What does running safely mean to you today?
Reflective gear mostly. Bringing a phone in case of an accident. Male 47
Staying off busy roads, avoiding cars, people and dogs. In the daylight with my phone.
Female 29
For me running safely means being outside and not in a gym on a treadmill. I take precautions to avoid becoming overheated and always let my partner know the route that I am taking and my anticipated return time. As a woman, I would never go running alone at night, even with safety gear. Female 39
Being a smart runner with traffic. The runner has a duty to watch for cars and avoid them. Male 22
I do always carry a pepper spray, but I have never been in a situation where it was needed. I make sure to wear reflective clothing if I know it will be getting dark while I’m out for a run. It is also important to wear properly fitting shoes to stay safe by avoiding injury. Female 35
Letting someone know where I’m planning to run, letting them know of any major changes to my plan. Carrying some means of defense (pepper spray), having thought through how to act in case of an encounter with a dangerous person, and preferably knowing basic safe defense. Not running with loud music in the dark, and not running with buds in both ears. Wearing visible apparel or accessories, and adding light in the dark such as a headlamp or feet lights. Also, since this is Florida, staying away from the wetlands at dusk during alligator mating season. Female 41
Making sure I have a charged phone, making sure people know where I am and my GPS tracker is on, and wearing the appropriate clothing to let people know I’m out there. Female 33
Wearing appropriate clothes and footwear. Running in safe public areas, whilst maintaining appropriate social distances. Female 32
Not tripping or being hit by cars. Male 32
It means paying attention to the weather conditions, who is around me and where I choose to run. Female 30
Running safely means choosing apparel and shoes that are effective and comfortable. It is important my shoes work with my stride rather than against to prevent injuries. It’s also important to use reflective lights when running at night and warm clothing when the temperature begin to drop. Female 24
Running safely is being able to run without fear of encountering problems. It means being visible for others around you to prevent collisions. Its also protecting your body from overuse harm. Male 26
Carrying mace, letting spouse know my route, lights in the dark. Female 47
For me it means being visible when near traffic areas, having the ability to call for help should I be injured during a trail run, and running in groups when possible. Male 39
Wearing orange for hunting season.
Female 33
My cat not jumping on my treadmill while I am using it. Female 25
Be aware of your surroundings. Be ready for everything just in case. Pay attention to all vehicles and animals. Female 35
Right equipment, being aware of your surroundings, running buddy at a distance of 6+ft, running outside and avoiding gym and enclosed areas. Female 32
Lights at night. Male 32
If road running: It means running without headphones/music, being aware of traffic/surroundings, and now that it’s fall/winter I run with a headlamp. If trail running: I wear an ankle brace, appropriate shoes, I make sure I know where I’m going, and during winter I sometimes bring micro-spikes for snow/ice. Male 41
Making sure I’m visible, that my husband knows I’m out running and where I’m going, how long I should be gone. I pay attention to my surroundings and I run routes I’m familiar with. Female 27
Anywhere there is a trail, sidewalk or track is safe enough for me. Male 44
Running in open air with few people on non-trafficked roads and trails. Female 60
Not getting hit or bit. Male 35
Headphones low to hear car/people, pepper spray and reflective gear/lights for running at night/dusk. Female 30
Being seen in the dark is 100% my biggest concern. Male 33
Altering the time and the course I run as the seasons change so I can be safe by running where there is other foot traffic, safe roads, good lighting, and safe conditions. Female 40
Running safely includes being able to comfortably exercise through the streets without worrying about any harmful objects, threats or violence towards me. It means that I am able to freely enjoy the scenery while getting my workout in. Male 30
The right kind of running shoes as well as running form is important. I make sure my shoes fit well and are customized to my personal gait. I also stay safe by being aware on the road while running. If I run at night or in the morning hours, I make sure to wear something bright or reflective so cars and bikes see me from far away. Female 35
Being alert and being seen. Female 31
6 feet apart, no group runs. Male 27
Reflective gear and near houses for safety. Female 42
It’s important to stay alert while running outdoors. Don’t wear headphones or earbuds or anything else that might make you less aware of your surroundings. Staying safe while running involves the same common sense used to stay safe anywhere else, like avoiding parked cars and dark areas, and taking note of who is behind you and ahead of you. Female 25
Come home in one piece. Male 34
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