily accessible.
Obviously these aren’t all the safety tips out there but just a few I wanted to share with others. We should all look out for ourselves and other runners. It’s always heartbreaking to hear when things like these happen but we must ALL remember to be aware at all times.
What are some ways you stay safe on your run?
