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Safety First |  |
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See the Index for more topics, information, hints and tips.
Safety should always be first in your mind. Pay attention to your surroundings and especially for anything suspicious. It only takes a second for something bad to happen.
If you are on a path that is shared with other runners and bikers stay to the right, watch out for bikes, don’t make any sudden turns, and always look first before you do anything different. Other people will expect you to keep doing what you are doing. If you suddenly slow down, speed up, or turn then you become a hazard and could cause injury to yourself or someone else. Always be aware of the others around you.
If you are on a road, stay on the left facing traffic. This allows you to see vehicles and take evasive action if necessary. Wear light colored clothes with reflective material; wear a blinking light somewhere on your back side. If it is dark carry a flashlight (70 lumens or brighter) or wear a headlamp. Always be looking and listening. If you have to listen to music, just wear one ear bud, but I would suggest not listening to music. Know what the dangers are and be aware of your situation and what you are going to do in case of an emergency.
Always assume that others don't see you. Drivers are so distracted these days with all the electronic gadgets; not to mention those driving with impaired senses. Also, they may be looking in your direction but be looking at something behind you or the lighting could be making it hard to see you. Be safe not sorry.
I always make it a point to wave to drivers. I'm trying to be friendly and acknowledge them sharing the road with me. Connecting with them with a simple friendly gesture makes them more aware of me and maybe more careful around runners they encounter in the future.
Find out from other local runners what other hazards you might encounter like dogs and wild animals.
For dogs, I don't have much experience (fortunately) and there are so many variables. First stay calm, stop running, and face the dog. Try to keep moving backwards and across the street away from the dog's house. Some dogs like to chase things that move, others are protecting their territory, and some just want to play. Don't yell or scream, but talk peacefully and cheerfully to it like "Good dog" and "Where's your ball?" Most dogs will behave favorably to this type of treatment. Just try to keep moving away from its house and hopefully it will lose interest in you. Pepper spray (see below) may be an option if you have a serious problem.
If you are running on trails, talk to locals who run it frequently, and please see Trail Running section for more information.
A whistle can be used to possibly scare off an animal, to signal that you need help, or to signal danger. In more populated areas it could be used to scare off someone who is up to no good.
If you run by yourself or in areas that are not too safe or you might encounter dogs or other animals, learn about Pepper Spray.
Consider running without any music, earbuds, or headphones. You can hear what is going on around you so you are more aware sooner if you need to respond to a situation. Others may try to alert you to danger and you'll hear others especially bikers coming up behind you.
Recently a runner was killed on a local running trail by a man with a machete. Media photos of the runner showed him running with headphones. He was an 8 minute per mile marathoner. I have no doubt that he would have been able to outrun his assailant if he had been aware of him.
If you are going to be in a location that has at least some cell phone coverage, there are a number of smart phone apps that allow family and friends to track your location. This is helpful in meeting up with others to start a run, finding each other if you get separated during a run, knowing when and/or where to meet up after a run or race, and tracking progress during a race. They may also be helpful to let others know that you are stopped and maybe in need of assistance (some apps provide for an emergency notification) or that you are taking a different path and may be arriving later.
If someone approaches you and is interested in stealing something from you, throw it in one direction and practice your speed work in the opposite direction. Since runners are much more fit than the general population, with any luck you should be able to outrun them. If they have a car, run in the opposite direction that the car is pointed.
