Run Whenever Possible But do it Safely!

Running is a great way to stay in shape and to get your joints moving. From your shoulders to your ankles, a regular running routine can help to prevent total joint procedures, such as knee or shoulder replacements, later in life. Now that spring is finally here, more and more people will be hitting the road. Of course, like many forms of exercise, running requires certain safety precautions to minimize the risks (dehydration, for example). Be sure to follow these tips for a safe running program:

 

1 – Wear Bright / Reflective Clothing in the Dark

This should go without saying, but it’s best not to run at night. Stick to hours when the sun sheds some light on the environment. If your schedule makes it impossible to avoid running after dark, be sure to wear clothing for motorists to easily distinguish between you and your surroundings.

 

2 – Utilize Shaded Routes

If you can, choose routes that feature a lot of shade. There’s really no reason to run in direct sunlight. Even if you are looking to tan, save it for when you are at rest!

 

3 – Run with the Wind on the Route Home

Make the second half of your run a bit easier by planning to run against the wind on your way out, but with the wind on your way back. This way you avoid exhaustion in the end and you can deter excessive wind chill late in your run.

 

4 – Plan Your Run

Certainly plan many of the above aspects of your run, but consider these questions as well:

-Do you have appropriate attire?

-Do others know that you are out running?

-Do you have enough water for your planned run time (12 ounces per 20 minutes)?

 

5 – In the Summer, Run Early or Late in the Day

During hot weather, heat severely increases the risk of dehydration or exhaustion in general. So, run early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hotter times of the day.