Running is a great form of exercise but with the number of hazards on the roads, it can also be dangerous if you happen to run in a busy area. There are so many mistakes that we make on a regular basis that could result in injury or worse if we aren’t more careful. You need to be safer when you hit the roads, but how do you know what to look out for? Here are some of the more common mistakes you could be making when you go running.
Map Your Route in Advance
You may know the route you take like the back of your hand, but do your nearest and dearest know where you go? In other words, if anything happened to you, would they know where to begin looking for you? There are online fitness map devices which can help you mpa out your route in advance and leave a copy with your partner or a friend so that someone knows where you are – this is especially the case if you run in the evenings. And if you don’t have time to map out your entire route beforehand, it’s a wise decision to tell someone briefly where you intend to be, even if it’s a note or a text message with the details in. That way, if you’re longer than planned, they have a starting point.
Bring a Cell Phone
It’s a rare occurrence these days that people will leave the house without a mobile phone, but when you’re running it may just seem like another thing you have to hang onto while you’re on your route. It’s a wise choice to take it with you though, so that you have a way of contacting a friend or family member if something goes wrong, or if you need to contact the emergency services for any reason. This is especially the case if you’re in a rural setting.
Carry Identification
You should always carry some form of ID, whether it’s a drivers license or a Road ID bracelet. This is so you can be identified if you’re injured or rendered unconscious. Your ID needs to include your name, emergency contact details and any other important information someone helping you should know, such as drug allergies or medical conditions.
Run Against the Flow of Traffic
Facing traffic can help you see when cars are coming, so you can get out of the way if they’ve not seen you. People aren’t always keeping an eye on the road, and in the even that they’re talking on the phone or trying to change the radio station, you need to be able to see what’s coming at you to avoid an injury. (When you’re cycling though, the rule is the opposite – you need to go with the flow of traffic, not against it.)
Wear Reflective Gear
You need to be easily visible to people driving or cycling in your chosen route, so it’s important that you wear reflective gear – whether that’s a hat, jacket, shirt or button. This is especially the case at dusk and dawn, as well as during the night. This allows for better safety – at the very least, you should avoid wearing dark coloured clothes, such as black or blue, as these cause you to blend in and could mean you aren’t seen by people. The brighter you are, the safer you’ll be on the roads.