Whether you are running alone or with a group you should take certain safety precautions when running outside. Not just to ward off a potential attacker, but also to get help should you get hurt or get sick. The following 8 tips are ones that I use on a regular basis.
Tip #1 Let someone know where you are running and when they can expect you back. Leave a note stating where you are going, what time you left and what time you can be expected back. If you live alone or traveling, consider checking in with a friend before and after via text.
Tip #2 If you are driving to a location to run, take of picture of your car. Be sure that it includes the license plate number and landmarks near where you are parked that can be used to identify where you started from. Text this to your friend or loved one along with a selfie that shows what you are wearing.
Tip #3 Take your cell phone with you. I know this can be a pain as big as they are, but there are a lot of great products that you can wear that will hold your phone. Should you take a fall, over heat, get stung or whatever, this is the easiest way to get help quickly.
Tip #4 Carry your ID and some money. Should someone come along and find you unconscious, they can quickly identify you. You might consider getting a Road ID as well. Its always good to carry cash or a debit card in case you run low on water, sports drink or need to get something to eat. I have made pit stops at convenience stores and grocery stores before and was thankful to have money on me.
Tip #5 Bring pepper spray. Would be attackers can also come in the form of aggressive dogs and this will give you the opportunity to get away from either type. I carry a pepper spray that clips onto my Spi belt.
Tip #6 Wear reflective gear and a headlamp if you are running in the dark. Personally I prefer a vest and clip blinky lights to it as well as wear a head lamp. I keep a spare vest and flashlight in my car in case I forget my headlamp. If I’m running with my dogs, they also wear reflective vests and I have a reflective leash. Once I was stopped by a neighbor who thanked me that my dogs and I were lit up like Christmas trees!
Tip #7 Change up your route and stay aware of your surroundings. It is so easy to zone out on a run or be hyper focused while doing speedwork. However, you never know who might be observing you and little things like this might decrease the risk of an attack.
Tip #8 Look people in the eye and speak to them when you pass them. Make a mental note of what they are wearing and what they look like. Be wary of stopping to speak to someone who is trying to get your attention.
Do you have any safety tips to share? If so please leave them in the comments below so we can all benefit and stay safe!
Hi Beverly! I too have dealt with issues that caused me to develop an auto-immune disease back in 2001. After moving to Arkansas 9 years ago I often found myself feeling really alone because I didn’t know anyone, but then made some local friends. Even after moving over to Little Rock, all of my friends were health coaches. I thank social media for helping me to have people to talk to (friends and family back in Michigan and here in Arkansas) That connection is invaluable. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized that if I am under stress I don’t even know it. I don’t really feel it physically. This dumbfounded me because my stress hormone was high, but I didn’t feel bad. Anxiety also acts similarly like fear towards me, but I do feel the butterflies of anxiety now. Working out on a regular basis has helped me to squash stress and anxiety. Plus now, cbd oil has been the biggest and most fantastic way I have been able to cope after being homebound and stuck on the couch since April with a severely sprained ankle. Even getting on a plane (which I hate to do) I had no anxiety at all. I feel super relaxed these days, and finally I am able to begin working out….not running at this time, but I can move and walk a few miles a day now. It has been so helpful to connect with other coaches like yourself and speak more about this. In not speaking about it more diseases can pop up unexpectedly and we never want this to happen. It is time to Heal. Love ya Beverly!!
Great points Heidi! Like you, I didn’t even know I was suffering from anxiety until I sought help sorting through all the craziness in my life. Hmm…CBD oil…who knew! I agree, we need to speak out more. I think too many people put up a front and suffer in silence!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so brave. If you ever want to compare notes on fear, anxiety, grief, not being able to get out of bed, coping with and without running as your crutch, reinventing yourself, truly finding your faith in Christ; my heart always has time and a place for you and your twin!!! ❤️ Conlin.cathy@gmail.com
Oh I bet you could Cathy! Thank you so much for sharing. I don’t think we talk about mental health enough. I am so proud of you for finding your faith and strength in the Lord. He is ever present, evening our worst storms!
Hi Beverly,
I so miss connecting with you all! I too have very much shared your journey. I’m on the other side of it now but am changing many things in my life wich as you know comes with its own grieving as we leave the old behind. It’s lovely to see you share your story as I know it helps many of us.
Would love to get together again.
Hugs,
Kelley
Kelley I miss you too! Thank you for your kind words and your support. We need to get the Soul Sisters together again!