Vegas Blue: Running Safety

Great year round weather brings many
races to the Las Vegas Valley
Photo by John Robert Taylor

Last year I decided to set an ambitious resolution and actually accomplish it for once. To give myself some luck, I chose my resolution in December of 2009 instead of the beginning of 2010. I couldn’t figure out what to do so I elected to wait until it just came to me and one day…it did.

I was watching television one evening and switched past MTV and a preview for “Made”, a series where young adults set goals contradictory to their lifestyle. A few days later I was watching another popular show called “The Biggest Loser” where the cast ran a marathon. At that moment, it hit me. Why couldn’t I do something like that? Just like the kids on “Made,” a marathon is an activity frequently completed by individuals who are nothing like yours truly. So that’s when I began running, creating a plan that would include the participation of several races throughout the year to keep me focused. The races began with a 5k this past Saturday and it will end with a half marathon or maybe even the “big one” in December of 2010.

I began to realize safety issues that every runner, jogger, or recreational walker should consider.

Why runners are vulnerable
There are the obvious health issues and risk of injury. However, I believe there’s reasons a runner is more vulnerable to violence than someone waiting for a bus or casually walking to work. Here’s a few I have in mind:

-Fatigue is a runner’s goal
A fatigued individual may have less energy than a violent offender or less agility than usual when a vehicle jumps the curb or a dog begins to chase them.

-Runners exercise when there’s less vehicle or foot traffic
It’s easier to run on the road or sidewalk when there are less cars and people. Many runners choose late nights or early mornings for training. The desert is cooler during these hours. Late nights are high crime hours where more violent criminals roam the streets and early mornings are when drowsy night shifters and drunks drive home. And the darkness adds hindered visibility to the equation. Situational awareness is paramount when training during these hours.

-Mood music
Are you pumped up for a better work out when listening to your favorite tunes? This can hinder an ability to hear vehicles or other sounds that may indicate some form of danger. Music is great and it gets me amped as well. The volume should be low enough to maintain situational awareness. If this isn’t comfortable, try keeping one ear bud out of the ear. Low volume is preferable because you have an equal ability to hear from all directions.

Runners are susceptible to dangers caused by unsavory characters, the environment, the elements, and even animals. Here are a few methods to change the odds in our favor:

Things you’ll “run” into
You can see many things on the path, trail, track, or roadway. If unsavory characters begin to approach, the best action to take is a “pit stop” in an open business. Sticking some high-powered pepper spray in a pocket or your waistband may help mount a defense against them as well as animals. Hecklers should be ignored as long as they’re just talking. Save your breath for the workout. Cross intersections and construction zones carefully.

Plan for safety
Exploration is better for groups not a single runner. So map out the path you’ll run and stick to it as much as possible. Try telling a loved one about the path or leave a copy.

Necessary equipment
As they always say, any job is easier with the right tools. This also applies to running.

John Robert Taylor models must-have running and safety gear
Photo by Julie K.

Look at the photo above. Please let me say that I am not an expert on running gear and obviously not an expert runner. I do however know a few simple equipment considerations may save some runners from injury and/or victimization.

-Eyewear
Visibility is important and so is eye protection. You can avoid what you can see and your vision is much more efficient if there’s no sand, dust, or dirt in your eyes.

-High Visibility Clothing
You don’t have to light yourself up like a Christmas tree however bright or reflective clothing is certainly the way to go. Many sports shops sell bright clothing and reflective vests, belts, or arm bands. The majority of quality running shoes are equipped with small amounts of reflective material.

-Identification and Communication
This is equipment most runners neglect to carry. A pouch or wallet carrying identification items and/or items with which to communicate would prove significant in the event of an emergency. In my pouch, I carry a valid ID card, my medical insurance card, a debit card, and my cellular phone.

-Weather gear
Whether it’s to fight chilly temperatures (i.e. my thermal shown above) or rain, the word that comes to mind when you don’t prepare for weather when running is misery. Never let what appears to be overcast fool you. Always wear sun block even if you’re dark skinned (this is a desert and all of us can burn).

-Body and Fitness Monitor
Whether it’s worn on your wrist, waist, or arm, some type of fitness monitor is a great tool. Knowing your pace, time, distance, and especially heart rate can make the difference between an optimum workout and over training. Over training is a major pre-requisite for injuries incurred by many runners. The prices range and they can get “up there” but you’ll get your money’s worth in features.

-Injury prevention gear
After an injury many years ago, I began to wear a knee strap while running. It’s not a magic product, but the pressure on my patellar tendon does help lessen pain during and after a run. If needed, injury prevention gear can ease your pain, allowing you to focus more on your workout.

Great scenery can enhance your workout
iStockPhoto.com/Anatoly Tiplyashin

-Proper footwear
Feet are very important and we only have two so make em’ last. Whether you’re a big guy like me or a hundred pounds lighter, the constant pounding from running can be a non-issue or a nightmare depending on the quality of your shoes. There are companies like Good Feet for example that will assist you in choosing the proper shoe or shoe inserts for your build and gait. In addition, there are multiple runners’ magazines that rank shoes and make recommendations. Do your research before investing in a pair. Also running socks are preferable to the discount package of six at a grocery store. Believe it or not, they’re not much more expensive and they make a huge difference.

A couple of my colleagues at Living-Las-Vegas.com are marathon runners and you can read more about their exploits here and here.

One of the greatest things about running in Las Vegas is the scenery and you don’t have to go off the beaten path to enjoy it. The beautiful colors of the Sin City sky, the snowy mountains, and the lights of the strip are beautiful distractions to the fatigue. Running in this valley can be more of an adventure than a workout. I hope I provided some insight into the safety issues with which every runner should be concerned. As always I’m sure, there’s someone out there with unique insight into this subject so feel free to share. Enjoy your workouts and stay safe.

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