Safety running tips and a spotlight addition

Greetings everyone of the blog world, this is the mad runner and this is my....diary? That doesn't sound quite right but nonetheless, we shall proceed.

This new blog posting is going to reflect on a recent loss on my side. A good friend of mine whom I have known for almost 7 years was hit by a vehicle early in the morning of Friday and what pained me the most was that the driver of the vehicle didn't stop to help my friend as his ribs were broken and his lung was punctured. It was sad to know he suffered until they found his body, he was already dead on scene.

So, this posting is on the safety running tips that I have been writing down and educate many on being safe and being smart. And I know that a lot of us, including myself always think to ourselves, "It won't happen to me." but how do we know? We cannot predict the future of our own self being. We don't control the drivers if they don't see us, or if they were under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even blind spots. It can happen and this is our time to rise up and be aware of this issue.

So, here goes:

Use common sense. Before you even head out for a run, take a minute or two to do a safety check. Are your shoes tied? Are you familiar with your route? Does someone else know where you'll be running? Once you start running, continue with the safety checks. Make sure you're running off the street or against traffic (so you can see cars coming at you). Watch out for cracks or bumps in the sidewalk, or rocks and branches on your running path.


Make sure you're visible. No matter time of day you're running, it's important that you're visible, especially to drivers. Get in 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 doesn't hurt to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers see you.


Don't run alone at night. No matter how comfortable you feel running at night, there's always more safety in numbers. If you usually run solo, try to find a running group, so you'll have running partners.


Always have identification on you. Put your driver's license and your medical insurance card (in case you get injured) 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, I try to run with my cell phone, and it has my ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers saved. Many runners use running belts to hold their ID and cell phone.


Limit your distractions. I know it's tough -- maybe impossible -- for some of you to run without music, but you really shouldn't use your Ipod or mp3 player for outdoor runs. Cutting off your sense of hearing means you can't hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, unleashed dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your iPod for your treadmill runs. And make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. If you let your mind wander too much, you may find yourself wandering into an unsafe area


Don't make assumptions about drivers. Remember that many drivers aren't paying attention because they're listening to the radio, talking on their cell phone, or reading a map. 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 street crossings before you cross. And, better yet, try to stay off the roads as much as possible and stick to running in parks or on paths and sidewalk.


Watch out for cyclists and other runners. Even if you're running on a path or in a park with no cars, always be aware of other runners and cyclists. If you're approaching another runner or cyclist and need to pass them, communicate with him and let them know on which side you're trying to pass. Before you stop or turn around, make sure your path is clear.


Carry cash or ATM card. It's always a good idea to have money on you, in case of emergency. For example, if the weather turns bad, you get lost, or an injury starts bothering you, you may need to take a cab or bus back to your starting point. Some extra cash may also come in handy if you need to stop and buy water, sport drink, food, or first aid supplies during your run.


Trust your instincts. If a location or person makes you feel comfortable, trust your gut and run in the other direction.


To my fellow runners and those getting into running, be aware, be safe and be strong.


And now, moving onto a new subject in this blog, I am going to be reflecting on....more inspiration. Not only I am an avid runner, I am an avid reader, yes, I do read and they are not pop up books. I was talking with a good friend of mine who found me at the age of 16 and she was looking for my father but ended up emailing me. Since then on, that friendship grew and it was based on respect and running. On my 16th birthday, she sent me a birthday gift, a book that changed my mind and my life when I was a teenager. That book was titled, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Which is about a seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food. He is labeled as an outcast but he continues to learn and becoming pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life. And inscribed in the beginning in the book was written by my good friend, Karen Gray Jeffers, from Wheatland, California who is still an avid runner and she is on my top list of female runners. She wrote that the last page of the book was meant for me, and that was our motto.....no limits. That my gift in running has no limits, that I still continue to grow as a passionate runner. 


Karen has always been a part of my running for 12 years, she has always shared her workouts and always encourage and believe in me because sometimes, that is all we need to move onto some great and so far, I did. I have moved onto something BIG in my life, from running a 5k, an 8k and now half marathons and an upcoming full marathon.


As a runner for 16 years strong, my dreams are coming true, there are more of a fact that I will achieve the biggest dream ever and that is on a later date to tell you all. 


So, thank you for tuning in for another blog installment. I wish you luck, love, passion, safety and inspiration. 


Be sure to tune in later this week when I will be making a trip to the Black Hills and will do some trail running and some extra features. 


Have a safe week and God bless.