Fit Five Friday – National Running Safety Month

November 19, 2021 by 27 Comments

This post was originally published on November 7, 2014, and updated on November 19, 2021, and contains affiliate links.

November is National Running Safety Month. While I’ve previously shared some running safety tips in the past, with the recent end of Daylight Saving Time, I thought some of these tips were worth re-visiting.

Fit Five Friday – Five Tips for Runner Safety

Light It Up — It may seem so obvious and yet I continue to see runners pre-dawn (and well after dusk) running with absolutely no lights or reflective gear on. The little reflective strip on your running shoes is not enough  – lighted or reflective vests, armbands, and the like are a must. I’m a big fan of my Noxgear vest. Carrying lights or wearing a headlamp also makes you visible, with the added bonus of lighting your path as you run.

Find a Buddy — There’s always safety in numbers. Find a running buddy or try running with your dog.

Tune In — As much as I enjoy running with music, I think it’s so much more important to be completely tuned in to your surroundings, especially when it’s dark. If “running naked” is not an option for you, then run with just one earbud in and keep the volume low, or wear try open-ear headphones, like AfterShokz.

Carry your Phone & ID — If you run alone, bring your phone. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s always better to have it. Also, be sure to have identification on hand. I never head out without my Road ID! In the event of an emergency, an ID could be your most important piece of gear.

Share Your Route — Always make sure someone knows your route, when you’re leaving and when you expect to be back. I have a handful of favorite routes and my husband knows them as well as I do. Also, consider using a tracking app like Garmin’s LiveTrack or Life 360.

**Bonus tip: Try to vary your route and time — I know this one can be hard, especially if you’ve got to get your run in before work or the kids get up, but be careful not to follow such a pattern of behavior that someone can pick up on your schedule.

 How do you stay safe on a run? What’s your best safety tip?

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Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, early morning runs, Friday Five, National Running Safety Month

It’s National Running Safety Month

November 11, 2013 by 16 Comments

safety firstDid you know that November is National Running Safety Month?

Given my recent too-close-for-comfort encounter with a runner at dusk just the other day (I was driving and she was in ninja black with no reflective gear!) – I feel inspired to share a few tips/reminders to stay safe while out for your next run!

Put some light on! — Thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time, many are now forced to log their miles in the dark. I could barely see the ninja runner because she had no reflective gear on. Reflective gear is critical! You could also consider wearing a headlamp or carrying a small flash light so you can be seen and, (just as important) so you can see what’s on the road in front of you, avoiding a potential fall.

Run against traffic — My other complaint about the ninja runner I encountered the other day was that she was running in the same direction as the traffic. As a runner you have to be on the defensive, and not being able to see an approaching car because it’s coming up behind you is a recipe for disaster.

Carry ID — I never head out without my Road ID! Whether you own a similar type of runner I.D. or choose to carry your license, in the event of an emergency, an ID could be your most important piece of gear.

Tell the when and where — If you are going to be running solo, let someone know your route and when you expect to be back.

Turn down the tunes — There’s no denying that running without headphones is the safest way to go. But, if you are like me and tunes are a must for your run, then please turn the tunes down and run with just one earbud in. Be aware of your surroundings!

What safety tip would you add?

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Filed Under: National Running Safety Month, no music