Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to tie up your running shoes and start preparing for the Blue Nose 5K. Being active outdoors has lots of health benefits, but it’s important to stay safe. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.

Choose a safe route

It’s common sense that running in the daylight is safer than in the dark, and that should be easier now that Daylight Savings Time has begun. If you can only run at night, make sure your route is one you know well, and that it is well-lit and away from wooded areas. If you’re running on the roadside and you have to share tarmac with motor vehicles, be sure to run against the traffic, so that you can see what’s coming. Finally, if you like to listen to music or podcasts while you run, keep the volume low enough that you can still hear what’s going on around you.

Be visible

This is a no-brainer if you’re out after dark, but it can’t hurt in the day, either. Brightly coloured or reflective clothes, reflective arm or ankle bands, and even a headlamp will make you more visible to motorists, people on bicycles and other pedestrians. It also might not be a bad idea to carry a noisemaker, something you can use to attract attention if you need to.

Let someone know where you go

Before you head out on your run, make sure someone you trust knows where you’re heading, your planned circuit and when you expect to be back. If you use running apps like Strava that share your running route online, vary your route regularly so that a stranger or someone you don’t trust can’t track you down.

Run With A Group

Plainly put, it’s safer to run as a group. But exercise is also a great social activity because agreeing to meet for a run puts social pressure on you to be there, which is a motivation many of us need, and  also because doing anything with friends usually makes it more fun.

be prepared

You never know what’s going to happen when you’re out for a run, but forewarned is forearmed. Check the weather before you leave the house so you know you’re wearing the right clothing. Make sure you’ve got your inhaler, if you use one. Finally, carry your phone and some cash so that you can call for help – or pay for a cab ride home if necessary.

Do you have a training question? Share it in the comment section below and we’ll answer it in a future post!

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