Safety Tips for Runners: Top Tips

Safety Tips for Runners: Top Tips

As we all know by now, there are so many benefits to running regularly that it would almost be a silly idea to try and count them all… and there’s more popping up daily! But for all the benefits running can have, like all sports it comes with its own unique risks too. That’s why we think safety tips for runners should be more commonplace when preparing for a race.

This is especially true if you enjoy running outside as opposed to in a gym on a treadmill, as most do. Having said that, indoor running scenarios aren’t without their dangers as well, as we’ll discuss.

With this in mind, here are just a few safety tips for runners that might come in handy during your next training session:

Train in groups, if you can

Going for a run on your own can be a liberating experience; Not only are you getting in your daily exercise but you’re also getting some quality time to yourself to get away from the rest of the world in a setting of your choosing – something many of us could do with.

But should the unfortunate happen, running alone is much, much riskier than running as part of a dedicated group.

For starters, there’s power in numbers – if you’re running at night and find yourself set upon by a would-be thief or some other attacker (it does happen) you’re far more likely to escape unscathed, or avoid being targeted in the first place, if you’re running with a group.

The same can be said if you suffer an unexpected injury – with people by your side you will have someone to assist you in the moment as opposed to asking a passing stranger or calling for help. This can be particularly helpful with nasty injuries like breaks or tears which should be treated as quickly as possible.

So, if you are planning on going out on a run by yourself, be sure to keep yourself safe and free from harm. Otherwise, stick to running in groups!

Exhaustion & Reaction Time

We’ve all been known to push ourselves a little too hard on a run every now and then. While it isn’t the best thing for us, it can be a great feeling knowing we’ve gone the extra mile in our workout to achieve the desired results.

But following this practice regularly is a sure-fire way to land yourself with an awful case of exhaustion.

Then, not only will you not have the energy to run, you won’t have the energy to do much else either. And nobody needs that!

Also, one thing to be wary of is when you start to run on fumes when out on a run.

When our internal engine starts to come close to ‘0’ parts of our body begin to fail us.

And when we’re running near roads or other dangers, the last thing we need is for our focus and reaction times to abandon us.

If you start to feel shaky, or feel as though you’ve overdone it a bit, there’s no shame in taking a pit-stop or even calling it a day.

It’s better to have you home in one piece!

Hydration

We’ve covered some top tips on staying hydrated while running in a previous blog which you can check out here: https://www.runningbeefoundation.co.uk/staying-hydrated-while-running-top-tips/

But it’s equally as important to mention when talking about safety tips for runners, too.

Because proper hydration should be considered a safety tip, rather than a recommendation.

Why? If our body isn’t properly hydrated and we begin expending some serious amounts of energy (for example, on a long run) we run the risk of becoming dehydrated and picking up all the other horrible ailments that come along with it.

On the easy end, this can include things as simple as getting tired. On the more serious side of things? Your organs can begin shutting down.

See why hydration should fall under safety tips for runners, now?

Solution? Always keep a topped-up source of water handy and be sure to hydrate before and after a race to keep your body’s water levels as a reasonable level.

Injury and Recovery

If you’re like most other regular runners out there, you will find it incredibly difficult if you have to sit by on the sidelines and veer away from your usual running routine, for whatever reason.

Running becomes an addiction for us, and we love that! But we also need to know when and where to draw the line.

For example, if we were to pick up an injury on our next training session, should we head straight back out the next day as if nothing happened?

Probably not. Why? Because we haven’t given the injury ample time to heal.

Recovery days are (or should be) an essential part of every good runners routine. Dismissing recovery days and proper recovery methods is a guaranteed way to put yourself at risk the next time you head out on a run.

You’re far more likely to aggravate your injury or pick up an even worse one if you don’t take the necessary time to recover.

Remember, when it comes to our bodies, safety first!

Headphones & Music

If you’re like most runners you’ll love listening to your favourite tunes as you run.

They’re a great way to pass the time as you go and, better yet, keep you motivated. That is if you pick the right playlist!

But those tunes of yours could turn out to be deadly if you don’t keep yourself aware…

Without the use of your hearing, you could be putting yourself in the firing line of any number of dangers including, but not limited to, traffic.

That’s why it is an absolute must that if you do make the decision to run with headphones in, you keep your eyes focused on your path ahead and any surrounding dangers at all times.

How do we know all this? The Running Bee Foundation regularly holds some amazing running events, so we should know a thing or two about safety tips for runners!

We also offer grants to causes in the local community dedicated to health, wellbeing and reducing childhood obesity.

Think you could benefit from a Running Bee grant?