There's been a lot of awful things happening around the Colchester area recently. It's pushed safety to the forefront of my mind. We all have goals and need to train to reach them, but don't forget about your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
I've put together a few pointers to have a think about, whether your out for a cycle, jog or run.
Does anyone know I'm out?
If you're popping out for a jog, let someone know! A family member or flat mate, even a neighbor, if someone knows that you're out then they'll notice if you're not back and alert the proper authorities. Even if there's no one in your immediate area who can tell there'll always be someone you can text. Text a friend and let them know you're going out for a jog and text them when you arrive home safely, even facebook or tweet someone, just as long as there's a record.
Am I visible?
Be bright! Bright safety fitness clothes are available almost everywhere these days, make use of them. Make yourself distinguishable, a bright yellow arm band, wrist band, or a running top or t-shirt. These are important so people can notice you, motorists, cyclists and general passers by.
This is my running top which I got from the Aldi in Colchester near St. Butolph's, dead cheap and actually really comfy, warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer.
Try not to go out running too late. I know we live in a free world, and in theory, a 'safe' country, and compared to the rest of the world, yeh, I'd be inclined to agree. But currently in Colchester it's just far too risky to be running late into the night, try to avoid running at night all together if you can. If you can't avoid it, then take extra heed of the advice in this post.
Am I enough aware?
It's very easy to get lost in your own thoughts or your music when out for a run. But remain aware of your surroundings, to quote a bit of Ross from Friends 'Oonagi'... You know what I mean! If you have your music up too high can you hear the traffic around you? Could you hear a warning shout?
Can you see all around you and where you're heading? Stay away from shaded or dark areas where you can't quite see everything you need.
Know where you're going. Plan out your route before you go! Might seem an obvious one, but the amount of people I know who just... run, and then hope to end back where they started. For one, it's good to know how far you're running anyway for progressions sake, but it also means you won't find yourself lost and far from home.
Safety in numbers
Run with a friend. Find a friend or friends to run with or join a running group. There's safety in numbers, you're much less likely to be attacked if you're not alone. Plus you have the added bonus that someone has always got your back. If you fall and sprain your ankle, pull a muscle or get major cramp there's someone there to pick you up or get help.
Don't be a target...
It's great that you've got new Beats headphones and a new iPhone, but wear them out running, on your own? You're a target. It's sad, but that's how it is right now. Try to steer clear of wearing fancy new gear and gadgets if you're on your own.
To sum up
Your fitness is hugely important, but more so is your safety. Be safe, be aware.
This isn't meant to be a post to scare you, it's just to try and make you a bit more aware.
Thank you for reading.
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