Some tips for those who love to jog early in the morning
Road-tested tips for runners and cyclists who enjoy early-morning sweat sessions
Let’s call it a wake-up call: A Rochester, N.Y., runner recently was hit and killed by a car while out for a morning run. As a 6 a.m. runner, I understand the vulnerability of being out on the road alone and in the dark.
While it’s not unusual to see other runners and cars, there’s no comparing running in daylight, with its people and activities, to running in the morning when the solitude is both pleasurable and unnerving.
Commuting cyclists, who like runners are out on the roads when almost everyone else is still sawing ZZZs, have also admitted to feeling vulnerable in the early morning hours. Here road-tested tips for runners and cyclists:
1
Be seen
Ditch the dark clothing in favour of bright outerwear that stands out. And make sure it has a lot of reflective detail that will light up every time a car’s headlights hit upon you.
And just to be sure, buy a couple of clip-on safety lights that further advertise your presence. Attach the lights so they’re visible to cars travelling in both directions and set the option to flashing for maximum effect.
2
Practise good street smarts Just because there’s no one around, don’t be tempted to run in the middle of the road or claim the right of way.
Give motorists a wide berth and assume they don’t see you. Stick to sidewalks and cycling paths where possible, and hug the side of the road when there’s no other option.
It’s generally better to run facing traffic, which gives you more time to react if the path of the oncoming vehicle looks threatening. But if there’s better visibility or more room to manoeuvre on the other side of the street, then make the switch.
3
Carry mad money
Never leave the house without the equivalent of at least bus fare in your pocket. That way, should bad weather kick in, an old injury flare up or you find yourself uncomfortable in your surroundings, an alternative means of transportation is an option.
4
Bring your phone
Whether you use it as a flashlight or to call home, your phone can be a lifeline when faced with the unexpected. It can also be used to take photos of suspicious activity.
5
Choose your route wisely
The route you run in the dark should be chosen based on the following safety features: well lit, one of the first to be cleared of snow and/or dusted with abrasives, has sidewalks or a wide shoulder, is close to homes and bus routes and has traffic-calming measures (stop signs, lights, crosswalks, etc.).
If possible, avoid isolated stretches of road and uneven surfaces that are more likely to trip you up in the dark.
6
Carry ID
Be prepared for the “what if ” by carrying a piece of identification while on the run. One of the simplest ways to make sure you never leave home without it is to get a Road iD tag that attaches to your wrist, watch or shoe. Or, download the Road iD app on your phone which, among other features, allows you to put your emergency contacts and other important details (allergies, medications, etc.) on the lock screen of your phone so it can be easily accessed by pressing on the home button.
7
Let someone know your route Limit the number of routes you run in the morning and night to one or two, and let your family members know the details.
Or the Road iD app can be set up to send electronic breadcrumbs of your route to friends or family and will transmit a “stationary alert” if you stop moving for more than five minutes.
8
Stay alert
Tempted to take advantage of the early morning solitude by turning up the volume on your playlist and singing a little iPhone karaoke?
It’s important to stay connected to what’s going on around you. Listen for buses, delivery trucks and construction crews, who also tend to be on the roads before the sun comes up. These big vehicles have big blind spots, and might not see a solo runner or cyclist. If you listen to music, leave one ear bud out, which should give you enough of a heads-up on anything coming your way.
9
Don’t ignore your instincts
If you head out the door and the roads feel slippery or the weather inhospitable, give in to your hesitation and push your run to later in the day. Same thing goes for your surroundings; if something feels wrong, it probably is, so make a U-turn and head back home.