Warm up and stretch, then it’s out the door.
Running outdoors is one of the simplest and most convenient ways to grab some exercise. There’s no driving to the gym or waiting for exercise equipment. Because of the convenience, ease and closeness to home, there is a tendency to not even think about the safety concerns of going for a run.
John Pitarresi, in a recent article, offers a few tips for runners. There are more:
* Be Visible – Wear reflective clothing. Even if the run starts in daylight, the fading light places the runner at a disadvantage. Bright clothing, even in the day time, draws a driver’s attention. When you are sharing the road with vehicles, it’s important to be noticed.
* Carry a Cell Phone – The suggestion used to be to carry some coins for a pay phone. In our current world, pay phones have become a rarity and the ones still available often are not working. It is not a priority to many phone companies to keep those pay phones functioning. A cell phone allows a call if an ankle twists or if you see some mishap.
* Carry Identification – There are all sorts of running accessories that allow you to carry your name and a contact phone number. Some of these trinkets even have a place for your blood type. Something homemade can be creative and serve as an identifier. It is something good to have and hopefully never needed.
* Leave the Music – As John Pitarresi mentioned in his article, forsake the music on your run. You want to hear your environment. With the efficiency of some ear pieces, the environmental noise almost is eliminated. That puts the runner at a distinct disadvantage, and there are places where runners are seen as easy prey for their electronics.
* Have a Whistle – It is often suggested that running be done with a partner. That might be ideal, but it is rarely practical. Sometimes a whistle will replace a shout and most likely the sound will carry further.
* Avoid Routine – Try not to be predictable. Vary the routes. Even in the comfort of your local neighborhood, avoid doing the same run repeatedly. And if you are going to run, it is recommended you let someone know where you will be going and when, approximately, you will return.
* Trust Your Instincts – If something does not ‘feel’ right, listen to that internal radar. Don’t discount instincts and rationalize. Always err on the side of safety.
This list is not inclusive. You may want to add your own running tip in the comments below, where certainly, your suggestions would be welcomed.
Catherine Forsythe
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