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7 Tips for Ultimate Running Safety

7 Tips for Ultimate Running SafetyPhoto by sporlab

Originally Posted On: https://www.gogazella.com/7-tips-for-ultimate-running-safety/

 

Running is a fantastic form of exercise that has several notable benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and cognitive ability. However, running also poses a few safety risks, especially for those hoping to go it alone.

That’s why it’s crucial to become familiar with running safety tips and tricks. Doing so could help you survive an emergency or unexpected attack. While it’s always best to think positively, it’s also vital to be prepared for the worst.

Let’s review some of the most helpful running safety tips to help you get the most out of your run and avoid potential dangers.

7 Running Safety Tips

To stay safe while you run, you’ll need to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Alertness is the most essential component of a safe run. If you’re daydreaming or unfocused, you may quickly find yourself in trouble.

Timing is also an important aspect of running safety. While it may be alluring to run early in the morning and before the sun has risen, doing so could put you at greater risk of being struck by a vehicle or attacked by a violent criminal.

Review the following tips and tricks before you pull on your running shoes again. Not only will you be able to run more confidently, but you’ll also gain a little peace of mind while you exercise and enjoy some fresh air.

1. Go Against Traffic

Run against traffic whenever possible. Doing so can help you stay aware of oncoming traffic and potential threats. Besides, you may not notice a vehicle creeping up behind you if you’re running with traffic.

When you run against traffic, you give potential criminals slightly less time and opportunity to pull aside and approach you. You also give yourself the advantage of being able to spot suspicious behavior ahead of time.

2. Be Prepared for Emergencies

It’s imperative to stay prepared for emergencies. This can mean carrying an extra pair of running socks or a comfy change of shoes. It could also mean bringing your water bottle with you.

However, in terms of personal running safety, it’s crucial to own a few protective devices. You could choose to purchase a small, keychain pepper spray canister or a tiny gadget that emits a loud siren.

No matter which device you choose, be sure that it’s easy to use and small enough to fit onto your keys or into your pocket.

3. Run With a Group

Running with a group can be a fantastic way to socialize, build motivation for your runs, and stay safe. Criminals are far less likely to approach a large group of runners than they are a singular individual.

This behavior is almost identical to the kind of behavior you see in prey and predator animals. Predatory creatures typically single-out loners when they attack. They may also avoid groups altogether if they’re large enough.

By joining a group of runners, you’re wordlessly proclaiming that you’re a difficult target for violent offenders. Besides, you can mix exercise with socialization!

4. Don’t Run During the Night

Plenty of crimes occur during the daytime, but the most offensive ones tend to occur during the night. By choosing to run during the daylight hours, you can significantly reduce the risk of being assaulted, attacked, or approached violently.

If you’re avoiding daytime running due to high temperatures, you can try to schedule your runs during the early morning hours, right as the sun is rising.

Ambient temperature is typically lowest during the late-night and early morning hours. Of course, every climate is unique, so be sure to research the time of day that your location experiences the lowest temperatures.

You should also protect your skin from UV damage by applying a skin-safe sunblock before going for a run.

5. Let Others Know

If you have roommates or in-home family members, you may want to let them know that you’re heading out for a run. Doing so can help ensure that rescue personnel locates you quickly in the event of an accident.

If you live alone, you could choose to post about your plans on social media or text a trusted friend or coworker about your running plans. Be sure to let them know when you plan on returning home, and what to do if you’re not available at that time.

If you face an injury or attacker while running, a friend or relative is likely to grow concerned by your absence and contact the necessary emergency services. This can quicken your rescue, which may have otherwise taken several days to begin.

6. Dress to Be Seen

Choosing the right running outfit is vital to both your comfort and safety. Fortunately, most athletic wear designed for runners is reflective, allowing motorists to quickly spot wearers in stormy weather or during twilight hours.

Dressing to be seen is a fantastic way to stay safe during a run. Not only will you be more visible, allowing others to avoid you more easily, but you’ll also be recognizable. Reflective clothing can also help stay safe while bicycling.

Should you happen to go missing, witnesses will be more likely to remember your neon yellow top than your dark grey one. While this may seem like a grim way of staying safe, it could help rescue workers find and save you in an emergency.

7. Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open

If you’re not alert while you’re running, then you’re not being safe. It’s too easy to slip on a pair of headphones, hit the play button on your favorite playlist, and start hitting the pavement.

But you might not hear the blaring of a car horn or the squeal of tires as a car desperately attempts to brake and avoid hitting you. Being able to hear these sounds could mean the difference between life and death.

It’s also important to be observant during your run. If you require prescription glasses to see clearly, you may be running blindly to avoid damaging your spectacles. This is a dangerous tactic.

Ordering several pairs of contact lenses could help you regain your sight without risking your eyewear. Eye Doctor Twin Falls can help you find and select the most comfortable lenses for your running routine.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Run

Running safety doesn’t have to be a challenge to overcome. You can work simple, easy-to-do safety tricks into your running routine and enjoy a more comfortable and protected run.

By running against traffic, arming yourself with emergency tools, and running with a group, you can take significant steps toward improved safety. Of course, it’s also crucial to run in the daytime to avoid reckless drivers and criminal activity.

Letting others know that you’re heading out for a run can also help keep you safe. And wearing reflective clothing can also help ensure that drivers and passersby can see you. Of course, staying alert at all times is the primary safety rule.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our related running articles!

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