CLUB
SAFETY ADVICE
Using your common sense and taking some precautions when running can help you avoid getting injured or becoming a victim. As a club member please remember that we are recognised as a friendly, caring organisation and you are our ambassador - it may be tough out there but please stay calm and help us to maintain our good image.
Follow these steps to stay safe on the run:
1. Preparation - Before you go out for a run, take a few seconds to do a mental safety check. Have you planned a route? Are you confident about the route and that there is access to all the paths/roads? Does someone know where you'll be running and roughly how long you will be? Are you dressed for the conditions? A vest and shorts are not ideal in minus temperatures or hail/torrential rain. Nor would be thermals and a thick race jacket in a heatwave...
Once running, Make sure you're either running off the vehicle area or against traffic (so you can see cars coming at you). Watch out for cracks or bumps in the pavements (uneven slabs), or rocks and branches on your running path. If you have to pass parked cars on the traffic side never assume that drivers have seen you or will leave a sufficient gap - wing mirrors can break your arm at 15 MPH.
2.Be visible - No matter what time of day you're running, it's important that you are visible, especially to drivers. Get into the habit of wearing white or bright-colored clothes. When running in the early morning, night, or dusk, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it is advisable to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers see you. - a small wristband is inadequate. Wearing dark colours at night is asking for trouble! And is a requirement for our running at club training sessions after dark. If you do not have one ask Geoff as the club now has a supply.
3. Club Nights - If you are at a club night training session please be aware of your position in the group, who is behind you, how many others are out training, try to keep in a group or with another member. If you are not returning to the assembly point and running straight home let the person leading the session know. (they may wait ages for the rear of the group to return and it avoids worrying about missing members) If you are concerned about the distance or being left, ask the person leading the group to allocate someone to run with you. There will usually be a sweep up runner at the back making sure everyone gets back. (in one piece)
4. Running partner - try not to run alone at night. No matter how confident you feel running at night, there is always safety in numbers.
5. Identification and you - Put your driver's license or your medical card (in case you get injured and especially if running abroad/on holiday) in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe. If you're wearing an ID tag or bracelet, make sure it has an emergency contact number on it. Whenever possible, or If you feel able try to run with mobile phone, and add ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers saved. Many runners use running belts to hold their ID and mobile.
6. Avoid distractions - It may be hard for some of you to run without music, but you really shouldn't use your iPod or MP3 player for outdoor runs. It limits your sense of hearing and means you can not hear oncoming vehicles, barking dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your music for your treadmill runs. It is worth remembering that under UKA regulations it is an offence to race with headphones and you can be disqualified and under certain circumstances banned for a period. Be aware your surroundings. If you let your mind wander too much, you may find yourself wandering into danger or have a return leg in an ambulance.
7. Drivers are dangerous - . Remember that many drivers aren't paying attention because they're listening to the radio, talking on their mobile, or reading a map listening to a tom tom, or just plain NUMPTIES. Don't assume that drivers can see you or that they'll let you go because you have the right of way. Be sure you make eye contact with drivers at junctions before you cross.
8. Other road users/pedestrians - Remember you are representing the club whilst out there running - do NOT force pedestrians into the road - do NOT step off the pavement without checking behind - cyclists do not make a noise!
9.Trust your instincts - If you a location or person/s make you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and run in the other direction.
10. Practical advice - if running off road through long grass where livestock have been, always check for ticks when you get home. If you get a tick bite followed by a red ring round the bite, or start getting flu-like symptoms, see your doctor ASAP - Lyme's disease can be serious! if you have to climb over gates, always climb over at the hinged end. Climbing over the latch end puts pressure on the gate and causes it to drop. If you open any gates to gain access or leave a field PLEASE shut the gate after never assume that if you can not see livestock its not necessary to close the gates. Remember a bull can usually cross most fields in half the time you can..
I hope this page has been useful - run safely and enjoy your next session...