If you are like me, you run — often times alone — and think of all the disaster scenarios that you could possibly encounter on said run, plus how you would get out of them. Like, what if the dog that is chasing you isn’t friendly, how would you get away? Or what if a creepy guy jumped out from behind a giant electrical box and attacked you? Or what if you got hit by a car, and you were knocked unconscious and rushed to the hospital, and they didn’t know your identity or medical information!?
No? Just me?
WHEW! Cause if we all did, can you imagine how different our world would be? Thank goodness for all the sane people out there, who don’t let their fears get the best of them. But my family does love the saying, better to be safe than sorry.
So if you DO worry like me, here are some tips you may not have thought of, and if you DON’T worry like me WELL YOU BETTER START DOING ALL OF THESE THINGS. CAUSE OMG I want you to be safe!
In absolute seriousness, I genuinely hope none of you ever encounter any of those situations in real life.
- First of all, you should absolutely identify yourself. I do this by wearing a Road ID bracelet. They are so lightweight you can’t even tell you have it on, once you slip it over your hand. If you don’t want to spend the money, just stick your driver’s license in your running shorts mini-pocket or water bottle pocket – find a place.
- Secondly, you need to figure out a way to carry your phone with you. You don’t have to use it on your run, but bring it as a backup for emergencies. I always carry mine in my spibelt and again, don’t even notice it’s there.
- UPDATE: I’m going to add the wrist mace I just bought, based on many reader comments here and on social media! I needed a hands-free one and something I didn’t have to dig out of my pocket. I just ordered it, so I’ll let you know how it works once I’ve actually worn it.
- Consider using a technology tracker app on each run, for peace of mind. Lately, I’ve been using the iPhone app called Glympse. It allows you to share your location, in real time, with anyone of your choosing for a specified length of time. So for instance, just before I head out the door, I send an active link to my husband, telling him how many miles I’m doing and he can track my location as I’m running. It tracks in 1 mile segments as well, so it is better than the “Share my Location” feature on the iPhone.
- And of course, if you can, run with a friend! After so many years of running on trails and on the road, and experiencing various bizarre encounters, I would prefer running with a trusted friend. And lately, Mr. Zucchini Runner has been joining me on my long runs, by riding his bike next to me. (Yes, I’m aware I’m totally and utterly lucky.)
- If you are going to listen to music or an audio book, keep the volume down low enough that you can hear cars or people approaching. This is for your own safety, but also just good running etiquette. Wearing one earbud is a good choice too.
- The graphic below features runner safety apps for smartphones which are designed to keep you focused, informed, and connected to your surroundings. So much can be done on a smartphone, from pinging your location to monitoring your home security system. Ultimately it’s about finding what works for you.
Click the image to learn more about SimpliSafe and keeping your home secure, while away from home.
What about you? What are some of your safety measures when running?
This post was prompted by SimpliSafe. I was in no way compensated for this post.
Social tagging: glympse > roadid > runner apps > runner safety > simplisafe > spibelt
I carry mace in my pocket, since I pass a couple houses with dogs who sound as if they want to jump the fence to eat me for dinner. lol.
Good idea! Is it a small one?
Yes, fits in the pocket of my shorts.
I guess all my running shorts have tiny pockets that only hold a key, and they are up near the waist… that is one of the things that’s always prevented me from buying mace.
When I know I’m running in that area, I wear my old cycling shorts w/ zipper pockets. 😉 works perfectly.
Good thinking!
Ok! I just found and purchased a pepper spray that straps right onto your wrist! Thank you Amazon! haha
Nice 🙂
Great article!!! So many awesome tips!!! Just downloaded Glympse and I’ll have Evan do it too!!! Literally just the other day I was walking in my neighborhood by myself and encountered 2 BIG dogs. One I never saw before. He didn’t appear to be chained and he was barking – but he stayed put and actually I think it was more of a gentle/friendly barking, like he was saying “Hello” lol!!! The other dog I am familiar with and frankly he is very scary. His owner is an older gentleman. His dog always looks at you like he wants you for dinner like Marla said!!! He saw me and started to follow me, so I got scared but I decided to not make eye contact and to just keep walking away from him. There is no way the old man has the strength to control him so that always worries us. Luckily we’ve been ok so far! Does make me want to consider the pepper spray. Can you send me the link to the one you bought on Amazon? Thanks!
Hi Kristin! Thanks for reading and commenting. Let me know what you and Evan think of Glympse! It is SO scary to encounter dogs off lease or with an owner who doesn’t have good handling skills. After I got bit/nipped on my Achilles tendon about two years ago, I always keep my distance when passing owners with dogs. And really, I don’t make eye contact with the owner. The dogs pick up the energy from their owners, and that’s why they react many times! So if I don’t interact, the dog and owner just stay in their own zone and I can slide by unscathed. lol Anyway, here is the link to the mace I bought!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009GHFRMY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zucchinirunne-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B009GHFRMY&linkId=c95be1577ced0fb37ae33f6b30a77b56