Running on the Street vs Sidewalks

bshedwick
bshedwick Posts: 659 Member
edited October 5 in Fitness and Exercise
On my normal running routes, its a mix between sidewalk and no sidewalks. In order to get any kind of decent distance in, I am forced to run on the side of the road. Since I've been running a lot more often, my wife is getting more concerned with me running on the street (especially at night, which I do often). I'm training to do 2 half-marathons next year, so I have to put a lot of distance in.

I just bought an ankle reflector and flashing light to wear at night. If I'm going to be out for long and farther away from the house, I always bring my ID with me, and I always bring my iPhone to listen to my running mix.

What else do you think I could do to help ensure my safety, and assuage my wife's fears?

Does anyone else have a spouse or significant other that doesn't want them running on the road?

Replies

  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    personally, i'd rather get hit by a car then wear a reflector vest or a flashing light, lol. but i also don't run with my headphones in. i just dislike the people that are oblivious to the world while running or cycling. maybe you can run with just earbud in? maybe find a bike bath you can follow?
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Reflective clothing, no music (so you can hear traffic around you). The only times I've ever had issues with traffic is when I wasn't paying attention. It's a lot easier/safer to be defensive and stay out of their way rather than hoping/expecting them to stay out of yours.
  • LeanMeanFitnessMachine
    LeanMeanFitnessMachine Posts: 659
    Bring your dog for protection! Lol, thats what I do, but then again I'm a girl.
  • AmyW125
    AmyW125 Posts: 303 Member
    A teacher friend of mine just got killed running. Father of 4 young kids.Be safe!!!!! I run on the sidewalks now and won't run when it's dark....freaked me out!
  • Shayyy01
    Shayyy01 Posts: 290 Member
    My jacket and shoes have reflectors in them, my Future Hubby hates when i run at night. So i bring pepper spray and flash light.
  • AZTrailRunner
    AZTrailRunner Posts: 1,199 Member
    I NEVER run on the sidewalks, only on the shoulder.

    I mainly run at night, so for my safety I wear: a reflective vest, reflective waist belt with Innova 24/7 strobe on the rear, and blinker on the front, reflective ankle bands, and a high power headlamp for getting the attention of drivers about to pull out in front of me. My sons stroller looks like a TRON vehicle with the reflective tape and Xmas lights and miscellaneous blinkers and headlights strewn across it. I've only had a few complaints from incoming aircraft. :-P
  • tashajasmine
    tashajasmine Posts: 37 Member
    My dad and husband take comfort in knowing my dog is running with me. She is a 60 pound pitt/chow/golden retriver mix. Maybe you need a big dog.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    Running on the streets is actually safer when it comes to minor injuries. Sidewalks are uneven and can cause IT band problems, sprained ankles, or falls. I'd keep running on the street, against traffic, with no headphones. Shoes with reflectors are good, but the blinking lights are just dorky :smile:
  • conchita962
    conchita962 Posts: 327 Member
    Get a reflective vest and put the lights where people can see them!!! I'd rather look like a dork and stay alive then risk being hit by someone who couldn't see me!! I have a friend that happened to and by the grace of God she didn't get seriously hurt. They also have head lamps and hand lamps to help you see where you're going and make you more visible.

    I ya wanna be alive to run those half marathons then make yourself impossible for people NOT to see you. That may make your wife less worried about you.

    Please be safe!
  • pfeiferfit
    pfeiferfit Posts: 138 Member
    I run at night too. Wear WHITE not black. And reflective strips. AND one of those cheap flashing lights on your hat or something if you can (lame but safe, and even lamer is being road pizza.)
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    My wife bought me a reflective vest for the same concerns. I also have a headlamp, but only wear it when I'm cycling in the dark or trail running.

    Also, No Music for situational awareness. Although where I run I can often see and hear a car several miles before it gets near me.
  • Sp1nGoddess
    Sp1nGoddess Posts: 1,134 Member
    I would wear flashers front and back, get a RoadID and attach to your shoe laces. They are ugly but a yellow reflective vest is a great idea. I avoid running in the streets around my home as people drive way too fast in the AM, it's just too scary. And I agree w/ above, on one earbud or no music. I almost turned right into a car once because I did not hear it and was not paying attention. You can also get a head lamp or knuckle lights. I also run facing traffic so I can jump to the side quickly if I think a car does not see me. Be careful!

    http://www.lightmyrun.com/
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    My running pals in rural communities swear by running head lamps like this as the best way to see and be seen:
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Cyba-Lite-Sprint-Led-Headlight/dp/B000EOQ3LM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1322500984&sr=8-3

    Wear a reflective running bib over whatever else you're wearing and please ditch the earphones - it's as important for you to hear traffic coming as it is for drivers to see you.
  • Faintgreeneyes
    Faintgreeneyes Posts: 729 Member
    Reflective Material, and no head phones! Especially in the dark, it is safer to be able to hear what is going on around you. Also run on the side of the road into traffic, that way you will see them and be able to move out of the way if you need to.
  • kunibob
    kunibob Posts: 608 Member
    I run on the sidewalk because the roads in my area don't have a shoulder, and are often single-lane due to all the parked vehicles, and street racing is too common. It does take its toll on my joints, unfortunately, and I am injured fairly often. :P

    For visibility, I wear: a yellow reflector vest, clothing with various reflector bits, a headlamp and I have this mini glowing green baton (I call it my lightsaber :P) that I attach to my back. It has a whistle on it, and I wear a Road ID bracelet as well. I don't use headphones for night running.
  • chatdude
    chatdude Posts: 39
    Just tell her youre a pro. Then get a big dog. Outfit the dog with a bunch of reflectors
  • bshedwick
    bshedwick Posts: 659 Member
    I run a lot with my lab. She can't keep up with me anymore :) I think my wife is more worried with me getting hit by a car than anything else. I understand her concern, but want to keep running and want to be safe.

    I think I might need to buy some more reflectors. Most of the off-sidewalk running that I do is in well lit areas, so that helps.
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