Run Safe, Run Smart
by Karen Kaye
Whether you run or walk in the dark or during daylight hours, a good safety plan is just as important as a good training plan.
Gearing Up To See and Be Seen:
If you train before the sun rises or after it sets, a reflective vest should be on the top of your list. The classic mesh style of the Nathan Tri Color Vest is lightweight, comfortable, and fits easily over your cold weather gear in winter, while not offering too much bulk to heat you up in the summer. The Amphipod Xinglet is also a great way to go. The suspender style adjusts for both height and width, and there is a generous zippered pocket to hold an ID or cell phone.. Both items offer 360 degree coverage.
Running manufacturers are adding more and more reflective elements to their apparel and footwear. Of special note is the Brooks Night Life line of high vis gear, and Saucony Optech which includes a blinking light at the wrist. In addition to vests and clothing, there is a myriad of ankle bands, wristbands, tape and stickers you can don to be seen by motorists. Clipping a red blinking light on the front of your body as you run facing traffic is another excellent way of getting the attention of drivers.
A steady white headlamp may make you feel silly, but it will make you look like an oncoming vehicle, and as such is a valuable item to add to your safety arsenal. Of course, the main benefit of wearing a headlamp is to light your way so you don’t trip over any obstacles along the way. Trail runners and cyclists have been using headlamps for years. Road runners and walkers still need some prodding to embrace this excellent idea, but thankfully more and more are catching on.
Don’t forget Fido! If poochy is your favorite training companion, reflective collars, leashes, vests and blinking lights are available to keep your 4-legged best friend safe. Ruff Wear makes a great line of safety items for dogs on the run.
OK, so we’ve got running or walking in the dark covered, what about the rest of the time?
Protecting Yourself:
No matter the time of day, it is essential to carry ID with emergency contact information on each and every run. This can be done with a shoe ID tag, wrist ID, or laminated information card in your pocket. Be sure to include any health conditions you may have such as diabetes, asthma, etc. and mention all drug allergies as well. In addition, the name and number of an emergency contact is essential. If you live in Atlanta and your dad lives in Cleveland, don’t use him as your contact! Ask a friend or co-worker who can get to you quickly to take on this role. This person can also help if you run alone. Let him or her know when and where you will be running, and what time you plan to be finished. Arrange to call your friend to say you are done, and have him or her call you if they have not heard from you in a timely manner.
Now a word about the “bad guys.” Sad, but true, they exist, and we need to take necessary precautions. If you get an uncomfortable vibe from someone, don’t ignore your instincts. Keep your stride and pace steady, and exude confidence as you pass. Look the scary person in the eye and offer a friendly good morning,
Pepper Spray can help you with both threatening humans and canines crossing your path. It is of the utmost importance if you carry mace to have it at the ready, and to know how to use it properly. Keeping it tucked in your waist pack or pocket is no more effective than leaving it on your kitchen counter. Carry it in your hand or on a quick release belt clip. To properly discharge pepper spray, take a deep breath, hold it, turn your head or cover your face with your other arm, spray in the face of the offender, and take off. To quote a City of Atlanta Police Officer, “Take a deep breath, spray, and run like hell!” Do not hesitate to use your mace. If you threaten without acting immediately, the bad guy can knock your spray out of your hand.
Now, let’s talk about running with your favorite tunes. While the best answer is to keep a song in your heart and your head, but not in your ears, it is not a reality. Many, many runners and walkers like to carry their MP3 players while training. It is imperative that you keep the volume very low, or even better, keep one ear bud out at all times. You need to be able to hear the world around you. In addition, those cords hanging out of your ears provide the bad guys with a great tool to wrap around your neck. If you have the wires running behind you and someone yanks on them, the ear buds will just fall out.
Finally, it never hurts to take a few self-defense classes if at all possible.
Run, safe, run smart, and you’re Best Miles Will Be Those Covered On Foot!
All of the items mentioned in this article are available at Big Peach Running Co.
