How Runners Stay Alive – 5 Tips for Running Safety

 If you ever need a reason not to run outside, turn on an episode of SVU

Y’all, I love running and I cannot stand running on a treadmill. Unless I am specifically using the treadmill as a training tool for speed work, hills, or pace consistency, I wan’t nothing to do with it. They hurt my mind, I don’t extend my full stride, and I feel restricted. Treadmills are dreadful.

But, being a mom, running with a stroller is actually 100 times worse than running on a treadmill. So I choose my battles. Either run with a stroller during the day, or wait until Jonathan gets home. When Jonathan gets home I can run outside, or go to the gym and run on the treadmill. I usually choose the second. Why? Because I like to stay alive.

Don’t get me wrong, I live in a good area of town. I’m not actually afraid of ending up in a ditch (although I am afraid of the ant hills that live in that ditch), but I still consider the gym treadmill to be the safer option. I have only been running for about three years now, and am not overly confident about my abilities. At any given time I may find myself over exerting and walking, and before I know it I’ve lost track of time and its dark and a car is slowing down behind me. nah, I’ll pass.

When I do run outside, I practice safe running techniques to ensure I get home afterwards. It’s so important to make safety a priority in everything you do. There’s no excuse for putting your safety on the line, and while these tips won’t guarantee an accident won’t occur, they can definitely help prevent one.

5 Tips for Runners to Not End Up Dead (aka running safety)

1.  Don’t run in the dark. The most obvious tip, but also the easiest to forget. Many people can’t run during work hours, or live where the sun makes it hard to run during the day. But there are less people out at night (re: less witnesses), and easier for people to get away with the unspeakable. Be smart. If your run starts before sunrise, or plans to go past sunset, make sure you have lights (I use these on my shoes and wear this on my hat).
2. Run with a group. Not only is there safety in numbers, but it gives accountability for your return.  Running groups have far more benefits beyond safety, like support and pacing. So look for your community’s running group, or start your own.
3. Don’t blast your music. I’m as guilty as anyone for turning my music on full volume to power me through a run, but blocking out your hearing interferes with your senses. Not only will you be unable to hear cars, but also potential threats.
4.  Bring your phone. I used to hate bringing my phone, because it meant I needed to carry it in my hand. Thankfully there are shorts and leggings with pockets now, so I can set it and forget it. In case of an emergency, you can call for help or 911. And often times there is GPS tracking as well, which can help find your body (sorry, morbid) or last location.
5. Don’t be a hero. I’d like to think I’m pretty strong, and I’m not easily impacted by catcalls or verbal harassment. But it’s stupid to deliberately put yourself in a dangerous situation simply to prove that you’re brave or capable of doing so. If something feels risky, or someone looks shady, don’t be a hero. Turn around, go inside a store, or change directions. You have nothing to prove.

There’s obviously running safety tips on the technical side as well- staying hydrated, wearing proper footwear, practicing good form. But these tips are for being safe against the external factors. We need to run smarter, especially as women, to protect ourselves from the unfortunate risks that are out there. No, there’s not a predator hiding behind every dumpster. But don’t take the chance. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.