EXERCISE SAFE THIS SUMMER
Run/Bike/Walk Safely This Summer
Summer is here and being outdoors is where it’s at! When you proceed to your outdoor workouts alone, it’s important to be safe. Here are six tips to keep you safe while being outdoors this summer.
Have a battle buddy. Call a friend to let them know your route and message them when done so they know you are back safely. You can also download apps and invite friends and family to them. These apps alert them when you are on a run or bike ride, and when you are home. It tracks your GPS positioning as well, were something to happen to you. Two great apps for this are Garmin and Road ID.
Have a GPS enabled device with you so that if you get lost, you can navigate home. This can be a watch or your smartphone. If you run “naked” it’s a good idea to take your phone with you just in case of injury or in the instance you need to use it if lost.
Refrain from posting your route on social media. Why? Bad people. Post your running progress, yes, but avoid posting the route map that accompanies that data. When posting pics, take a screen cap of your pic and post the screen cap. The original still contains geo-data on it that can be used to locate you.
Have my emergency contact information easy to find. Road ID allows you to save it and place it on the home screen of your phone so that if something happens, it’s readily available for the personnel trying to help. It also contains information for first responders in case of medical emergency.
Wear sunscreen; not only for the sun protection, but the reflection on your skin can help keep you cooler. Wear a visor or a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun from your eyes and eliminate glare so see safely. If night riding or running, wear reflective gear so cars or other people can see you.
Hydration. Drink electrolytes and hydrate before, even though if you are good at hydrating daily. Some people run with running belts that have water containers or hydration packs. Even if you may not need them, they are great to have around until you acclimate, as the adage says, better safe than sorry. If you don’t like taking this with you, bring a few dollars and stop at a convenience store for water or an electrolyte drink if you need one.
So run/bike/walk smart! When you can, always do it with a buddy. And when you can’t remember, safety first and have a battle buddy on speed dial who knows your route.
In Health,
Casey Nall, CPT
RRCA Certified Run Coach
Personal Training and Run Coaching
