I’ve been thinking a lot about runner safety lately. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with running outside in the past. For a long time I was nervous I would run too far from home and be too tired to make it back on my own. Then after I was chased by some deer last fall, I was worried about wildlife encounters. This summer I was in a pretty good place but started running almost daily with a friend. Now that she has been traveling for work again, I’ve been running solo more often, and the paranoia has resumed.
So what’s changed? Truthfully, not much. I’m still the same hyper-vigilant safety nut as a I was before. I guess maybe the frequency with which I’ve “run” into deer — lol, get it? run? — on my runs has amped up my anxiety. But it’s also been the less obvious dangers that have gotten me thinking lately. Check out the three unlikely dangers to runners — and tips on how to mitigate a run-in.
1. Cars.
Cars will always be a runner’s enemy. But today’s runners have a contrasting disadvantage against cars than runners of yore. The text-and-drive driver. You may know one of these folks. Or you may be one yourself. You could be the safest driver in the world but the moment you put your head down to respond to a quick text is the minute you become a horribly unsafe driver, and a terrific threat to pedestrians.
No amount of dayglo orange apparel will keep you safe from a text-and-drive driver. Running without earbuds won’t help you. The only thing that will help you avoid a text-and-drive driver is running on a sidewalk. If you’re a road runner, be aware. If you hear a car approaching, don’t merely move over closer to the shoulder. Go out of your way and run on the sidewalk — or grass — if you need to. It’s not worth the risk.
2. Wildlife.
Ah, wildlife. This is a good one. Mostly because I’ve been chased by wildlife. On more than one occasion. I consider running away from deer kind of my expertise. Just sayin’…
If you encounter a deer, do not turn your back. Stop and figure out the problem. If you’re between a mama and baby, find the quickest route out of there. If you encounter a buck, I can’t help you. Pray. But whatever you do, do not turn your back. The deer will think they have the advantage over you. Instead, make yourself appear larger than life and loud. Back away slowly, never turning your back. Once the deer has stopped chasing following you, resume your run. And get the heck out of dodge.
If you encounter an unleashed dog, do not stick around to play with it or see if it’s friendly. Dogs can be quite vicious if they’re protecting their owner or their property. Run with as wide a berth as possible to give the animal some space.
If you encounter any other animal, you’re on your own. Leave a comment below so I can add it to this list.
3. People.
This one’s kinda obvious. It’s not really a hidden danger. People will be people. Runners, walkers, gardeners. We’re just people. But some people are nicer than others. Some may shout catcalls at female runners. Others may attack runners. Other runners may seem friendly but could be out on an angst-ridden run after a particularly awful day at work. Point is, stay on alert. Just because you pass someone, wave, and perhaps say “good morning,” does not mean that particular person is as happy as you are and won’t be potential for trouble.
So how should runners stay safe?
Stay alert. Run on the sidewalk. Don’t run with earbuds. Run armed with pepper spray.
Chances are, you’re being paranoid. But in the wisest of words ever sung written, “just because you’re paranoid, don’t doesn’t mean they’re not after you.” (Joseph Heller, Catch-22; Kurt Cobain, Nirvana).
Enjoy your time on the road or on the trails by staying safe. Happy running!
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What are some other safety tips you have?
Do you run with mace or pepper spray?
