It’s Tuesday and time to the link up with Erika, April and Patty for
1. Run with a group–This is by far the easiest and most fun way to run safer. While with a group you are more apt to be seen by cars and least likely to be vulnerable by an attacker. There are so many groups out there and if there isn’t one in your town-start your own-I did! Best thing I’ve ever done. Most local running stores have fun runs or adventure runs during the week that are free of charge. Not only safer but a great way to meet new friends. Check out Moms Run This Town.
2. Wear reflective clothing–if you run early morning or evening, you must wear reflective gear. Many shoes and clothes already have it built in. You can’t assume that cars will see you because you see them. Yes pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, but don’t count on cars to always give it to you. I like to wait until they wave to me or give me a flash of lights before crossing.
3. Run facing traffic & know your route–If you must run on the street to get to a path or trail, run facing traffic. You can see cars coming way before they might see you. If you have to jump out the way you can. Be aware of changes in traffic patterns or construction on your route. My good friend tripped over some construction items on an early morning run this week and really cut up her legs.
4. Listen up-We all love to run to the beat of our favorite song so if you must run with headphones, leave one ear out. It’s so important to be able to hear bikers and cars approaching.
5. Road ID’s and Apps– I never leave home without my road ID. Now that they come in so many styles and even an interactive version, there is no reason not to have one. They allow medical personnel to have all of your contact & medical info on hand to treat you in case of an emergency. I use the interactive version to update my info while traveling. Recently they added an app to allow you to leave “digital breadcrumbs” to who ever you choose so they can track you and even alert them if you remain stationary for too long. A great choice for someone who does go out alone.
6. Carry a phone-Not only is is great to have for all those running selfies but you never know when you may need to call for help for yourself or someone else.
7. Trust your gut- If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What are some of your Safety Tips? Anything to add to my list?
Although I never run without my music, I do run with my road ID that my sister got me for my birthday. For me always running in unfamiliar places I make sure I always have it while traveling.
Good to know that you wear that bracelet. You should still carry your phone with you though. -M
I always carry my phone too bc you never know when you or someone else might need help.
The road ID is the best thing to have with you agreed. I always take it with me when I travel as well and update it online before I go.
Great tips! I wish I lived a bit closer to my local running store because they always have group runs. It looks like a lot of fun!
Our local stores have tons of events going on all the time and they are all free! Thanks for stopping by!
I run only where I feel 100% safe and if I get a bad vibe from someone or the location, I turn around and head somewhere else.
Good idea! If something feels off it usually is right?! Run safe 🙂
Great tips! I agree with all of these. The headphones I use while running happen to have one side that doesn’t work, so that’s convenient for running and staying alert 🙂 I also use runkeeper so that my husband can use the live tracking feature, similar to the breadcrumbs idea you mentioned above.
ha ha on your headphones! That’s great that your hubby can check on you with that app too. #Runsafe 🙂
Great tips! I need to get better about carrying ID and a phone. A woman at work passed out on a run and was not found until hours later.
Oh wow that’s scary! Yes you need a road ID-you never know what could happen.#runsafe
great tips. it is so disconcerning hearing all these reports of attacks on the trails around here 🙁
I know it is really scary! I guess we just have to do what ever we can to stay safe. I still think running in groups is the best defense. No one wants to mess with a group of moms!
I never run in the dark alone. And even my regular alone is along well known run/bike paths with lots of people and I run with NO music.
Sad that the world has come to this 🙁
Sounds like you are doing everything right! stay safe out there 🙂
What a neat app (eCrumb), I will have to DL it.
It’s a great app and it is through the Road ID app hope you check it out!
Great tips. Another one–vary your route, especially if you run the same time every day!
I love running with a group! I always feel safest running that way. Running while facing traffic is a great tip. I can’t tell you how many runners I see running with traffic! I always think to myself that is not safe at all… you can’t see who is coming up behind you and it would be easier to get hit or kidnapped that way.
Absolutely you can’t expect cars to see you if you don’t see them. It’s our responsibility to stay as safe as we can and not rely on the cars to see us.
Awesome tips, Deborah! The phone one made me laugh – not only are phones great for running selfies, but also safety, too 🙂
Yes very true! Thanks for stopping by-stay safe out there!
All great tips!
thanks! I still think our group is our best defense! NO one wants to mess with our mamas 🙂
Great tips! I always carry my phone and I actually don’t listen to music with headphones at all- I can’t stand how earbuds feel! I also just bought reflective clothing since I will be running before the sun comes up but I think I should invest in some mace or pepper spray just in case I come across a creeper on my route!
I’ve thought about the spray but I think by the time I got it out to use it it would be too late. I don’t like running with headphones either anymore
Great tips! I also always let my boyfriend know my route and when I expect to be back at our apartment. I tell him if I’m not back within half an hour of that time, to start searching for me!
good idea! You can’t be too safe!
Great tips! I wish I could get a bit faster so that maybe I could find someone as slow as me to run with!!
Seriously don’t let that deter you from joining a group-our MRTT group has runners of all paces and even walk runners. Check it out you might be surprised. Thanks for stopping by!
I know that sometimes we let are guard down when we are in our “usual spot” but that is when we really need to pay attention. Trust your gut! #1 rule Sister! If it walks like a duck, smells like a duck then……….
I agree! I also think running in a group is the best bet
Facing traffic is a great tip. I have also learned to not assume an oncoming driver will use a directional to signal a turn – so I always give an car right of way when it comes to crossing the road.
That’s a good point too! Thanks for stopping by and stay safe out there!
People who run at night really really need to wear lights and reflective gear!!!! It scares the crap out of me when people pop out of no where!
I know it’s crazy! Thanks for the tip
All great suggestions. I’ve been extra safety conscious–both while running and driving– since I had that experience of finding the bicyclist in the road after a hit and run 2 weeks ago. He called to thank me last week–he’s recovering nicely. He did comment that his helmet saved his life. I still can’t believe people won’t wear helmets when they ride their bikes!
That’s so nice that he called you-you probably saved his life. I saw a guy darting in and out of cars on a busy road the other day while I was waiting to cross on my bike. Some people are just crazy out there!
Great tips! I know I’m always surprised at how little I can see in the early dawn. Even with some daylight I always get surprised by something on the road. The funniest one was when I kicked a cicada on accident and it went absolutely nuts! It’s so loud that it startled me and took a minute for me to figure out what it was! Thanks for linking up with us!
Ha that’s an interesting one!