Running can be a relatively safe activity but God forbid there comes a day in which you find yourself in a life threatening situation. I am not referring to training in extreme elements or terrain. The danger I speak of today is violent crime. If you pay attention to local or national news you will inevitably come across tragic stories of female runners who never returned home from their workouts because they were torn from this world far too early by the actions of some vile degenerate. Specific instances and graphic details are not needed here. Rather, I would prefer to point out ways to reduce your chances of becoming a target in the first place. It’s true that women must be far more cautious than men, but that does not mean you should let your guard down guys. Even someone like me is very alert and aware at all times because being inattentive to my surroundings at the wrong moment can spell disaster. While most of this article is directed toward women, today’s world can be profoundly dangerous for either gender.
All of us run in different environments, but it makes no difference when it comes to practicing safety. Some are trail runners while others prefer the pavement in our suburban Shangri-La. Still others are city dwellers and must endure even more safety challenges. That is why I have created a 10 point list of safety tips for runners.
- Let someone know where you are going before you leave. If this is not an option, write down where you will be running and the expected time of your return before you depart. And don’t forget to bring I.D.
- If you are running alone, do not stop to give directions to ANYONE. Just because someone appears to be harmless doesn’t mean that they are. Ted Bundy is a perfect example of appearances being deceiving.
- Whenever possible, run with friends or in a group. It is true that there is safety in numbers and an attacker prefers a lone target. That is why you should NEVER make a split decision to venture off from your companions for ANY reason.
- Always run where other people are present. Picking the right time of day in a small business district can be ideal. Avoid unpopular areas,
unlit routes, deserted trails and streets if you are running solo. - Don’t run with jewelry! This means earrings, necklaces, rings, watches or bracelets. Let’s face it, you don’t need these trinkets while running. It may only serve to tempt a potential attacker and all the jewelry in the world isn’t going to make anyone look good after a hard five miles anyway.
- This tip is “safety 101″ for runners. Always run against traffic. You should all be doing this already because it’s the law many states, but most importantly it will allow you to observe all vehicles as they approach.
- Try not to establish a routine. Switch your route and time of day that you run so no potential predator can anticipate your schedule.
- Always be hyper sensitive of your surroundings and anyone that may look suspicious. Your instincts are usually correct and you need to trust them. Many of us also run with music which can dull our senses. Make sure the volume is substantially reduced or run wearing just one earphone.
- I know most runners are friendly people and women more than men need to resist the urge to make eye contact or acknowledge strangers. A polite “hello” to the wrong person in the wrong place can give a green light to a potential attacker. Ignore any shouts or obnoxious comments directed at you along your route.
- Defense methods. In the event that you have taken all necessary precautions and still find yourself in a perilous situation, you will need some form of defense. I recommend running with a key chain sized canister of pepper spray or a tiny air horn. These are items that can easily be procured at your local outdoor or camping supply store. If you cannot obtain either, a sturdy single key held strategically,
can do serious damage to the eyes or throat of an attacker. Running with a dog can also be a strong deterrent to an opportunistic thug. The last thing they want is to end up as Spike’s chew toy. But please make sure that your “best friend” is capable of defending you before attempting this. Attend training classes with your dog and please don’t bring Tiffany the toy poodle out for a light jog and expect her to save the day. NEVER, under any circumstances, should you bring a knife or small gun while running. These are two items an attacker would be thrilled to take from you and use in his favor.
I trust I have succeeded in making you think about methods to be safer on the roads and trails. This is the most important issue I have ever addressed in this forum and I hope you found these tips helpful. But keep in mind that most dangerous situations can be avoided by using good old common sense. If someone or something looks dangerous, steer clear and take no chances. We all live hectic lives and some of these concepts are not always possible to apply. That’s alright. Employ as many as possible to increase your safety level and please feel free to add any tips I may have missed in the comment section below.
Run for fun, race to place, and above all please be safe.
