Ahhhh it’s Monday morning! I woke up today at 6am to do my skipping/circuit training workout. I am in glory this time of year because of daylight savings time – which means that a few days a week I can sleep in and run after work. One hour of extended daylight means one thing to this fitness freak – it means that I can run longer after work, and not have to worry about running down a darkened trail by myself in the dark.
I never used to be concerned with running safety until a few years back when I moved. I was suddenly in an unfamiliar neighborhood, with unfamiliar streets and people on those streets. I had never experienced the slightest hesitation going for a run in the dark in my old neighborhood, but suddenly I wasn’t so sure.
That’s why I’m offering the following running safety running tips – these should be considered by anyone running alone – women or men! We all know how great it is to get outdoors for a jog, but keep your safety first and foremost in mind:
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Try to solicit a running partner - especially if you like to run in the dark or at dusk.
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Always tell someone at home where you're running and when you'll be back.
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Carry your I. D. and a quarter for an emergency phone call.
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Carry a noisemaker with you – a whistle, a personal security alarm…etc.
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When running alone refrain from wearing earphones.
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Avoid lonely trails and unlit areas at night and dusk.
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Never run the same route.
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Always stay alert in your environment - which means don’t wear your iPod! Note who is around you, and stare people in the face as they come towards you.
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Run near public sites that are bustling with some type of activity. Stay away from parked cars, bushes and dark alleys – remember there is safety in numbers.
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Trust your intuition – if you feel uncomfortable get out of the area immediately.
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Always run towards oncoming traffic.
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If you experience jeers, verbal harassment, or if someone pulls over to ask you for directions – its best to ignore them and keep moving.
