Don’t let the winter months stand in your way when it comes to outdoor training: here’s how to stay safe and motivated next time you go out for a run…
1 Phone a Friend
Check in with a friend or family before you go out for a run letting them know where you’ll be running and how long you’ll be. Text them when you get home.
2 Get Yourself Seen
Wear hi vis clothing and a head torch with a bright LED.
3 Get Unplugged
Unplug your earphones; you need to be able to hear oncoming traffic, cyclists, pedestrians etc to stay safe.
4 Who are you?
Wear ID – with your name, address and emergency contact: if possible include any health issues/allergies.
5 Safety in Numbers
Join one of our fab local runners’ group – great for motivation in the winter months when running often drops off.
6 Chasing Pavements
Stick to pavement running, well used and lit paths rather than parks or fields.
7 Be on the defensive
When approching concealed driveways listen and look for vehicles reversing.
8 Come inside
Alternate outdoor runs with running on the treadmill at one of our local gyms – safe environment and kinder on your joints during the injury prone winter season.
9 Stay connected
Take your mobile with you in case of emergency.
10 Remember your ps&qs
Acknowledge drivers who stop to let you cross and don’t ‘jay-run’ at pedestrian crossings; drivers are more likely to make way for runners in the future if they’ve had a polite reaction.