It’s Running Season!
Running season is officially upon us! Keep yourself safe while you run the streets or the tread. Below are running tips followed by some resources and podcasts to listen to during your long runs.
Injury
Regular stretching and proper warmup can greatly decrease this risk. Most injuries are not acute, they are from chronic use, so they slowly develop over time. Ditch the phrase “No pain, no gain”. While pain may not seem like a big deal at first, if you don't address it, it will get worse.
Safety
Animals and people, especially people in cars, are big risks for people who run outdoors. Think about all the times you've been driving and almost hit a squirrel or you were deep in thought and suddenly realized you are driving. Yeah, that happens to other people too. Always be on the lookout for cars and make eye contact with them. If they do not see you, prepare to get out of their way. Always run opposite of traffic. Bicycles are considered vehicles so they travel in the same direction because they have to follow traffic rules. People run/walk in the opposite direction to see vehicles approaching. Keep your music low enough so that you can hear vehicles approaching. Another reason to be able to hear vehicles approaching is to listen to their speed. Make sure you always carry protection with you, pepper spray, keys, etc in case a car decides to slow down or stop. Women get harassed and assaulted during runs. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, so make sure you are prepared. If you find yourself in danger and have an iPhone hold down on the power button and one of the volume buttons to swipe emergency SOS to alert authorities. Always carry your phone with you and tell someone your route and how long you will be gone. Switch up your routes and times of runs often.
Climate
Run in the morning or evening before the temperate gets too hot but make sure it is daylight. This will decrease your risk for heat related illness. Wear weather appropriate clothing and bright colors. The bright colors are ideal for warm months to keep you cool as well as increasing your visibility to cars on the street. Water intake should increase as your runs and temperature increase.
Follow these tips to ensure a safe, healthy, and successful running season!
Resources:
There is a lot of good information out there! Subscribe to running websites/blogs. I follow Runner's World and Women's Running. They send out useful running information. I began listening to a couple new running podcasts like Women's Running Podcast and I listened to RunPod for the first time today on my run. They both provide educational tips for runners. Also check out my podcast Power of Mindset!
