I get it. Our run time is supposed to be our carefree time. But we can’t be so carefree that we risk our safety. So, why a refresher in safety tips for runners now? Because the other morning near where this photo was taken a woman was attacked while running.
It happened on a well-trafficked, open running path, in a neighborhood considered to be very safe. I run on this path daily–sometimes twice a day. (You can see my interview on the local NBC news station here). I used to run on this path in the early mornings with my babies in a stroller when they could not sleep.
Related: Runners need to watch out for this danger.
You just never know where some crazy person might be lurking. No place is without risk.
So, as a friendly reminder to mother runners…
Here are the top safety tips for runners you must remember:
- Run with your phone.
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Run confident.
- Don’t have your headphones on too loud.
Runner safety is important no matter where or when you run. - Run in well-trafficked and well-lit areas.
- Trust your gut and avoid suspicious people.
- Consider bringing pepper spray. This one is small enough to fit in running shorts’ pockets.
- Take a local self-defense class to perfect moves like the groin kick or heel palm strikes to the nose or throat. Check out easy moves to arm yourself here.
- Share your location on your smartphone with your loved ones.
- Always let people know where you are going and when.
- Run with others.
- Make eye contact. Say hello. Make sure people know you see them.
- Run with a headlamp when running in the dark. This can be used to blind attackers who come towards you.
- If someone suspicious approaches you, yell, scream, and make a scene.
- Consider running with your dog.
Mother runners run in part to be carefree for a moment. But the reality is, we just can’t be.
Related: Self-care tips for busy moms
Please comment here with other measures to keep us mother runners safe!
