Running to Safety

Everyone knows that exercise is important. But while you are outside losing calories, you may be losing track of your surroundings. Exercise safety is an often ignored, important area of life. Here are some tips to ensure that the only thing in danger during your work out are those extra pounds:

Before the Run ...

• Try to get a running partner.
• Leave word with someone or write down where you plan to run and when you will return.
• Carry some I. D. and change for a phone call.
• Take a whistle with you.
• Be careful wearing anything that distracts you, such as a radio/headset/earphones so that you are completely aware of your environment.
• Avoid unpopular areas, deserted streets or lonely trails - and especially avoid unlighted routes at night.
• Vary the route and the time of day that you run.
• Run in familiar areas. Be aware of emergency phones and how they work, note the location of neighbors you trust along your route.
• Know where police are usually to be found and where businesses, stores, offices are likely to be open and active.
• Wear visible clothing and accessories -- bright colors, reflective colors, flashing lights, etc.

During the Run ...

• Always stay alert. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are. Think about possible escape routes in case of a confrontation.
• Take notice of who is ahead of you and who is behind you. Know where the nearest public sites are with some general activity - there is usually safety in numbers.
• When in doubt, follow your intuition and avoid potential trouble. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a different direction.
• Run clear of parked cars, bushes, dark areas.
• Run against traffic so that you can observe the approach of automobiles.
• If the same car cruises past you more than once, take down even a partial license number and make it obvious that you are aware of its presence (but keep your distance).

If Confronted ...

• Run toward populated areas, busy streets, open businesses.
• Ignore jeers and verbal harassment. Most importantly, keep moving.
• Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Be friendly, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Do not approach a car to give directions or the time of day. Point toward the nearest police or information source, shrug your shoulders, but keep moving. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving or where others are around.
• Do not panic. Do not run toward a more isolated area.

If Attacked ...

• Keep as calm as possible. Try to fix a description of the attacker in your mind.
• Do not show fear or plead - this intensifies aggression in most cases.
• Try to talk to the aggressor and look for an escape opportunity - a moment of indecision or distraction on the attacker's part.
• Do not fight or struggle with the attacker unless there is clearly no other way out, especially if you are untrained in self defense.