I’m Leaving My Ninja Running Years Behind Me

Heather

13 years ago

November is National Running Safety Month.

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.

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.

It probably helped that I felt flat on my face a few months back while running and because I didn’t have my phone, I had to hobble the 6 miles back home, bleeding from my knees and face. That may have something to do with this decision…maybe.

3. I’m actually wearing a headlamp if I run in the dark. I own a zillion headlamps from all of my backpacking ~~and gear whoring~~, but I have rarely used them running. I run on open space trails instead of streets so traffic isn’t an issue. However, this is probably the stupidest decision I’ve made in recent memory, so I’ve ramped up my IQ points and am rocking the light on my forehead. Officially a cool kid.

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.

Also, for all of y’all that may be looking for some new running gear, check it out: Road Runner Sports is having a VIP Black Friday sale this Friday, November 9. GPS watches are 30% off and winter gear is 40% off. I’ll be there early so come chat about the last time you tripped over a curb and fell on your face while running. We can swap blood tales!

Or, maybe I’ll just tell you stories 🙂

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First and foremost, if you haven’t already, go vote! Did you vote early?

I do mail-in ballots because I used to be a homeless vagabond that moved every 6 days. I’m more settled now, but the mail-in is so easy!

What precautions do you take in order to stay safe while running?