During the summer months, we often see people exercising outside. Although Corpus Christi is pretty safe for runners and walkers, it is good to know about different tips while out for your daily exercise.
From Road Runners Club of America:
DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES.
- Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during evening or early morning runs.
- Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.
- Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.
- Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe.Include any medical information.
- Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
- Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of public phones along your regular route.
- Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you’re unsure. If something tells you a situation is not "right", it isn’t.
- Alter or vary your running route pattern; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local RRCA club or running store. Know where open businesses or stores are located in case of emergency.
- Run with a partner. Run with a dog.
- Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.
- Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.
- Ignore verbal harassment and do not verbally harass others. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
- Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark. Avoid running on the street when it is dark.
- Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.
- Carry a noisemaker. Get training in self-defense.
- When using multi-use trails, follow the rules of the road. If you alter your direction, look over your should before crossing the trail to avoid a potential collision with an oncoming cyclist or passing runner.
CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately.
Pearl Briseno, Self Defense Coach at Presa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, says common sense before self-defense. Know your surroundings and be aware of who you’re in the presence of while working out. Also, if you choose to exercise alone, then let a family member or friend know of your location.
Briseno says that knowing basic self-defense moves will help stay confident while out alone. But, remember that during times of panic we often forget specific essential moves. Repetition and practice is key to safe self-defense that will protect you.
Presa BJJ also provides bully prevention classes for kids and other forms of self-defense that are geared towards women. You can find more info here by visiting their website here.
