April 3, 2019
I hear at at least once a season from one of the non-runners in my family…
“You need to tell those runners to…
Fill in the blank. Whatever safety violation they are demonstrating. And while I don’t feel that I am responsible for the actions of all the runners in Old Saybrook CT, I do admit that most people just don’t know the Rules! And as a Coach it is my place to educate. So as we abandon our treadmills and trainers for the next few months, here are my TOP SAFETY TIPS!
1. ALWAYS RUN FACING TRAFFIC. I certainly want to see the car headed in my direction so I can hop onto the grass if necessary. I DO NOT want to be surprised from behind!
2. BE VISIBLE ON THE RUN. The are a lot of great products from reflective gear to lights. Pay a visit to your Local Running Store. Their employees are almost always experienced runners themselves and can be a wealth of knowledge. If running early in the morning or at dusk, make sure you can be seen!
3. CYCLIST RIDE WITH TRAFFIC. Hug the white line when possible. Wear bright colors. Have a blinky light on the back. Know your hand signals and BE OBVIOUS! If riding in a group, ride single file, especially in high traffic areas. (There is a school of thought that when the group of cyclists is large, that it is safer to ride two abreast and to make the group as tight as possible. Discuss with your group ride leader so everyone is on the same page!)
4. RIDE IN A GROUP WHEN POSSIBLE. OK….I fully admit I break this rule most of the time as I usually train solo. If riding alone, make sure someone knows your plan, and bring your phone. When I ride I either call my husband or send him a text with a picture of where I am every hour or so.
5. DO NOT SWIM ALONE. I’m just going to say it…open water swimming by yourself if just not safe. Last year I didn’t have any opportunities to swim outside with a group. But I knew better that to show up for King George Triathlon without getting in the open water. So I took my wet suit to my beach and swam between the buoys. Back and forth….like being in the pool without a wall to kick off…I just did a bunch of u-turns!
6. NO MUSIC. I know…it motivates you. You know what else? It distracts you…from your surroundings and doing your best to be safe. It distracts you from focusing on your workout. Running without the distraction of music can be meditative…and it makes you mentally stronger for race day. More and more races are encouraging you not to listen to music or just saying NO all together. One of my biggest pet peeves when running in the summer is having to SHOUT that am about to pass someone who is just out for a walk but is so plugged in they have no idea I am approaching from behind. Be aware of your surroundings!
7. ROAD ID. Get one. Wear it. It stores your contact info, pertinent medical information, and how to contact a loved one. You can even get a motivational saying on it. What does mine say? LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF THE WAY.
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