Safety First

As the days start warming up in the Midwest, my run times get earlier and earlier in the day.  I'll do anything to run outside rather than the gym or treadmill.  So I struggle with the early morning alarm, but once I'm up, it's all good.  Many of my early morning runs are in the dark this time of year.  (I have to be back before 6am so hubby can go to work.)   


Is it scary?  Not really, I stick to routes I know well.  
Does it make me nervous?  Yeah, sometimes.  
Do my hubby and mother worry about me?  Absolutely.


So I'm happy to have found a new running partner for my early mornings... Firefly Supernova from Road ID!  While I always wear bright colors or something reflective, but this little guy blinks a red light for cars to see from a greater distance.  The versatility is great.  You can attach it wherever you like... on the wrist or ankle with the velcro strap, or your waistband or clothing with a removable clip. Plus it comes in four different light colors for you to choose.

* TODAY'S TOP TEN *

 As we all migrate outside with the spring weather, 

here's my TOP TEN on SAFETY...

1.  Always run against the flow of traffic.


2.  Leave the headphones at home, or at the minimum, keep the music down low so you can hear what's going on around you.


3.  Be visible if you run at night.  Hello, Firefly Supernova?!  Reflective clothing please.


4.  Run with friends.  I know this is difficult for some, myself included.  Finding friends that have the same time schedule and pace you do is just hard!


5.  Don't challenge vehicles.  Don't try to scoot across to beat a car... Just let the car turn or go first. (They're faster.) Be especially aware of those turning right - they are usually looking the other way.  A high schooler almost got me yesterday in the exact same situation!


6.  Run in populated areas that you are familiar with.  I'm so guilt of heading out to my favorite trails alone.  This is particularly important in winter when there are few others out there. 

7.  Carry defense.  This is especially true if you break rule #6.  Invest in a small pepper spray or some sort of noisemaker.


8.  Trust your intuition.  If you get that unsure feeling around something or someone, avoid it... fast.  Never doubt your inner gut feeling.  Someday it could save your life.


9.  Don't wear jewelry.  Seriously... slip off the ring before you head out on a trail.  It just gives some creep one more reason to attack you.


10.  Wear identification... or at least write your name, phone number and blood type on the inside of your running shoe.  Prepare for the unexpected.

I finally got #10 checked off, thanks to Road ID!  Check out my new running ID, in yellow of course!  On the tag is my full name and birth year, home city and state, emergency contact name/numbers, and any known allergies.  As a kicker, I added a motivational saying for the runner inside me... "Let Your Sole Shine"

At Road ID, you'll find an assortment of ID options - wrist, ankle, and shoe tags, even a necklace option.  Should you ever "need" it, it just could save your life.  It's one of those things you hope you never use.  Check out Road ID's website, like them on Facebook, and go ahead Tweet with them too!

Want a Road ID custom made for you?

Here is your chance!  Road ID is one of the sponsors of The Jelly Bean 5K/10K virtual race next week.  One lucky runner will win a custom-made Road ID.  So sign up for The Jelly Bean today!  For details and registration, click HERE.