Safety is very important, especially for runners. Sometimes we're out there running when no one else is around. It's important for runners to be aware of their surroundings and know the risks that can be associated with running so that they can protect themselves.
In this podcast we spoke with Rebecca E., who was chased down the lakefront running path in Chicago a few weeks ago. Luckily she managed to get away from the man who was chasing her. Officer Nieto of the Chicago Police Department also joined in on the call to discuss how to stay safe while running. She also offered advice on what to watch out for and how to be sure you're always aware of your surroundings.
How to Stay Safe While Running
- Don't look like a victim- hide your phone or iPod in a fanny pack or out of sight
- Running at night is not recommended, especially alone
- Keep one headphone out of your ear so you can hear what's going on around you
- Use the buddy system- run with a partner
- If you're in a dangerous situation, yell “fire” to get help. It's more likely to get attention from others
- Use vehicles to distance yourself from an attacker-hide under a car, or run around it so they can't get to you
- Carry a whistle or pepper spray with you as a precaution
- Email your route ahead of time to friends or family from the WalkJogRun app
Tune in to this podcast to hear Rebecca share what happened to her while she was out running a few weeks ago. In this podcast, Officer Nieto goes into more details on what you should do if you are in a similar situation.
What steps do you take to stay safe while running?
If you enjoyed this podcast, you may like our post about running safe with the help of social media.
Duration: 27:17
