I hate to say it, but I’ve been in TWO running incidents that changed my perspective on runner safety. Both happened in areas I had become familiar with and when I was alone. You can listen to those on an old Knight Fit Podcast episode (episode 63) HERE. Remember, it is NEVER your fault if something occurs, but there are things we CAN do to stay better prepared.
Since then, I’ve become quite educated on runner safety and here’re my TOP TIPS to stay safe out on the trails:
-Have a runner safety device (more on that below): pepper spray, Go Guarded device, alarm, etc. Being equipped is necessary.
-Run in a familiar area and know your route well! Being unaware of where you are can make it harder to know 1) is it even safe where you are 2) how you could escape and where you would go and 3) who might be around you.
-Run during the day and when it’s light out. I get it, it’s not always easy in the early mornings or evenings to run with daylight, but running in the dark just ups your chances of incidents. If you need to run in the dark…
-Wear a lighted vest and headlamp as needed! A lighted vest is a great way to stay visible to cars but to also see more of your surroundings and be aware of who and what is around you.
-Share your location with someone nearby or a loved one. This allows others to be aware of where you are and to check-in as needed.
-Share your plan and running intentions with someone nearby or a loved one (e.g. “I’m going out on a 30-40 minute run!) so that they can check-in if you don’t arrive home as expected.
-Keep your phone HANDY and ready to use. Running without your phone isn’t recommended as dialing 911 is an easy way to help yourself.
-Stay vigilant and aware of what’s going on around you. If you get overly distracted (some zoning out is OKAY!) it can be easy to miss important safety cues or sketchy things.
-Wear open-ear headphones like Shokz. They are my personal go-to brand as I can hear everything around me and still listen to music.
-If able, take a self-defense class and become educated on how to defend yourself if the situation presents itself.
What type of safety device?
I personally am a Go Guarded ambassador and long-time fan. Go Guarded devices come in a variety of models and are easy to use! Whether it’s the Go Guarded ring (as pictured), hand-held, pepper spray, stun device, alarm, etc. their options are reliable and sturdy! Having one on you is such a wise decision. Save 10% code “knight” HERE.
