Safety on the Morning Run

Happy Tuesday friends!

I don't know if you've noticed, but the days are getting shorter, and the mornings are getting darker.  This means that for the majority of us, we're running in the dark.  This year, I have transitioned into a morning runner, and I've picked up a few safety tips along the way.  I wanted to share some of my advice for staying safe during morning runs, but these tips can really be used for running at any time of the day.  I hope that you all find my tips helpful, and I would love to hear your best tips for staying safe!

Make Sure You Can Be Seen

My number one tip is a very obvious one- be seen!  Now that it's dark during more running hours, wearing reflective clothing is a must.  Last year, I got a reflective vest from the Nike outlet that cost me less than $10 (here's a similar one), and it's made me feel really safe on my runs.  If I'm going to the track in the morning, I also wear a headlamp to offer more visibility.  I talked about some of my favorite bright clothing in my fall wishlist post if you're interested in reading more!

Be Prepared for the Worst

Last year, my mom bought me a small handheld can of mace for running on the trails alone.  At the time, I thought it was useless because I always felt safe running by myself- there were always SO many people out!  However, I feel so much more secure when I have that little handheld, especially in the morning when there's not a lot of people out and it's dark.  I know that the chances of someone attacking me are slim to none that early in the morning, but I would rather be safe and never have to use the mace, then leave it at home and regretting not having it.  (Plus, it's cute and pink!)

Tell Someone

The night before my run, I've gotten in the habit of plotting out my run.  This not only helpful for me (the last thing I want to do at 5AM is figure out where I can run for 5 miles) but it also makes me feel safer.  I keep the route up on my computer so that Dan can see exactly where I'm running, and I make sure I let him know when I leave.  In case anything happens to me, he'll know where my route was!  I like to use Gmap Pedometer, which also shows trails and elevation.

Run on Busy Roads

There are so many benefits to running on busy streets! Not only do I feel safer when there are lots of cars around me, but the road is usually lit up from street lights.  I've also noticed that the main roads around my neighborhood have bike lanes that runners always use in the mornings so you don't have to worry about tripping on a crack in the sidewalk (or slipping on ice in the winter), and they tend to be better maintained than side streets.  Plus, the chance of seeing other morning warriors is greater, so you won't feel quite as crazy.

Find a Buddy

This tip is a two-for-one.  Not only is there safety in numbers, but you'll also be more accountable to wake up and run.  I, sadly, do not have any running friends in my area that want to run before the sun is out (any readers out there want to be my buddy??), but this would be a great motivator for me.  Who wants to let down a friend, particularly in the morning before they've had their coffee?  NOT ME! 

If All Else Fails...

...Run indoors!  Sure, treadmills are referred to as dreadmills by the majority of the running community, but we can't deny how useful they are.   Not only are you protected from the elements, but you're also (hopefully) in a safe building for your run.  Some gyms, like mine, also offer indoor tracks and pools that are an excellent alternative to running outside.  In the winter, I do all of my speed work indoors!  When I have get to run on the treadmill, I still make sure that I tell Dan where I'm going and when I should be back.  Safety is always #1 in my mind, no matter where I go!


What are your tips for running safely?
Who else is a morning runner?
linking up with Tuesdays on the Run