Be
aware of your surroundings. If you must run in
the early morning hours, or evening, be sure you are running
in well lit areas.
Be
careful of the terrain. You don't know these
routes. There are always a lot of pot holes and cracks in
the streets and sidewalks that can cause major injury.
Always
carry some form of identification in a wrist pocket.
Another option is to write your name and phone number on
your shoes. Just be sure that there will be someone at the
other end to receive your call if you need assistance. If
travelling alone and staying at a hotel, carry a card with
the hotel phone number and address. If allergic to medication,
it is very important to carry that information too. Note:
It is a good idea to carry a few dollars for emergency calls,
taxis, or even a much needed bottle of water.
Wear
light clothing or a reflective vest if running
in the early evening. Too much to pack? Then try to at least
bring along reflective wrist or ankle strips.
Dress
appropriately to protect your safety Respect
the cultural norms of the society that you are in. In countries
where women dress in loose clothing that covers them completely,
avoid form fitting jogging clothing. Make very sure that
it is safe for you to jog outdoors. In some countries, women
have been slapped or hit because local men have found their
dress and/or behaviour offensive.
Vary
the routes so the running routine will not become
obvious to others.
Run
against the traffic.
Do
not wear head sets when running alone on the
street. It is very difficult to hear cars and sirens (or
someone running behind you) when you are preoccupied with
music.
Run
across the street at crosswalks and always pay
attention to traffic lights. Drivers have a bad habit of
not looking for pedestrians. Be sure to make eye contact
before crossing in front of a car. Take note, too, of where
the flow of traffic is coming
from. For example, in England, cars have a funny way of
sneaking up on you.
If staying in an unfamiliar area,
try to find a running partner. Staying at a B&B?
The owners, their neighbours or one of their children might
be a runner. They'll probably enjoy sharing their running
time and route with a new partner.
If staying at a hotel, ask the
concierge for nearby, safe running routes, or
possibly a school track. Check with sports shops and local
running clubs for interesting route information. Or, ask
at the local women's bookstore. Someone always knows another
woman who jogs. The next thing you know, you've made a new
friend.
Safe jogging, everybody!
If you have any other safety tips about jogging
please add them here.
This way we can all benefit from your experiences.
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