THINK SAFETY!
By Sensei PJ Darcy,
Anthony Quatrochi’s Martial Arts Institute
Running is such a large part of our community. We are so fortunate to have an abundance of rail trails, local running clubs and groups, charity runs and other activities. But we runners, even as part of a group, should always keep safety in mind. All runners should be aware of a possible need for self-defense, especially if running alone.
Meanwhile, I'd like to share these tips with you...
Before you leave:
- Let your family know where you will be running and a rough return time.
- Alter your route so you are not always going the same way.
- Research possible hazards.
- Be aware of how you dress (potential grab points such as jacket hood or ponytail.)
- Bring your phone.
- Decide what else you will carry to use defensively if needed.
- Don’t wear headphones, especially the noise-cancelling variety.
- Plan to run with someone else or in safer places.
During your run:
- Look around you, not just ahead of you.
- Avoid treed areas and dark, narrow paths.
- When passing someone, call out in time for them to notice and give a wide berth.
- Never run to your own home if someone is following you. Run to someone else’s home, or at minimum, take an indirect path (cutting through yards, etc...)
- Avoid using social media, such as posting your route on shared apps.
- Don’t crowd other runners. Instead, use good trail courtesy. Leave space between yourself and others, which allows you to look ahead for obstacles and dangers.
- Stay away from large crowds of people you don’t know.
