Pounding the pavement with safety in mind

Welcome to week two of “So you want to run.” In my previous column you were introduced to some pointers on getting started. Now that you’ve found the time, got the gear and know how to get going, it’s important to cover a topic of primary importance before you pick up any questionable habits on the journey in your newfound sport — running safely.

Running is generally a safe sport but there are inherent risks in everything we do. Let’s put the odds of a mishap in our favour by practicing some smart running habits right out of the gate. Here’s a few examples to send us safely on our way.

Try to run with a partner or group. There is safety in numbers. If you don’t know anyone, try a local running club.

Sudbury Rocks, the Running Room and the YMCA are just three examples where groups run regularly.

Running in daylight is safer than at night. If you must run after dark, invest in some reflective gear. You absolutely want to be seen.

Run defensively. Run on the sidewalk when available or on the left side of the road facing traffic. When on the road, stay in single file as traffic approaches and be prepared to move even further over if need be. Be especially careful at intersections and any place where you are exposed to traffic. Always be prepared to give vehicles the right of way. They outweigh even the heaviest of us by many factors. Look for that eye contact with a driver before proceeding in front of a car. If running in a group it’s always best to have a leader who will help ensure the safety of the runners, especially at intersections and road crossings.

Be a running ambassador. Promote good will whenever the opportunity arises. Wave at the driver who gives you a little extra space. Please try not to react negatively when someone appears to have wronged you. Don’t acknowledge or respond to harassment. Situations are never improved when our composure is lost. Just remember; being dead right is still a very bad position to be in.

Carry personal identification. You never know when or if you are going to need it. I remember waking up on the road a few years ago a little addled. I was riding my bike to the gym to get my run in for the day when a car decided to occupy the same space I was taking. Needless to say, I lost the battle and was knocked unconscious in the collision.

After I regained consciousness, a police officer was soon on the scene and engaged me in conversation.

“Do you know who you are sir?” he queried. I thought on it for awhile and responded, “I suppose I should know this, but no, I don’t.”

He further asked, “Do you know where you live?” I pointed down the road in some direction and stated “I really believe I’m supposed to know this as well but I believe it’s down there somewhere.”

Two good things happened after that initial conversation. I had identification on the bike which the officer was able to retrieve, plus my memory slowly came back and I was able to figure out who I was.

I still don’t carry ID all the time and that isn’t smart as I do run alone on numerous occasions. So let’s all assume we may actually need ID and make a promise to ourselves and loved ones to carry it at all times. Enough said.

Be very careful when wearing headphones. Some groups and races simply don’t allow them. The popularity of the I-Pod has grown so much, though, that I believe it’s very hard to consider bans. It appears regardless of what the experts say, some of you will wear them anyway. So again I’ll state, be careful when using them. Keep the volume low enough so that you are absolutely aware of your surroundings. That car, dog, bear or anything else you can’t hear can harm you.

That’s enough points for today. Your running tool belt is accumulating notches. You now have a basic running program as well as a bag of safety tips. And we’re going to add to it.

Next week we’ll tackle running form.

See you on the roads.

Vince Perdue has been running for more than 30 years. He is the founder of the Sudbury Rocks Running Club and owns and operates www.sudburyrocks.ca. This is the second in a series of six columns.