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Running is a fantastic way to exercise that doesn’t require any special skill set. The following are some safety tips I’ve gathered from my own experience and from some of my running friends. I received Sabre safety products in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click through and make a purchase.
I picked up running in Middle School originally because that’s the sport my brothers were in. Eventually, I realized that I wasn’t going to be good at other sports. Running was something I could do by myself that a team wouldn’t need to rely on any athletic abilities. It’s also a good exercise as an adult since I don’t have any time to join a sports team. Something I’m guessing most of us Mom’s don’t have time for.
Unfortunately, I put off running too frequently because I didn’t feel like it would be safe. Part of it was just an excuse to not get up and move, but it was also a valid excuse. I don’t want it to be a valid excuse anymore. I went asking around to my avid running friends to see what they do to motivate and stay safe while running.
Safety Tips for Runners
Take Pepper Spray or a Personal Alarm. Thanks to Sabre I recently acquired some pepper spray and a personal alarm. Now when I go running alone I feel much safer. The pepper spray has a pretty comfortable strap that wraps around your hand and fits right into your natural runner’s fist. If you have to run alone, this is a great option that makes you not feel alone.
Run with friends/kids/dog. The best option for safety I would say is to run with a partner. Whether that be your best friend, husband, kids, or a pet. It also makes the run more enjoyable if you have someone to talk to. Don’t live near anyone you know that likes running? Find a group with either Road Runners Club of America or a local Meetup.
Run somewhere familiar. Never run alone in an area you are not familiar with. Stick to trails and roads you’ve been on. Knowing the area means you can get help if needed. You’ll also be aware of your surroundings. By being more aware of your surroundings you’re less likely to become a target.
Run in the Early Morning. I had to laugh out loud when I asked my brother in law, who said between 4 AM and 6 AM is a “magical and safe time of day, when all the criminals have finally gone to bed and the rest of society hasn’t woken up yet.” If you choose to run in the early morning I would make sure you still follow the other safety tips.
Run in a busy area. The more people around the less likely you’ll become a victim of an attack. Check what times of the day trails are the busiest and run during those same hours. This is also beneficial if you become injured.
Tell Someone where you are. Before heading out to run alone, make sure you let someone know where you are going, and about how long you plan to be gone. Running or not, this is just a good safety precaution before you go out anywhere alone.
Run on a Treadmill. Of course if you want to run, but just can not find the time or the peace of mind to run outdoors, you can always run inside on a treadmill.
My favourite of all is running on a treadmill. Otherwise, I would want to run with a dog…love the safety aspect!
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens recently posted…Meowgical Caticorn Cupcakes
I always stay safe when I am exercising! I always go with a friend! I LOVE all these tips because it is a great reminder that we need to stay aware!
Jeanette recently posted…Easy Summer Lunch Ideas
These are great tips. We live in a relatively safe area, but I still bring mace with me whenever I run. You never know!
I never go running without my mace and Tiger Lady. It’s a dangerous world out there. You have to stay safe!
Colleen Lanin recently posted…Summer with Coppertone and Get Cars 3 Movie Tickets
I am a firm believer in safety first myself! I totally think these products are perfect for walkers ad runners.
I love that you have pointed these tips out. Running can be great but if you are somewhere unfamiliar it can be dangerous. Buddy system works!
My Daughter has been running for about a year now. I will have to pick up some pepper spray for her.
Staying safe while out running is so important. Danger can come out of nowhere. Telling someone where you will be and when to expect you back is a good idea.
Stacie recently posted…Don’t Scratch Off Your Summer Adventures
Carrying pepper spray and a personal alarm is smart. I like that this one fits naturally in your fist.
Tara recently posted…Refreshing Peach Basil Cocktail
Great tips. A couple of tips that I would add is that you can use cayenne pepper in vinegar in a mini hairspray bottle (the travel kind sold in the travel section) if you don’t have mace/can’t carry it in your area. It has the exact same effect. Also, always wear reflective clothes that are bold and bright so that you are noticeable whether it’s day or night.
Sarah recently posted…Morning Coffee (6/27) Silver Foxes, Beach Personality, Flying Pigs, Multi-Screen Laptop + More
These safety tips are helpful! I’d definitely want to run somewhere I’m familiar with. Bringing a friend along is always a good idea.
I think it’s so important to be safe. I need to get myself some pepper spray. I know it could come in handy any time. You never know when you may need it.
Those are gteat tips. I choose to run from the comfort of my home in the A/C on my threadmill.
Oh wow I so need to get this. I go running all the time early in the morning and you never know who can be out there!
this is so important! I see so many women running by themselves and I worry about them!
Safety should be a #1 priority when running. You can never be too careful and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Sarah recently posted…Farmhouse Style DIY Vanity Mirrors Tutorial
I don’t run but can say even I just don’t like walking alone. I’ve contemplated pepper spray for many years.
This is excellent advice! But if you see me running, someone may be chasing me. I sadly am the worst runner!
These are really great tips. I always run with friends or with my dog. Sharing this with my friends.
I love that you mention the tip about telling someone where you are. This is something adults so often forget! It can make ALL the difference if you need help!
These sound like great products for runners and walkers! I never run in my neighborhood without my mace!