It started out as a race against the sun.
I'd procrastinated just long enough to throw doubt into my plan of running 10 kilometres around the lake before nightfall would render me blind. Running an isolated route at dusk creates other thoughts as well, such as, "It's so quiet out here, why did I run this by myself?" Or, "If some strange person were to confront me out here, what would I do?"
And right then, I felt a hard whack on the back of my head. I couldn't help thinking that someone had stealthily been stalking me and then pounced. I let out a yelp and turned suddenly, yet no one was there. Then I saw the owl circling and realized that my white cap looked very much like an edible bunny to that hungry hell raiser.
Startled though I was, I was relieved that it was just an owl looking for an easy meal. It made me think about running and safety and how needlessly vulnerable some of us are at times. With spring having sprung, more of us are venturing out onto the roads and trails.
In a recent interview with Rich Benyo, editor of Marathon and Beyond and author of more than 20 running and fitness books, he comments, "Most of the safety issues involving running call for a good dose of common sense. For example: Never run in dangerous areas. In most instances, if you live there long enough, you know which areas to avoid. With running being as big as it is these days, most hotels have maps prepared for runners and walkers that keep them safe and in some instances even measure the course for visitors."
"If you are a woman, don't run alone in the early morning or during the evening unless you are certain as to the safety of the area," Benyo said. "When running in the dark always wear a headlight and/or reflective vest. Stay in well-traveled areas. Let someone know your route before you leave so that should something happen - anything from a mugging to a twisted ankle - someone knows the general area to look for you."
Another important tip, he said: "Always run against traffic. This is done so that you can see - and anticipate - when a vehicle might veer off the road and head in your direction. You are at a disadvantage if you run with traffic, because you aren't wearing a rear-view mirror and can't anticipate and deal with traffic coming from behind."
Benyo suggests, "Do not run with earphones. If you can hear the music, you can't hear approaching footsteps or oncoming vehicle tires and engines. Save the earphones for the treadmill."
He continues, "It's advisable to run with an ID of some kind. There are convenient IDs that can be laced into your shoelaces. Just in case you are injured or go down with a heart problem, make sure there is a contact number of the ID as well as blood type and any other pertinent information. Carrying a cell phone in a fanny pack is a good idea but leave it there until needed for an emergency. You can also purchase whistles, which can be used to call for help. If you run in an area where there are dogs, it is a good idea to take along pepper spray." Whew!
"All that said, don't get nutty paranoid about running in the real world," Benyo said.
"A dose of common sense goes a long way. And we're way past the days when some motorists used to throw empty beer bottles at runners because they thought we were all nuts and should be forcibly removed from their roadways."
In summary, he advises, "It is uncommon for a runner to be attacked, but you want to lessen the chances of it being you. And remember that your biggest enemy is usually (cars). Stop at stop signs and make sure the street is clear before crossing. Assume every vehicle out there has the potential to hurt you, and give them as wide a berth as possible. Be conscious when you run near traffic; remember all the distracted drivers you see when you're out there and be cautious of their potential impact upon your sport and lifestyle."
And I have a new multi-coloured cap for my next foray around the lake.
