Running should be simple: lacing up your shoes, stepping outside, and freeing your mind. But for too many, it’s not that simple, it’s stressful, and sometimes, it’s scary.
I was inspired to create this video after reading a BBC article titled ‘Catcalls and Being Followed: Why I’m Scared to Run.’ It hit me hard. Running is supposed to help us feel stronger, both mentally and physically, but for many runners, especially women, it comes with fear of harassment or worse by mainly men and as a husband to a wife who has those concerns and who I have concerns about her going out alone, it is something that should be changed.
I know that I’m in more of a privileged position, regarding running safety because of my gender, but it doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been situations, (recently) where running has felt difficult and has made me feel anxious and concerned about my own safety.
I. this article, I’ll be diving into tech and tips that prioritise safety. This isn’t just about better runs; it’s about making sure everyone, women and men, can run with confidence, whether it’s in the dark, during winter, or anywhere else they might feel vulnerable.
Light the Way: Be Seen, Stay Safe
The first thing you need for running safely in the dark is a light. Mine is a high-powered LED light that goes around my chest that makes me visible from a distance, because if drivers, cyclists or others around you can’t see you, things can get dangerous fast.
You can go for a clip-on light, a headlamp, or both. It’s not just about being seen, it’s about seeing, too. Whether it’s potholes, icy patches, or stray animals, you’ll want to avoid surprises.
The light I’ve got has a bright white at the front with three intensity settings and a red light at the back. It might not look stylish, with all those wires and everything, but I certainly feel a lot safer wearing this on those dark runs.
Trust me, this light has saved me from more twisted ankles than I care to admit and does help in making me feel safer.
Reflective Gear: Your Running Shield
Reflective gear is a must. A reflective jacket or vest lights you up like a neon sign when headlights hit you and that’s the goal. Shoes, gloves, hats, even leggings now come with reflective elements, so there’s no excuse to go unnoticed.
Visibility equals safety, and when it’s dark, reflective gear is your armor, and if you haven’t got any reflective gear then wearing clothes that are bright can be equally as protective.
Awareness While Listening: Bone Conduction Headphones
I get it, music or podcasts are non-negotiable for many runners. But here’s the deal, traditional headphones or noise-canceling earphones aren’t safe in low-light, high-risk areas and sometimes during the day.
Bone conduction headphones let you hear your playlist and what’s happening around you, cars, footsteps, or someone calling out. It’s the best way to stay aware while still jamming to your favorite tunes.
If you want your music but also want to stay safe, these are a no-brainer. If you don’t have bone conduction headphones like these but in ear or over the ear headphones, then you should have them in transparency mode as a minimum for your own safety.
Even transparency modes, like on AirPods Pro 2, which I think are pretty good, but they aren’t perfect. Whichever choice you make regarding your audio during a run, as a minimum, you should be making sure that you can at least be aware of your surroundings.
Your smartwatch / fitness watch for Safety Tracking
Your watch is more than a fitness tracker, it’s a safety tool. My watch, the Garmin Fenix 7 and plenty of other watches like these, have live tracking features that will let your family and friends see where you are in real time. If I stop suddenly or don’t check in, they can reach out or send help.
It’s this kind of feature that is a game-changer for solo runners. It’s like having a safety net on your wrist and it works even in areas where your phone might not be able to.
These important acts, in addition to verbally informing people that you’re going out, specifying the route you’re taking, and providing an estimated return time, serve as a second form of safety communication. If you can’t do the watch method which isn’t vital as not everyone has watches like these, you should definitely being doing to verbal method.
Apple AirTag: Simple but Effective
Although this section is titled, Apple AirTags, this whole section encompasses all tracking devices, like the AirTags, or your phone and even things like your earphones. I keep an Apple AirTag on my keys when I run. It’s lightweight, discreet, and lets my family track my location. For a low-cost device if you’ve got an iPhone and are in the Apple ecosystem, it offers huge peace of mind.
There are similar tracking devices like these available if you haven’t got an iPhone.
Whether I’m running through the city or on a quiet trail, it’s one more layer of safety that lets me focus on my run, not on what might happen.
Although these got a lot of negative press when these came out because of their covert tracking ability, it’s that same covert tracking ability that could keep you safe because of the ecosystem that this lives in, you are going to be more trackable in real time.
Stay Warm, Stay Dry — Winter Layers
Winter adds another challenge to running: staying warm. A good thermal layer keeps you warm without overheating, and a waterproof jacket can be a lifesaver in sleet or snow.
Don’t forget gloves and a hat, frozen fingers make holding keys, water bottles, or even adjusting your watch miserable.
When you’re prepared for the elements, you’ll feel safer and more confident out there.
Running should never feel like something to fear. It should be a chance to grow stronger, clear your mind, and connect with yourself. The reality is, though, some of us feel unsafe when we step out the door. That’s not fair, but until things change, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
There are of course many other ways of protecting yourselves like, being in contact with someone on the phone, getting regular check ups while your out, joining running clubs or running with pets, which puts safety in numbers and running on known roads or in built up, populated areas.
The tech I’ve mentioned in this article, the lights, reflective gear, headphones, trackers, these aren’t just tools, they’re ways to reclaim your run and your confidence.
Running is for everyone and while there are people out there who will try to take advantage of that, together, we can make it safer for all of us.
Stay safe, stay seen, and let’s keep running.
If you would like to see the video version of this article, check out the YouTube link below:
