Staying Safe

This season can't last forever right?

At least it is March!

Yesterday, I bit the bullet and enjoyed a 3 mile run outside. It was quite the workout, running in the snow and dodging ice, but the winds were miniumn which made it a good run. The short route that I usually run didn't have much traffic. When I headed for home, I have a small stretch on a busy road and you never now what you are running against. I was dressed in bright colors sure to being seen. Not all cars slow down or get over for you, so that's where you, as the runner need to be alert. I had two cars pass each other and the car on my side did not slow down, so it was my responsibility to hit the ditch and that's where I went into about a foot of snow. I really wish all people would share the road with us but, not all do.

Here are a list of tips for runner safety provided by the Road Runners Club of America. While several of these are intended to keep runners safe from assaults, even some of those apply for keeping you safe from vehicles.

• DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during evening or early morning runs.
• Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.
• Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.
• Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.
• Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
• Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of public phonesalong your regular route.
• Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you’re unsure. If something tells you a situation is not "right", it isn’t.
• Alter or vary your running route pattern; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local RRCA club or running store. Know where open businesses or stores are located in case of emergency.
• Run with a partner. Run with a dog.
• Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.
• Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.
• Ignore verbal harassment and do not verbally harass others. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark. Avoid running on the street when it is dark.
• Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.
• Carry a noisemaker. Get training in self-defense.
• When using multi-use trails, follow the rules of the road. If you alter your direction, look over your should before crossing the trail to avoid a potential collision with an oncoming cyclist or passing runner.
• CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately.

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The weather is going to get nice soon. There are a lot of people getting out to "get fit and healthy" and training for races, I'm one of those..... 
So....

1) Pay attention when you are driving

2) Don't text and drive

3) Don't drink or be under the influence behind the wheel

4) Watch for runners and cyclists

  Lets all stay safe out there, as the race and training season has started!