I don’t enjoy saying this about myself, but I tend to have an “it will never happen to me” complex about many things in life. I participate in a lot of adventure sports and adventure travel and frequently do things that my friends and family highly discourage. I’m not saying this is right or cool or bad ass; I’m simply being honest.
However, in light of all of the lunatics that have been running amok in Colorado, I’ve tried to at least be a bit safer in regards to my running. How have I improved on my self-security?
 |
| Reader Doug sent me this photo to demonstrate how much he rocks National Running Safety Month. I thought it was so awesome!! |
1. I’m running with my beast-on-four-legs. You may know her as Tally, but these days, I prefer to call her Beast because she has been so misbehaved! I had kinda quit running with her because she yanks my arm and chases every furry critter in sight, but I decided that I’m willing to tolerate her shenanigans in order to stay safe on my outdoor runs.
.JPG) |
| She is only this innocent while sleeping. We all know the truth! |
2. I’m running with my cell phone. For some, this may be a given but I hate running with it! First of all, I refuse to run with both a phone and an iPod, so if I bring my phone, it is automatically my default for music. This unfortunately means I need to leave it turned on and ringing and beeping while I run. Ugh. I dislike answering my phone on a good day, but I really abhor it while running. However, I’m willing to deal with it in the name of safety.
.JPG) |
| iPhone photo. Sorry y’all. One day I’ll upgrade a phone with a flash! While I’m at it, I’ll lay off photos in clothing stores. Awkward. |
22 Comments
Great tips!! It is easy to take winter training for granted. I tend to scrap the MP3 player and try to re-route my runs around streets with less traffic.
Head lamp in a panty section with a picture of a baby in the background……WEIRD!!!
That guy’s running attire is awesome!! It soooo reminds me of things I liked in junior high.
Glad you’re being more safe. I run in packs or with my hot pink zapper.
Hey great tips. Oh and you can put your phone on airplane mode and still listen to music. No interruptions and you can still dial 911 if needed quickly;)
I usually listen to Pandora which requires the WiFi, but you’re right– I should just make a playlist so I can flick the airplane mode on. That was solve a lot of the problems 🙂
For me, safety while cycling is more important, as I run on trails or sidewalks. I can’t believe it myself, but I rode my bike for years in the dark with no light! Now I use lights even during daylight.
Ugh, cycling safety is a whole different issue! I agree– I am more concerned with cycling safety just because traffic is becoming a HUGE issue. I’m always concerned I’ll get clocked by a car while on my roadie.
These are great tips!! When I run in the dark I absolutely wear my headlamp and make sure that I am running with at least one other person. Since I live in a resort town even early morning running can get hairy since most people live here for just the summer leaving a lot of empty houses. I started running with my phone because of that…just in case!!
I’m in line to vote right now! I always run with my phone. Allan asked me to carry it for safety when I started running last year and I like having it so I can update him on where I am if I’m running late.
I imagine that I will have to do the same type of thing once I live with someone again. I never even think about stuff like that since I live alone!
I not only run with my phone, but I downloaded the Endomondo app, so that if I don’t show up back at home, my boyfriend can get on and find my last known location. It gives him a lot of peace of mind about me running alone.
You should put your phone on “airplane mode”.
I don’t run at night, and I try to run on busy streets (with sidewalks)
I love Dougs outfit! what a great way to stay safe! I had no idea that November was running safety month… seems like a good month to have it though! (:
Isn’t it sweet?! His photo was literally what inspired this post!
Wow doug is decked out..I dont know if i would go that far but he is taking it seriously!…I am glad to hear you are striving towards safe running, it can be dangerous out there. I know I dont take the precautions i should sometime, this is a great reminder
I LOVE DOUG….I want one 😉 lol
and not running with music is something I do when I’m in the dark. I also carry my phone, wear road ID on the trails and take rex if it’s dark. Be safe….I love you too much xo
RIGHT?! Doug makes me feel like I am lacking in the neon department!
A Road ID is a good call. I don’t have one of those either, and I should probably get one. Wouldn’t want to make you sad if I disappeared! 😉
I always vote!
Doug kills me.
Good job at improving the safety quotient. I think I have a little of that ninja complacency in me, I will admit. Never carry a phone and I know I never will. Many times, I head out the door w/ no one knowing when/where I am going. Stupid, I know. I’ll try to be inspired by you and do better!
Words of wisdom. I often just head out with no ID or phone. I do wear reflective gear so that is good I guess. I also try and leave a note with time and route for the hubs in case I don’t come back. But you have inspired me to do more:)
LOL, Doug sent me that photo too. Love it! I am now running with my phone. I don’t mind it, just wish it wasn’t so bulky. I want to invest in a decent reflective vest soon.
Sending this to my marathoner sister STAT.
Love that photo of Doug! I think safety precautions are sometimes things we all take for granted when were out and about on our adventures. I did a trail safety post a few weeks ago, and, as I was writing it, I was kind of amazed at the little tips that I often take for granted!
I run with my headlamp when it’s dark and make sure to have protective clothing. I’ve also considered/been told to by friends and parents getting runners mace. I haven’t yet, but I probably should. If I ever brought my phone on a run, I would no doubt fall down in such a way that my phone would get hopelessly crushed and be rendered useless. Then, not only would I have to walk home all bloodied up, but also to the nearest Verizon store.
At least, that’s what I tell myself.