How to Practice Safety Tips While Running or Walking

Running or walking is the easiest form of exercise, and it can also be the safest if you use common sense and follow some simple rules.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running Bras
• Running Clothes
• Running Jackets
• Running Shoes
• Running Socks
• Running Sunglasses
• Running Books
• Running Foods (gels And Bars)
• Running Watches
• Running Magazines
• Jogging Strollers
• Running/sports Drinks

1. Find a partner - there's safety in numbers. If you must run or walk alone, go where there are other people.

2. Run or walk during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must exercise in the dark, wear light-reflecting or light-colored clothing. Avoid running in the streets or in deserted areas.

3. Be thoroughly familiar with your route. Know the location of phones, police or fire stations, and 24-hour businesses.

4. Listen to your instincts and be willing to vary your route if you sense you're in danger.

5. Run or walk against traffic whenever possible.

6. Leave jewelry at home.

7. Ignore verbal harassment.

8. Always carry some form of personal identification in case of emergency.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a partner or group to run or walk with through your local running club, YMCA or YWCA.
• Beware of dogs. If they're threatening, don't run away or throw things at them. If necessary, yell, "No! Go away!" or "Down!" or "Sit!"
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 11/22/2005 Take your dog running with you (if your dog can handle it). A dog presents something unknown to a would-be attacker.

on 11/22/2005 Run on soft ground such as a sports field or in a wood (ideal as lots of trees pumping out oxygen). If you want to avoid weirdos, just go out in the country or early (drunks hang around towns and get up late!).

on 11/22/2005 Try to make eye contact with the person in the car at an intersection or driveway, so that you know that they see you and you see them. My teammates and I were almost hit by a car because the driver was looking for traffic not runners.

on 11/22/2005 There are several small, lightweight, inexpensive and effective "mini-strobes" for walkers, joggers, hikers, bikers, even for your pet! These little lights make a BIG difference! I was a Paramedic; my neighbor was a victim. This is my cause! Aloha!