9 tips for runners on staying safe

The world is divided into runners and non-runners. The second group includes those who have not yet decided to run, although of course many are prevented from doing so by health issues. But if you belong to the first group, you are probably aware that certain rules must be followed when running. It is advisable to follow them if you want your run to be safe and not become a nightmare for you.

A man warming up before a run

1. Use hi-viz clothing

Although in the Rigad magazine we usually observe the rule "to see and not be seen" and consider the combination of camouflage and a reflective vest to be somewhat paradoxical when hunting, for example, it works a little differently when running. Especially in the winter afternoon gloom, visibility is essential.

This is especially true for those runners who take to city streets and places where cars and/or cyclists are present. Getting hit by a bike can be just as deadly as getting hit b a car. Therefore, in this regard, be careful even on the cycling path. If you have running clothes that do not have many reflective elements, put on at least a highly reflective strip on the sleeve of the hand facing the road.

If you know it will get dark during your run, take a headlamp with you. A headlamp is handy not only so that others can see you, but also so that you can see the road and thus avoid further unnecessary injuries. A headlamp is more suitable for running, as well as any other sport, than a hand-held flashlight, because it frees up your hands, which can then be fully used for the sport.

2. Plan your route

Maybe you've been running for quite a while and you always use the same route. But if you like to change the scenery every now and then, it is advisable to plan your route in advance. This will prevent surprises like dead ends or unlit suburban woods. By the way, if you are not running somewhere in the countryside or in the nature, but in built-up areas, always choose the better routes that are lit and on which other people are moving.

3. Tell somebody where you are going

This is especially true if you go jogging early in the morning or late at night, when there are not too many people even in busy places. If you don't come back, at least your contact person will know where to look for you. It may not be due to a serious trouble as being hit by a car or attacked by an attacker. All it takes is a sprained ankle combined with a broken cell phone and you have no way to report. The absolute best thing is if you manage to convince someone to go jogging with you. It's always better in a pair.

4. Have your phone charged

Obviously, the next safety tip is somewhat related to the previous one. If something unexpected happens on the way, then with a dead phone you will have no way to get in touch with your relatives anyway. If you have a charged phone, you can also try multitasking on the run – doing sports and listening to your favorite music or spoken word at the same time. However, you should have your phone charged at least to the extent that it will keep working even with the music on until you get back home.

5. Don't go too loud

Plenty of today's earmuffs have one advantage, which is also a disadvantage. We are talking about active noise reduction. This function is practical because it simply eliminates unwanted sounds from the surroundings when listening to music or making calls with the help of headphones. But at the same time, this means that you will not hear what is happening behind and around you while running. And if you stop paying attention, then you won't know what's happening in front of you either.

After all, tragic stories of pedestrians and runners wearing headphones, hit by a train or car, are unfortunately quite common. Therefore, it is better to tunr off the active noise suppression when running in your own interest. Also, don't overdo it with the volume up. If you listen to music turned down or with only one earpiece in, it will degrade your listening experience somewhat, but on the other hand, you will be safer.

6. Run on the left

Always run on the left when running in places where there is no sidewalk or cyclist path by the road for motor vehicles. Not only will you observe the law, but at the same time you won't be surprised by a car driving too closely around the edge of the road in an unexpected moment. Otherwise, the false sense of security won't pull you too far from the road. Running against the traffic will help you to see better as well as to be seen.

7. Have a pepper spray on you

A pepper spray is a piece of equipment that you should not miss out on while running. This doesn't just apply to women or situations where you go jogging through a really dangerous neighborhood. Such a spray may not only be useful against potential human attackers, but also against wild animals and, in our conditions, particularly aggressive dogs. They don't even have to wander the countryside without a master. All you have to do is run along a forest path against a dog without a leash, whose owner will be moving a few tens of meters behind him. In addition, if this dog does not like people, it is very likely that it will not like runners either.

Most pepper sprays use capsaicin, which is naturally found in hot peppers, as an active ingredient. It is a substance that, with normal use, should not cause permanent damage to a human or animal attacker, but at a given moment it can prevent him from carrying on with the attack.

8. Carry a knife

Knife

When running, make sure you also have a good knife on you. Ideally a pocket folder that does not take up too much space, but at the same time can serve as a sufficient means of defense. After all, taking a knife with you on every trip away from home is generally a good idea.

9. Hydrate

When running – as with any sport – proper hydration is essential. Especially if you are going to run more than a few kilometers, it is advisable to always have plenty of water with you. And so that your water bottle doesn't get in the way of your run, we recommend getting a hydration bladder. You can combine it either with a running vest or a hydration pack. Such a solution usually has a narrow profile and is ergonomic enough to have a very low impact on your running. In addition, you do not need to remove the hydration pack when drinking. All you need is a hydration tube with a bite valve.