Hi! How’s your week going? Have you changed anything in your running routine? Today’s runner safety topic is about being seen and listening. Check it out below!
This morning I ran without a running buddy, but I was on a path that has other people and houses around (not horses this time).
I was visible because I wore a hot pink shirt (and have an enormous orange head). I like bright running shirts! Do you?
Pre-run I made a 8 second video on Instagram asking about your running buddies. Do you have one?
I have Vegas. He doesn’t like to run though. He likes to sleep. Sleep Eat Repeat – that would be his blog.
Post-run I did 21 day fix barre legs workout while watching Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team. Is anyone else into this show?
I made a big salad for lunch with eggs, chopped veggies and cashews. It had a TON of onion. Okay, not a ton but maybe 2 pounds? I love onion and garlic and have read over and over about how those foods are good cancer fighting options. So, I figure I’m okay with stinking for the taste and health benefits. (These are the things I tell myself to justify smelling like a dirty napkin at an Italian restaurant.)
And a knock at my door this afternoon delivered a delicious snack!
Vega sent me a box of their new protein bars to try. There are two flavors – chocolate caramel and chocolate peanut butter.
Surprisingly the caramel one was better. I’m usually a chocolate/pb girl all the way!
I had to try both, you know – to be able to share my thoughts 
They taste great and I love that they’re covered in dark chocolate. These protein bars are chewy and crunchy at the same time – they have a chewy middle on a bed of crisp rice. Both are vegan and gluten free.
In other super random news… I got a nightlight!
Yes, a nightlight. But I can totally justify this too.
Reasons I need a nightlight:
1. I always have to pee in the middle of the night. (And am not a fan of stubbing my toe.)
2. I got a Himalayan Salt lamp and some say it has health benefits! Supposedly it cleanses and deodorizes the air and has other perks too! Boom.
3. I’m scared of the dark.
I’m pretty happy with it and totally okay with the fact that I just admitted I’m afraid of the dark.
Day 3 of Running Safety Week
So far we’ve talking about Checking Your Running Route and Finding a Running Buddy…
- Have you thought about your running route?
- Do you have a running buddy or thoughts on someone you can run with?
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings – Look and Listen
Today’s safety tip is about being seen and listening. Answer these questions to yourself and think about what you did on your last run.
What did you wear on your last run? Was it bright and easy to see?
Could cars, cyclists and runners see you coming?
Do you tell others on the path ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’?
No? You don’t want to tell a stranger “hi!” when you’re sweaty and out of breath?! Too bad.
Telling people ‘hi’ keeps YOU aware of what is going on around you AND tells people you are paying attention. You are not a victim. You see the people on the path. Don’t just zone out and pass people without thinking about it. Stay present and aware.
Can you hear someone coming up from behind you?
Confession – The other day I was running on one of my favorite paths. I run here often and feel pretty safe. There are other runners and cyclists on the path, but sometimes I go for over 10 minutes at a time before I see anyone else.
I was running along and another runner came from the other direction. He seemed pretty fast. That’s all I observed. I kept running in the opposite direction. I only had about a half a mile left before I hit my turn-around point so I was thinking about that.
Out of nowhere the guy flew past me from behind. I didn’t hear one single foot step! I didn’t know anyone was running behind me until he was passing me. He had turned around after we passed by each other and was able to catch up and pass me before I realized. Thankfully he was just running and had no negative intentions. But I was alerted to something I’m doing wrong.
I was listening to a podcast and didn’t have it that loud – but it was still too loud. Anything in your ear is too loud if you don’t realize when someone is coming up from behind you.
So, I suggest a new rule – take one earplug out.
I actually thought about cutting one off to keep me honest, but realized I’d like to be able to switch them to balance out my hearing. I’m not saying don’t listen to music or podcasts while running (although most runner safety tips suggest that!). But I am saying keep it low and keep one ear open to hear what is going on around you. And if you are having issues with hearing, make sure to consult a professional audiologist and get an online hearing test to avoid accidents or injuries.
Being aware of your surroundings is crucial, especially for those who are hard of hearing. Even mild hearing loss can make it difficult to detect approaching footsteps, oncoming traffic, or other important auditory cues. Regular check-ups at a hearing clinic can help individuals assess their hearing levels and take the necessary steps to improve their awareness. Whether it’s through specialized hearing aids or training on situational awareness, professional support ensures that hearing loss doesn’t compromise personal safety.
Subtle changes in hearing often go unnoticed until they start affecting daily activities, and early intervention can make a significant difference. From personalized treatment plans to expert guidance on hearing preservation, these clinics provide essential services to keep individuals connected and aware of their environment—whether they’re out for a run or simply navigating daily life.
You can limit the headphone max volume (at least on the iPhone you can). If you set that when you are aware of outside sound, you won’t unconsciously bump up the volume when running.
I love watching the DCC training camp. I have been watching it for a few years and just got my roommate hooked on it hahahaha
Making the Team – I love this show! I came across it once and got totally hooked.
I always run with one earbud out when I run outside – even though we live in a safe area, I’m a little paranoid and have to be able to hear what’s going on around me. Points for being paranoid?
Almost all of my running tops are bright. I feel like bright colors are more fun. Thanks for the safety reminder!
Thanks for sharing these thoughts about running safely! Here in Philly, we’ve had some incidents. Ugh. I never run with headphones, unless it’s a busy weekend, midday, on a crowded trail. I think all runners need to be aware of their surroundings, since it’s not always possible or ideal to run with a friend.
Those Vega bars looks scrumptious!
Thanks! Yeah, the Vega bars are kind of pricey but definitely good!!
I always keep one bud out for that very reason. I like to hear what’s going on around me. I like your running safety theme week!
Thanks! Happy running 🙂