There's nothing like hitting the open road and going for a nice long run. Here are some tips to make sure you get there and back safely.
What to Wear
Whenever you run, try to pick brightly colored clothing or clothing with reflective material so that you are visible to cars, bikes, etc. This is crucial if you are running at night! If you want a highlighter bright reflective slap bracelet, let me know; I'll mail it to you. If you can, wear a red, blinking light or headlamp or carry a flashlight.
Where to Run
You should generally stick to sidewalks if you can. This is just for your safety. If the road you choose to run on has no sidewalk, run on the far left side of the road. So from your perspective, oncoming cars are to your right, then there's the dividing yellow line, and to the far right are cars driving in the same direction you are running. This is so that oncoming cars can see you and so that you can anticipate their movements. It's easier to dodge a car you can see than one you cannot. Also, here's an illustration from Runner's World demonstrating what to do when there's a blind curve:
In 1, the runner crosses the road when safe and runs along the curve; he will run back to the opposite side of the road once the curve is clear. In 2, there wasn't a safe time to cross so he runs off road for the duration of the curve.
What to CarryBring some form of identification and your cell phone with emergency numbers on the back. There are also ID bracelets you can purchase like this one from Road ID or running pouches from Nathan Sports that you can use to carry these items. Don't forget your keys!
And Remember...It is as much your responsibility as it is the drivers' to be aware of you. Pretend like they don't see you; do what you can to avoid getting hit. If that means off-roading for a little and making your time suffer, so be it. As long as it means that you're still alive, it doesn't really matter. Always use hand signals. At intersections, make eye contact with drivers and wait for them to signal to you that it's okay to cross.
For a more comprehensive article, click here. For more rules, click here.
Happy Running!
In health,
Lauren
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