6 Tips to Stay Safe While Out Running

I’ve been running for a long time and I’ve seen some crazy stuff in all those years. I mean some real crazy stuff.

Some of it has been legal, others not so legal, but regardless of the legality of the actions, my point is this: there are some real wacky people in this world.

I’ve had coins thrown at me.

Been chased off roads.

Yelled at.

Liquids thrown at me.

Witnessed stop sign blow-throughs.

And of course the ever so clever comedian shouting, “Run, Forrest, Run”. Honestly, you name it and I’ve probably seen it or heard from other runners that experienced it.

Since we can’t control what other people do [and their stupid actions], we can really only focus on what we do and how we can stay safe when we are out running.

Let’s be honest: part of the appeal of distance running is that we get to run all over the place. Hills, trails, roads, sidewalks, parks…

So today, we’ll be looking at how we can stay safe while we do what we love.

---

Tip # 1 – Headphones

Headphones have extended a number of my runs where I haven’t quite felt like logging miles. Usually – probably around 95% of the time – I listen to podcasts though. In my defense to podcast-listening, I feel as if they are loud enough for me to hear, but not that loud that I can’t hear a car, bike, person or goose (yes, goose) coming up behind me.

That being said, listening to loud music can pump you up and make you work harder or longer, but you definitely can’t hear traffic. So whatever your listening pleasure, make sure to mind the volume. You want to be able to hear things [traffic, pedestrians, animals, etc] and loud music prevents that from happening.

Tip # 2 – Direction of Traffic

When I was running in college at Villanova, the roads were narrow with lots of twists and turns. We had to run right on the shoulder – sometimes even in the grit off the road to avoid being hit by a speedy oncoming car. While no one ever got hit [that I know of], it certainly makes for some heart-pounding runs. Running against traffic isn’t something you should think about doing – it’s absolutely necessary.

It’s one thing for a car not to see you, it’s another for you AND a car not to see each other. When cars are coming toward you, at least you can see them and make a quick decision about what to do. When cars are coming from behind you, you really don’t have a chance to react. It’s also the law to run this way.

Tip # 3 – Clothing

Wearing the right gear helps keep you cool and allows you to have a good run. Minimizing blisters and chafing is a good thing. That’s a fact. But being seen [especially at night] can literally keep you alive. Reflective gear (shoes included) is designed to reflect a car’s lights so you can be seen when you’d otherwise not be.

Dark clothes in the summer is not only going to make you hotter and more miserable, but running in the dark with darker clothes on is so, so dangerous. Be seen by wearing some kind of light colors or something with reflective material on it.

Tip # 4 – Be Known

When you’re heading out for a run, let someone know where you’re going. Even if you tell them the direction you’re most likely heading in helps them in case they need to come look for you. I usually tell my wife which neighborhood or general direction I’m heading in and roughly how long I’ll be gone.

Letting someone know where you’re going is crucial in the off chance something happens to you. Instead of shooting in the dark on where to look for you, they have a starting point for searching.

Tip # 5 – Vary your Route

Varying your route is so that you are no predictable in the crazy, off chance that someone is following you. If someone who has bad intentions knows that every Monday you run by yourself at the same time going the same direction… You get the idea.

• WordPress
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Link
• RSS Feed
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• TikTok

Tip # 6 – Run with Someone

People (idiots) with nothing better to do are less likely to do something if you’re not by yourself. There’s something to be said about strength of numbers and that’s the case with running. When in doubt, running with someone will not only make you a safer runner, but chances are you’ll be a faster runner too.

---

Need to remind someone of safe running practices? Share this post and tag your runner friend who needs to be reminded.

Tweet

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marc Pelerin | NJ Run Coach (@trainwithmarc_llc)

Recap

This isn’t a doom and gloom post, but one that is designed to help you make smarter decisions about how, where and when you decide to run. Having a plan and telling someone about it is a safe and smart decision to make.

We have to do our very best to take care of ourselves when we are out running. The tips above are simple. So simple! But they are there so that you are reminded to pay attention and take these small layers of precaution to keep you upright and safe. At the end of the day, that’s really what we want: to be healthy and to feel safe.

---

Did you find this article helpful? Let me know by leaving a comment below or join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

---

Thanks for reading until the end! Ready for more?

---

Want my weekly running newsletter?

• What a Week of Rest Should Look Like
  March 24, 2023
  Why I love, love, love my week off from running
• My Pre-Race Routine
  March 17, 2023
  What I do to make sure I'm ready to run my fastest
• Rev Up Your Speedy Engine 🏎️
  March 10, 2023
  The Benefits of Including Speed Work in Your Training Plan

---

Looking for running resources?

In need of some running templates? Check these out!

---

Find me on social media!

• WordPress
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Link
• RSS Feed
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• TikTok

---

Searching for a running coach? TrainwithMarc has flexible schedules, dynamic plans, and access to a coach who’s worked with every type of runner.

TrainwithMarc will design a training plan based on your needs, running history, and your goals.

Gear I Love