Running Safety

There was a post here recently about the same type of concern (and you're smart to be concerned for safety). Some of the ladies said they carried small canisters of made or pepper spray, or whistles, and some even carried weapons.

I've never paid attention to what kind of shoes I wore while running. If they feel good on my feet - I run in them.

As far as safety while running on the trail - I would say don't listen to any music so you can hear if anyone is approaching you, have your cell phone with you and mace (pepper spray). I suppose you can text a friend and let them know that you are going out running and then text them when you are back home. That way they would know to check in on you if you don't text back.

Good luck and enjoy your runs.

Simple, but effective advice!

When I run; I wear my road ID dog tags with a small can of pepper spray on the neck chain. I also have a sport tracker app that my husband can follow my run to see where I am. I always tell him where I'm running to, how far and how long so he knows where I am. Even if he's gone I text him so we can check in. I always scan my surroundings too. Keep a look out for behind you etc and watch people. My husband is a former PO so I've been taught all about keeping my eyes open lol. If I could run with my gun I would but it's way too risky. I live way out in the country but I still don't trust basic strangers.

i was.....running a lot, say 65-70miles per week. Now...meh'. What you'll find in Trail Shoes vs. Running Shoes is in the construction. Trail shoes offer a different lug pattern for more grip,...a wider heel for more off-road stability, and tend to be stiffer with a firmer sole. All of these are not so great when road/sidewalk running. Ps...skip the new minimalist running trend...i swear they were created by a Podiatrist looking for more business.

If you are a casual runner...determine your foot pattern...High arch, meidum arch, or low arch...very easy to do, stand with a wet foot on tile and look at the pattern. Next look at your walking shoes...every day pumps will do, check the heel wear pattern. Are you a Pronator...Supinator, or Neutral (look up the differences). Also note the width of the forefoot..do you need a wide toebox for instance.

Once you have this information, you will know what type of shoe to buy...the next is what brand. Avia have always been more women friendly, due to the tighter heel cup, and the shape of the Achilles cut out. Also look at Brooks, and the gold standard is Asics.

If you are heavy, look to New Balance..all of their seemingly stupid numbers actually have meaning and are geared to specific weights and foot types.

If you can do the foot mechanic assessment by yourself, then look to runnersworld.com for which shoe to buy...then look around for the rihgt price...Zappos is very good. If you cannot do the measurements, or are unsure. Go to Fleetfeet, or another reputable RUNNING store...note running is in caps, as the guy at Foot Locker has not a clue. A good store may ask to see you run a bit so dress properly...they are looking at your impact position, and on your gait....are you a heel striker....mid foot...fore foot?....

Running is easy, getting setup for running is bit tough, but it is worth it...the amount of downward force generated in running needs to be compensated for in the knees, and the feet, poor shoes will rebound the energy upwards to the knees and lower back.

also...find a running buddy, another woman or man in the neighborhood....never run with both headphones in (you'll get hit by a car or cyclist).....

Remember...the race is not to the swift....but to those that keep on running

i was.....running a lot, say 65-70miles per week. Now...meh'. What you'll find in Trail Shoes vs. Running Shoes is in the construction. Trail shoes offer a different lug pattern for more grip,...a wider heel for more off-road stability, and tend to be stiffer with a firmer sole. All of these are not so great when road/sidewalk running. Ps...skip the new minimalist running trend...i swear they were created by a Podiatrist looking for more business.

If you are a casual runner...determine your foot pattern...High arch, meidum arch, or low arch...very easy to do, stand with a wet foot on tile and look at the pattern. Next look at your walking shoes...every day pumps will do, check the heel wear pattern. Are you a Pronator...Supinator, or Neutral (look up the differences). Also note the width of the forefoot..do you need a wide toebox for instance.

Once you have this information, you will know what type of shoe to buy...the next is what brand. Avia have always been more women friendly, due to the tighter heel cup, and the shape of the Achilles cut out. Also look at Brooks, and the gold standard is Asics.

If you are heavy, look to New Balance..all of their seemingly stupid numbers actually have meaning and are geared to specific weights and foot types.

If you can do the foot mechanic assessment by yourself, then look to runnersworld.com for which shoe to buy...then look around for the rihgt price...Zappos is very good. If you cannot do the measurements, or are unsure. Go to Fleetfeet, or another reputable RUNNING store...note running is in caps, as the guy at Foot Locker has not a clue. A good store may ask to see you run a bit so dress properly...they are looking at your impact position, and on your gait....are you a heel striker....mid foot...fore foot?....

Running is easy, getting setup for running is bit tough, but it is worth it...the amount of downward force generated in running needs to be compensated for in the knees, and the feet, poor shoes will rebound the energy upwards to the knees and lower back.

also...find a running buddy, another woman or man in the neighborhood....never run with both headphones in (you'll get hit by a car or cyclist).....

Remember...the race is not to the swift....but to those that keep on running

Excellent information! Thank you!

I am a single mother so when I go out for runs I text my derby sister my route and approximate return time. I text her again when I get back. I carry a very sharp knife because my gun is too heavy.

Ps...skip the new minimalist running trend...i swear they were created by a Podiatrist looking for more business.

Have you worn them? I have worn Vibrams for the past 3 years. While I was once plagued by knee and ankle problems they have now vanished. My work boots give me more feet problems than my minimalist shoes.