5 Ways to Stay Safe While Running

Exercise is a great way to stay in shape. One of the most popular exercises is running, which also happens to be free. However, for you to get the best results from running, you need to ensure that you do it safely. Here are five ways to stay safe while running.

1. Have the Right Running Gear

To stay safe while running, you need to ensure that you do it with the right running gear. For instance, you need to get fitted for running shoes by a trained professional. These shoes should fit well, and they should have good support. They must also have a shock-absorbing sole. This can help to reduce the risk of running knee pain. According to Healthline, about 25% of running-related injuries have something to do with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or a runner’s knee. Having shoes that provide good support and absorb shock can help you prevent running keen pain.

2. Get a Sport Physical Before You Start

To prevent injuries and to run keen pain, you need to first get a sports physical before you start running. This will help you identify any problems that can arise as a result of running. The doctor can also tell you whether you are fit to run or not. If yes, they’ll tell you the recommended distance and other related things. In general, you need to train sensibly and increase distances slowly.

3. Warm Up

It’s very important to warm up before you start running. Dynamic stretching is the best kind of warmup you can do if you intend to go running. A good warmup gives your bones, muscles, and joints an opportunity to loosen up. It also gently and gradually increases your heart rate. This makes it easier to get into the pace you want to sustain so you can run safely.

4. Stay Alert When Running Outdoors

It’s very important to stay alert when running outdoors. Leave everything that can make you less aware of your surroundings. Staying safe when running is no different from staying safe anywhere else. For instance, you should avoid parked cars and dark areas. You should also take note of who is ahead of and behind you.

5. Run During Daylight If Possible

To stay safe when running, you must generally run during daylight. This enables you to see where you are stepping, and it also keeps you safe from thieves. If you have to run at night, stay away from dimly lit areas and wear bright and/or reflective clothes. You should also consider sticking to the sidewalk to make sure that you run facing oncoming traffic.

Running knee pain isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to running. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not a real threat. You should just think of safety as a broad subject. You need to keep your body safe, and you should be safe from dangerous people and cars.