Safety Tips For Runners - Be Aware When Hitting The Pavement Or Trail

• Be Alert

  The first, and maybe the most obvious tip, is to stay alert.  You want to be aware of your surroundings.  Personally, I like to run with headphones. But I also try to keep them at a low enough volume so I can hear what’s going on around me.  Whether it’s someone coming up behind me, or an approaching car, I try to always watch my surroundings.

  

• Run With Someone

  Like I said earlier, I usually run alone because I don’t have friends who can run with me. So I know it’s not always feasible to have a running partner.  But there is power in numbers.  If you can’t run with someone, I’d suggest at least finding somewhere that usually has a lot of people around. Don’t head out to remote areas for a run! Find a busy park.  Again, I know this isn’t always possible, especially if you’re an early-morning runner.  But you definitely want to make every effort to protect yourself if you’re running solo.

  

• Carry Your Phone

  There are a wide variety of ways you can carry your cell phone with you these days.  There are sports bras with built-in pockets, and many leggings have pockets too. In addition, there are armbands that you can use.  One thing I frequently use is called a Flip Belt. It works perfectly for me to carry my phone, keys, and my inhaler when I run. Having your phone with you can be beneficial if you wind up injured and need to call for help.  But it’s also helpful if someone needs to pinpoint your location to get to you.

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• Vary Your Routine And Route

  If you run frequently, you might want to consider shaking things up when it comes to your routine and your route.  Unfortunately, you never know when someone may be watching you. This is similar to what a self-defense teacher taught me in college.  He said he would often take different routes home from work to throw off anyone who may be trying to predict his movements or find where he lived.  And that totally makes sense!

  

• Self-Defense

  Having some self-defense training is beneficial whether you’re a runner or not. It’s never a bad idea to know how to protect yourself.  Various places offer self-defense courses. It can also help to carry some sort of protection with you.  I have a flashlight that also has a taser that I have used on runs when I was alone and there weren’t a lot of people out and about.  Some people prefer pepper spray or something similar.  There are many items now that are small and inconspicuous that you can carry to protect yourself.  The biggest thing is to make sure you know how to use it and feel comfortable with it.

  

• Trust Your Gut

  Overall, you want to trust your gut.  If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Avoid any area where you feel unsafe. And if you see someone approaching that makes you uncomfortable, have a plan in place to redirect your route to get you in a place where you feel safe whether that’s around more people, or in a place you can protect yourself.