When you hear the term “road runner,” you might think of the famous Looney Tunes character. Road running or jogging are more popular than ever right now, though, especially with the coronavirus keeping people out of gyms. Gyms in many states can’t reopen at the moment, even for those who want to go.
Road running is fun, and it’s great exercise as well. It works several muscle groups, and it’s low impact. If you’re getting out there, enjoy yourself, and be sure to follow these safety tips.
Watch Out for Traffic
As a runner, you need to be cautious and watch out for traffic. As far as safety precautions for runners, this one is pretty basic. Stay alert for traffic:
- On main roads
- On back roads, if you’re listening to music or you’re otherwise distracted
- If you’re going around a sharp curve and you can’t see what’s coming
Drivers should be looking for runners as well, but you can’t control what individuals in cars do. You can just control yourself and your actions.
Wear Brightly-Colored Clothing
It’s also helpful to wear bright clothing while running, especially if you’re going out at night. Some options might be:
- Fluorescent shorts ora shirt
- Reflective knee bands, wristbands, or headbands
- Sneakers with reflective components
The brighter-dressed you are, the more likely that cars can see you from some distance away. Fashion isn’t the most vital thing when you go out running. You should prioritize safety.
Stay Hydrated
When you go out on those roads, it can be easy to get in the zone. You might think about nothing but the impact of each foot hitting the pavement.
You need to remember to hydrate, though. You can attach a water bottle to your belt or bring it along in a fannypack.
However, it’s most comfortable for you to carry it, do so. Every time you stop to catch your breath, you should have a squirt of water as well. You should strive to drink eight eight-ounce glasses per day, but with running, you might need more.
Don’t Go Out in Day’s Hottest Hours
The best time to go running during summer’s height is in the mornings before it gets too sweltering, or in the evening before the sun goes down. During those morning and twilight hours, you can tolerate the heat better.
Also, you’ll probably see less traffic at these times than others. Once rush hour is over, or before it has begun, are the ideal times to hit the streets. You might see some other runners, and you can encourage each other.
Don’t Overdo It
At the moment, with so many gym closures, the fitness buffs are a little restless. If you’re one of them, you might be chafing to get out there and run around, especially if you’ve had to be inside for much of the past few months.
Road running is great to burn some calories and tone and tighten various muscles, but you also need to recover after each session. It’s probably best that you don’t go every single day. Take the time to rest up and give those muscles the chance to recuperate.
You know your body best. If you feel something tightening up, that might mean you’ve been pushing too hard, and you should dial things back a bit.
Go Running with Friends or Family
It’s also a smart idea to do your road running with friends or family members. If anyone you know likes to run as well, you can team up or even go out as a group.
It’s smart to run with a buddy just in case something happens to one of you. If there’s a car accident or one of you sustains an injury, the other can go for help or do whatever else is necessary.
Take a Phone with You
One final thing that you can do is bring your smartphone with you. Smartphones often have fitness apps that help you monitor your progress. You can keep track of how many steps you’re taking and how many miles you’re running.
Also, if you have a medical issue, you can use the phone to call for help. Alternatively, there are fitness wearables that you can bring along if you feel like the phone cramps your style.
Road running is something that more people are doing right now, and it’s easy to see why. Even once the pandemic has died down, many individuals will likely keep up this new hobby.
