7 Tips To Stay Safe On A Night Run
Running may be one of our favorite sweat seshes — you can do it nearly anytime or anywhere, no equipment needed! ++ for the past few weeks, we’ve taken advantage of that freedom as we challenged you to rise + run! But depending on your schedule, getting those miles in before 8 am could mean completing your run before the sun comes up. Running in the dark should be handled differently than running under daylight. So, before you lace up + hit the pavement — stay safe by following these tips!
#1] DO THE MENTAL CHECKLIST: PHONE, KEYS, ID
Disclaimer: You may want to get a fanny pack//running belt ; ). Before you take off on your run, always check for your phone, house keys + ID. This way, you can call someone if you need help, you won’t ever be locked out of your house, + your ID is always an important piece to carry with you — no matter what!
#2] CARRY MACE FOR SELF-DEFENSE
Mace will help you feel protected if you’re ever running in an unfamiliar area, or if you’re running solo. Always trust your gut — if a few of the turns you took lead you down what feels like a sketchy path, don’t hesitate to switch up your route or turn around + head home.
#3] LEAVE THE HEADPHONES AT HOME
Or at least save them for a run on the tread or an indoor track. Nighttime runs call for hyper-alertness, + while listening to your fav CHAARG 8tracks playlist will make your run more enjoyable, it’s distracting + tunes out the rest of the world. The upside to running without music? It’s a great opportunity to clear your head + focus on YOU!
#4] RUN WITH A FRIEND
There’s safety in numbers, especially when running after dusk or before the sunrise. If you plan to get in a run when it’ll be dark, ditch the solo run + call up a running bud to go with you. The bonus: you’ll have someone motivating you to wake up + there to have your back. ++ not to mention, running with a friend is more fun + pushes you to work harder : )
#5] SHARE YOUR ROUTE
Let someone know where you plan on running + what time you plan to be back. Keeping another CHAARG girl or family member in the loop about your plans is an extra step that only takes a few seconds, but can keep you safe.
#6] WEAR BRIGHT GEAR
When our schedules require workouts before sunrise or after the sunset, get out there + sport the brightest gear you own! Wearing neon//reflective clothing will keep you visible to others while your’e out running in the dark. Carrying a flashlight or small light is another great way to make sure you can be seen in the dark.
#7] RUN ON THE SIDEWALK
Running in the street may feel more freeing than running on the sidewalk, but opting for routes on the sidewalk will ensure you’re out of the way of passing cars. If there are no sidewalks nearby, stay close to the edge of the road + run against traffic, so you can see the cars coming toward you. It’s your safest bet to assume drivers + bikers cannot see you, so always stop for incoming traffic when crossing the street.
We care about you [a lot!] + we don’t just want you to stay safe — we need you to stay safe!
+xo Natalie, [@natalie_inchaarg], VirtCHAARG girl from Grand Rapids
