After a long day of classes and work, there is nothing like a nice, long run outside to unwind from the day’s stresses. The weather outside tends to be beautiful at night ― with cooler temperatures, slight breezes and, sometimes, the occasional rain drizzle to cool off your run. As relaxing as running at night may be, there are some safety hazards to be aware of.
Avoid dark-colored clothes
As lovely as it is to run in the cooler weather, it’s important to keep in mind that the darkness makes it difficult for drivers to see you. Make sure to wear light-colored clothing that won’t make you blend in with the night but will reflect the lights coming off car beams and lamp posts. The last thing you want is to be hit by a car because the driver couldn’t see you in your pitch black clothes on a pitch black night. Many running shoes, jackets, pants and accessories come with reflectors to make you more visible to drivers, so take advantage of that little tool to avoid any accidents.
Don’t have your music on maximum volume
Just as it’s difficult for drivers to see you, a lot of times, it’s difficult to see cars or even fellow pedestrians. While running around night, especially around campus, it’s extremely important to be aware of your surroundings. If listening to music is a part of your running routine, keep the volume at a reasonable level, and only keep one earbud in to leave your other ear free to listen to what’s going on around you. This way, you’ll still be able to keep pace with your goals but won’t block out all external sound. You want to be able to hear a driving car honking its horn, a runner coming around the corner or even someone who may sneak up behind you.
Wear a headlamp
Headlamps may not be the accessory you see on the runners in the magazines, but it is definitely one of the best investments you could make. Not only do you run the risk of drivers not seeing you, but you also run the risk of not seeing exactly where you’re running. There are a lot of construction sites in the area and places where the roads and sidewalks aren’t smooth, and you don’t want to fall and sprain your ankle.
Take the road well-traveled
Eight p.m. isn’t exactly the best time to venture on the road less-traveled. Stick to a route that you know well and that others know well, too. If anything were to happen, even if it’s just a sprained ankle, you want to be able to find help and for people to get to you easily. If you’re running next to the road, make sure to stay on sidewalks, and avoid running in a traffic lane as much as possible. Nighttime is not the time to try out new things. The lack of light and inability to see everything and everyone around you can lead to some serious situations, especially if you’re alone, so be sure to know your route, and know it well.
Don’t run alone
You may love the feeling of running by yourself; it’s just you, your thoughts and your challenge in accomplishing a goal for a few miles ― the ultimate “you” time. Unfortunately, running alone at night makes you vulnerable to dangerous situations. “Stranger danger” isn’t just a tool parents provide their young children; it’s a safety mechanism that should be regularly regarded. Running with a friend can lower the likelihood of being a victim of assault, and, if you do happen to come across a situation, having another person there increases your chances of getting out unharmed.
Take your cell phone
It’s uncommon to find someone without a cell phone these days, but if you don’t like to take your phone with you during workouts, get in the habit of doing so. If you decide to run alone, it’s important to have some way of contacting a friend, family member or emergency personnel in case of an emergency. You don’t want to be stuck a few miles away from home in the dark with no way of getting help. If you don’t want people calling you or texting your while on your run, simply put your phone on airplane mode or place the sound settings on silent until you’re finished with your run. There’s also some great running apps that you can utilize to make your run even more efficient than before.
Tell a friend
Even if you choose to bring a friend along with you on your run, make sure to tell someone at home where you’re going, who you’re going with and when you expect to be back. If something were to happen, you don’t want to be left stranded or alone all night and not have anybody know where to find you. If your friends have an idea of where you are and when they should expect you back, you can avoid being dragged into an extremely dangerous situation.
Running is a great hobby ― it’s a physical and mental challenge that, once accomplished, makes you feel like you won a billion bucks with the Powerball ticket. Engaging in the sport does pose some risks, though, if you are not careful about how you go about it. By practicing safe habits during your workout, you can avoid dangerous situations and ensure that you return home safely. Start the run with your legs, continue on with your head, and finish the run with your heart, but never run without being smart.
