Moving your workout from indoors to outdoors is a nice switch. Of course, with so many unable to hit the pavement until the evening hours, there are many things you may want to consider before taking that stroll in the park at dusk. For example, your safety.
In fact, research shows that runners, specifically female so runners are more vulnerable to assault. Consider this: It’s dark, you’re running with earbuds in and volume up. Should you not be aware of your surroundings, you may be susceptible to what’s called a “bear hug” attack — one in which an attacker can creep up on you from behind.
So, how do you remain safe while running alone? Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Wear reflective clothing.
Try a headlamp, clip with a flashing light or a running jacket with reflective trimming. Under Armor offers a variety of running gear with reflective details.
2. Carry I.D on your person.
In case of an emergency, keep contact information on hand. There are a plethora of accessories on the market, including wrist bands, shoe straps, even carrying cases which allow you to store pertinent details like your full name, phone number, blood type and emergency contact information.