The
mercury is climbing, and the warmer summer season is almost here. Day light
hours stretch for longer, which allows us more time to spend outdoors while
running or training. Whether you are doing it purely for personal health
reasons or if you are setting your sights on that next marathon, it is
important to make personal safety part of your training regime.
“Staying
safe while exercising outdoors is easy. We hope that by following this step-by-step
guide you will be able to focus all your attention on your training,” says
Fidelity ADT’s Group Head of Communications and Marketing, Charnel Hattingh.
- Carry some ID – Carry some form of
identification on you, so that any bystanders will know who you are and
who to contact in case of an emergency. Most exercise gear offer
small pockets for this very reason. - Safety in numbers – Hattingh discourages running
or cycling alone. Rather join a group of people who can look out for your
safety and also offer encouragement along the way when muscle pain or
cramps set in. - Tell someone – Another good idea is to
ensure someone you trust, knows that you are headed out for a run or
cycle, has an idea of the route you plan to take and when you expect you
will return. In this way, they can quickly raise the alarm if you do not
return as planned. - Be visible – Wear reflective clothing to
make sure you are visible to other road users. Run against traffic and
cycle with traffic. This makes you even more visible to others. If you
can, make use of pavements or any designated cycle tracks. - Vary your routine – Changing up your route
and training time makes it difficult for any would-be criminal to
anticipate your movements. The change in scenery can also make the physical
exertion more bearable. - Charge your phone battery – Make sure your cell phone
battery is fully charged so that you are able to call for help in case of
an emergency. It is also important to save the correct emergency contact
numbers on your phone, so that you can quickly contact the police, your
security company or your neighbourhood watch when you need them. - Mobile tracking – Find out from your
security company if they offer a mobile tracking app which can be
downloaded on your cell phone. This is an effective way of alerting
emergency service providers when you need them while also giving them your
accurate location, especially if you are running or hiking along a
mountain path or in a forest.
“Please
enjoy the pleasant summer conditions. We hope these tips will help you train
for your next big challenge in a safe and secure manner.”