Over the past few years I have heard many superstitions, crazy fueling concoctions and snake oil cures regarding running. We can discuss the merits of powerless potions, such as coconut water or pickle juice, another day. Today the “supplement” or “pre-race fuel” I speak of may sound like it falls into one of those categories but, fear not. Your cocky correspondent has done his research and this little root could be the real deal.
Did I mention that beets are also high in vitamins B1, B2, B6, C and A? My only concern is that if beets are high in potassium AND nitrates, one could throw in a certain organosulfide and receive a visit from homeland security. (The one chemist reading this just chuckled)
I am going to do something I don’t normally do. Take you through my race day last Saturday and then make a very important point to conclude my story. So here goes………
degrees but by the lake it had moderated to a cool 75 and sunny. If you are not familiar with the Color Run 5k, it is a “race” that is more of a fun run. You must wear a white shirt and be prepared to be covered in a different colored powder at every kilometer. While this was not a competitive event, my girlfriend and I made our way to the front and I agreed to pace her. She is doing spectacular this year and wanted a good finish time, even if it was for her own satisfaction. This run was one of the best experiences I have ever had. By the time we finished, she had shattered her PR unofficially and we were both covered in yellow, green, pink and purple. We eventually made our way to the beer tent and the party while waiting for the band to start. Colored powder was everywhere and there was no way to disrupt this good time. Or was there? I waited patiently in line behind some young girls to buy as many beers as I could carry. It is Wisconsin after all. Two “men” with clipboards walked up and started to pressure the girls in front of me to sign up to help with the highly controversial gubernatorial election. Sorry guys, your talking points don’t fly here. I quickly intervened and the debate became somewhat heated. It was not too long before I made them look like the intellectually lazy lemmings that they were and they squirmed
off to find other victims. Finally, beers in hand, I made my way back to the party just as the band was starting. Their name did not inspire confidence in their ability to provide enjoyable entertainment. “Hairball” took the stage and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. They put on one of the most fun and energetic shows I have ever attended. They covered KISS, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Twisted Sister, Prince, Queen and many more, all in full costume of each lead singer. What’s more, they actually sounded like the bands they were covering. We stayed until the end and headed home elated but a little sad that the day had come to a close.
yourself beyond all mental boundaries. Don’t surrender to weakness, be determined and keep fighting. At the same time, don’t become so serious and torture yourself so badly that all the love is torn from something you have always felt so passionate about. Once in a while it’s therapeutic to run through the streets looking like a disheveled clown and then sit through a surprisingly talented, yet cheesy band on a warm spring evening instead of treating every race as if it were an Olympic qualifier. Run for fun and race to place everyone!
Everyone is looking for an edge these days to get that boost in performance during a race or practice run. There are so many drinks, pills, shakes and powders it can be a very expensive process of trial and error. Today I would like to examine some of the supplements that I have used and work well for me. For disclosure purposes I must inform you that NOBODY paid or gave me anything to mention these products and once again, I am NOT a doctor.
for energy production in the cells. This carbohydrate is what provides the energy needed for short bursts of power during physical activity. Four tablespoons before exercise is the recommended dose and I like to mix it with water because, while it is sweet to the taste, it is also difficult to swallow in powder form. This powerful particle helps strengthen all muscles, enhances athletic performance, aids in recovery and leads to overall increased energy levels.
half way through a 50k last year I ran across another runner and we started to talk. Long story short, he ended up giving me a few of these and I quickly took them at the next water station. I thought living a healthy lifestyle did not involve taking unknown drugs from a stranger off the street, but I guess not. It’s hard to tell if they had any real effect after one use but I did not suffer from cramps or dehydration and would be open to trying them again.
Ubiquinol COQ10 is a good supplement for everyday use and the health benefits are numerous. It helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, promotes good oral health, renal health, fatigue reduction and reduces migraine headaches. Those are just a few of the positive effects of Ubiquinol. COQ10 is produced naturally in the body and most of us are severely lacking. That is why I take 2000mg daily and benefit greatly from the positive qualities.
