With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, people always seem to be on the move. The pace of life seems to have sped up, which is why there are accessories every fashionista on-the-go needs. One area where it’s good to keep active relates to the world of sports and fitness. Running is a great way to get in shape and stay healthy, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. In this article, we’ll discuss 9 ways that you can stay safe as an active runner.
Wear Brightly Colored Clothes
When running on busy streets or in low-light conditions, the last thing you want to be is invisible. It’s important to wear brightly colored clothes so that you can be noticed by drivers and other pedestrians. Look for clothing with reflective strips or accents so that you’ll be even more visible in dim light.
Elberon is located in Monmouth County, USA, and it’s no stranger to accidents. Sometimes people contact an Elberon, Long Branch, NJ injury attorney because they’ve been injured through someone else’s negligence. These professionals can help accident victims get medical care, pay their essential bills, and provide for their families. Should you get hurt whilst running, a legal advocate can help you claim financial compensation from the responsible party.
Plan Your Route In Advance
You should decide where you’re going to run and map out a safe route before heading out the door. Avoid any areas that might be dangerous, such as deserted parks or isolated trails. Also, beware of:
- Anywhere that’s not well-lit
- Anywhere that’s not well populated
- Unfamiliar areas and lonely roads
- Confined spaces like alleys
- Busy streets with fast-moving traffic
You should also avoid areas with a high crime rate, low employment, or issues with drugs. If you can, stick to running routes that are popular with other runners. Not only will this make you feel safer, but you might also make some new friends along the way!
Run With A Friend Or Let Someone Know
Running with a friend means that not only will you have someone to keep an eye on you, but you’ll also be able to chat and pass the time. You’ll also be able to encourage each other to keep going day after day.
If you’re running alone, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. That way, if something occurs, they’ll know exactly where to locate you.
Carry Your Phone With You
If something does happen while you’re out on your run, it’s important to have your phone with you so that you can call for help. Keep it in an easily accessible spot, such as a pocket or an armband – but not where someone else can quickly grab it.
If you carry a phone with you, other people will be able to contact you while you’re on the move. Should you get lost, a mapping app can help you find your way back safely.
Avoid Headphones
While it might be tempting to listen to music while you run, it’s important to resist the urge. Running with headphones can be dangerous because it prevents you from hearing what’s going on around you.
If someone’s coming up behind you or there’s a car approaching, you might not hear them until it’s too late. Instead of listening to music, focus on being aware of your surroundings and staying alert at all times.
Be Cautious When Running At Night
If you run during the day it’ll be easier to see where you’re going and there’ll be more people around. If you must run at night, be extra careful and take some safety precautions.
First, make sure to wear the reflective clothing we discussed earlier. Second, carry a flashlight so that you have some extra help seeing in the dark. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and stay extra alert for potential dangers.
Follow The Road Rules And Trust Your Instincts
When running on busy streets, it’s important to follow the rules of the road. That means running on the sidewalk whenever possible and obeying all traffic laws. If there’s no sidewalk available, run against traffic so that drivers can see you coming. And always use crosswalks when crossing the street.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and get out of there. If you’re running in an unfamiliar area and you start to feel unsafe, turn around and head back the way you came. And if you see someone who makes you feel uneasy, cross the street or ring someone.
Carry A Pepper Spray Or Personal Alarm
One way to deter an attacker is to carry one of these with you on your runs. These devices can help incapacitate an assailant long enough for you to get away and find help.
Pepper spray is usually deployed by firing a stream of the substance into an attacker’s face from close range. Personal alarms, on the other hand, emit a loud siren that can disorient and startle an assailant long enough for you to get away. Both devices are easy to use and can be carried in a pocket or on a keychain. They’re also relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for runners on a budget.
Learn Self-Defense
There are many different self-defense classes and techniques available. You can learn practical self-defense moves at a local community center, or take a more formal class at a martial arts studio. There are also online tutorials and videos that can teach you how to defend yourself in various situations.
Some of the most common self-defense moves include:
- Punching
- Kicking
- Elbow strikes
- Chokes and strangles
Because there are so many different techniques, it’s worth learning a few different ones to cover multiple scenarios.
These 9 suggestions can keep you as safe as is humanly possible during your daily runs. They’ll make you feel more relaxed and secure, and connected to others who can help you. In turn, you can focus on enjoying your daily jog and the health benefits that they bring.
