{"id":90,"date":"2014-12-05T23:34:41","date_gmt":"2014-12-05T18:04:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jodi365.com\/singledout\/?p=90"},"modified":"2020-10-19T17:37:52","modified_gmt":"2020-10-19T12:07:52","slug":"10-tips-on-staying-safe-while-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jodi365.com\/singledout\/10-tips-on-staying-safe-while-running\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips on Staying Safe While Running"},"content":{"rendered":"

I may be an occasional runner, but I have been a runner long enough to have some useful tips to share on staying safe while running.<\/p>\n

Here they are. \u00a0(Scroll to the bottom for the 3-min video version.)<\/div>\n
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1. Keep your next run in mind<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Just as the primary goal for a first date is to get to a second date (i<\/a>f you pre-filter well<\/a>), the primary goal for any run should be to get you back on the road for the next run.<\/div>\n
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2. Keep loved ones informed<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
You might think that you like to lose yourself on a run. \u00a0But, please, you could literally get lost and just make it harder for someone to find you.\u00a0 \u00a0So, let a friend or family member know of your planned route before you set out and how long you\u2019ll be gone. \u00a0Leave them a note or, better still, a text message.<\/div>\n
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3. Carry a charged cell phone with a safety app<\/h2>\n

(h\/t Preeti Aghalayam<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Get some practice using the safety app, so that you can instantly alert someone and call for help in the event of danger. \u00a0Here\u2019s a review of 15 suitable apps.<\/a><\/div>\n
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Make sure your phone is sufficiently charged before you set out, because a dead phone is merely deadweight.<\/div>\n
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4. Carry your ID and spare cash<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Carry your ID and sufficient cash, for an unplanned but necessary meal\/drink or a cab ride home.<\/div>\n
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If you don\u2019t have a pocket in your running shorts or tights, you can get a phone+keys+cash pouch that either clips to your shorts or wraps around your arm.<\/div>\n
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5. Be aware of your surroundings<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
It can be hard to do that if you are plugged into music. \u00a0So, do yourself a favor and ditch the earphones.<\/div>\n
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6. Wear bright, reflective clothing<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
This way, you can be spotted more easily by motorists. \u00a0If you don\u2019t have shoes or clothes that have reflective strips on them, you can get a breathable, reflective running vest and reflective ankle straps.<\/div>\n
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7. Run facing oncoming traffic<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
You will be able to see who is approaching you and will be in a better position to step out of harm\u2019s way as necessary. \u00a0(If you were running in the same direction as traffic, you\u2019d have to look over your shoulder constantly.)<\/div>\n
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Remember that, on the road, you are a fast-moving pedestrian, not a jogger. \u00a0Slow down at intersections and watch out for motorists who may not have noticed you.<\/div>\n
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If running with someone else, don\u2019t run side-by-side and hog the road. \u00a0Conversations can also distract you. \u00a0Run in a single file and save conversations for later.<\/div>\n
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8. Pick undeserted, well-lit routes and vary them<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Avoid deserted streets and lanes on your run. \u00a0If you are not running in daylight, pick streets that are well lit.<\/div>\n
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Keep varying your route. \u00a0Don\u2019t pick the same predictable route every day. \u00a0Don\u2019t become predictable to a potential predator or even mischief-maker.<\/div>\n
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9. Plan on being able to jog back home<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Plan each run wisely: Make sure that you\u2019ll have enough gas left in the tank to jog back home.<\/div>\n
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If you plan to run 4 miles, for instance, head out 2 miles and save 2 miles for the jog back home. \u00a0Don\u2019t head out 4 miles and then realize that you have run out of energy.<\/div>\n
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10. Listen to your gut. \u00a0Be bold. \u00a0Stay safe.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
If you sense danger, avoid it at all costs. \u00a0Don\u2019t be timid, don\u2019t be afraid to throw your voice, and don\u2019t be afraid to risk embarrassment, social disapproval, or even minor injury to stay safe. \u00a0Don\u2019t be like Daniel Craig\u2019s character towards the end of \u201cThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo<\/a>.\u201d \u00a0That means, if someone offers you a ride, drink, or shelter and you don\u2019t feel comfortable, don\u2019t hesitate to say, \u201cNo, thanks.\u201d<\/div>\n
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