Running or walking outside also involves some "rules of the road" to make sure that you are safe and avoid serious injury. Here are some things to consider:
Try to run in areas with little to no traffic, if possible. Even if this means driving to another neighborhood, parking and running there. I often walk over to a subdivision near my home and run there. Very little traffic. Run on the same side as the traffic (facing the traffic) so that you can see them and they can see you. When you run with traffic it is easy to move out in front of a car behind you. Unless they can't see you. The exception to this is blind curves or hills where your view (and the view of the drivers) is obstructed, Don't suck up fumes. Avoid running near high traffic areas (like along a highway shoulder). The body has a greater affinity for carbon monoxide than oxygen, so you will be breathing in lots of toxins during your run.
Let 'em know where you're going. Always let someone know where you plan on running. Have a few set routes and tell someone which one you're taking that day, what time you left and approximately when you should return. Always carry ID, cash and a cell phone
Dodging dogs. If you encounter a dog off the leash and no owner is around to contain them, stop running (if you are) and walk. Do not make eye contact with the dog, don't speak or yell. Just look straight ahead and keep walking. Most likely the dog will walk along side of you barking for a while and then turn away. Continuing to run and/or yelling at the dog will increase the likelihood that you'll get bitten.
Share the road with other fitness buffs. Be alert for bikers and rollerbladers in places like public parks. It's a lot harder for the person on wheels to do a hard stop. Collisions are not uncommon and usually one person assumes the other: 1) saw them and 2) was going to/should have stopped.
Not to be a Nervous Nelly, but these are time-tested for outdoor fitness and safety. Be safe, be smart and have fun out there!
Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, author of Fit + Female: The Complete Fitness and Nutrition Game Plan for Your Unique Body Type and the creator of The Best Me Ever, a comprehensive weight loss and wellness system just for women. It's a first of its kind program designed to fit into a busy women's life. Lose weight and look great -- 90 Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee!!
