Journeywoman - Safety Tips For Women Joggers

Journey Woman

Safety Tips for Women Joggers

We asked JW Cheryl Anker-Agata, owner of Off 'N Jogging Tours in Los Angeles, for safety tips that would apply to women running in a foreign destination. Cheryl says...

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 journeys!

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