After the horrifying stories that have emerged since the tragic loss of Sarah Everard it’s difficult to feel safe as a young woman who loves running but lives in a city.
So, here’s the top five sure-fire tips to help you not only feel safer running in a city, alone, but also give you and others a bit more peace of mind.
1. Let Someone Know
Even if it’s as simple as telling your partner before you head out, or texting a friend to let them know you’re off running, it’ll ease your mind that somebody knows what you’re doing. If it’s someone you don’t live with, make sure to let them know when you’re back too – nobody wants any missed calls from their mum, that’ll really make you sweat.
If like me, you’ve got a sieve for a brain, apps such as ‘Find My iPhone‘, or the android equivalent, means loved ones can always know where you are.
2. Run somewhere You know
Running in the same location can get a bit boring, but it’s not worth going somewhere unfamiliar. If you fancy a new route, walk it with a friend beforehand to get a feel for the place. Then, once you’re comfortable with the area, switch out your route. Stick to well-populated, well-lit places to keep you from worrying.
3. A Bumbag
Not the most fashionable item, I know, but they’re incredibly useful. Keep your keys, your phone and headphones all in a little pouch you can always see. I recommend keeping a little bit of change in it as well. You may need to catch a bus home, buy some plasters, or any other little emergency. A bumbag means running hands-free (in case you’re like me and take a tumble…) and there’s no risk of anything falling out of a small pocket.
4. Keep Your Music Down
I won’t lie, I love having my music on full pelt when I go running. Be it so I don’t hear myself breathing, or it’s just an absolute banger, my hand always twitches to turn it up. However, there’s too much happening around you in a city for it to be worth the risk. There are endless bikes, buggies and beeps and it’s important to stay alert. That’s not to say don’t have any music on (I couldn’t run without it) but keep it low enough so you know if someone’s riding up behind you, or if an ambulance is about to run through the traffic lights. Or run with just one earphone in.
5. Avoid Rush Hour
Make a note of when the rush hours are in your city. For me, it’s 8 to 9 am and 5 to 6 pm. I won’t go running during those hours because I don’t get very far. The number of people on the pavement doubles so you have to move on to the road (not safe) and you get stopped at every single traffic light for at least a few minutes.
It’s incredibly frustrating and a waste of time. Time your run for somewhere in between and you’ll hit that sweet middle ground; busy enough so your run is interesting but quiet enough that your run is pretty uninterrupted.