In a recent post I talked about my 40 by 40 goal and my resolution to focus more on my training and less on running races.

Part of my training has been making sure I get outside to run. I usually run on our treadmill, which is not my favorite, but it’s what works best with our current schedule.

Recently a friend’s husband has volunteered to watch their kids and ours so she and I can run together once a week (yes, he’s a saint). Running outside with a friend has been transformative. Compared to running on the treadmill, I find running outside almost effortless. It’s also a lot easier to do hill workouts and speed workouts outside.

Running outside again also means being properly equipped to run outside

Proper shoes and clothing are a given, but I’m talking about visibility and safety gear.

I was hit by a car while out for a run when I was 14 so I’m a little paranoid about safe running. I was very blessed and only sustained some minor, though long-lasting and painful injuries. It was dusk, but I was almost home, so I wasn’t too worried about on-coming traffic being able to see me. That was a mistake.

Back then there weren’t reflective clothes and day-glo jackets and blinking lights and all the other things we take for granted now. I know, because my mom and I looked for years before finally finding one neon windbreaker I could wear while running.

Here are some of my favorite ways these days to make sure I’m safe when I’m running:

1. Visibility

When I was in college I’d see girls wearing dark clothes, running after dark on dimly lit streets. It boggled my mind that they were so casual with their safety. If I’m running in lower light (and that’s a big if), I like to wear bright colors and lights. I do this on overcast days as well.

I haven’t purchased any day glo shirts in several years because quite a few recent races have had day glo race shirts. The kids gave me the lightweight jacket several years ago for my birthday.

I’ve seen lots of people with this type of reflective vest, but this light-up vest  seems like it would be more visible, as does this cool one that looks like you’re wearing super long glow necklaces wrapped around your body. I haven’t needed a heavier jacket yet, but I have my eyes on this one that has reflective details for this fall.

I have these  and these glowing and flashing LED arm/leg bands, but I want to get some knuckle lights as well. This chest light looks like it might be worth a try also, especially if I’m running in the dark and want to see where I’m going. (updated 9/18: I received these knuckle lights for Christmas and love them!)

An Editor’s note in The Inbox section of the May 2017 issue of Runner’s World stated that moving, flashing lights are more noticeable than bright colors in attracting drivers’ attention. I like to cover all my bases though, so I prefer bright colors AND lights 🙂

2. Safety

I don’t listen to music when I’m running outside because I like to be able to hear nature (and approaching vehicles). That said, I do carry my phone with me so I can make or receive a phone call if needed.

I’ve had several belts, but since phones keep getting bigger, I have to keep getting bigger belts. This belt is the one I currently have for my iPhone 6S, and there’s plenty of room for my phone in its Lifeproof case (totally worth the money with how the boys treat my phone) as well as a key and Shotblox (I can’t stand gels). The belt has a large, adjustable plastic buckle. If you prefer a belt without a buckle, this belt is an option that looks good. (updated 9/18: that first belt also fits my new iPhone 8 in its OtterBox Defender case)

I’ve carried pepper spray while running since I was in high school, and while I’ve only had to use it once, it makes me feel a bit safer. I’ve got this one, but I’ve had it for a number of years and it’s probably time to get a new one. This one has an elastic strap that would make it easier to hold on to while running.

I don’t yet have an ID tag, but it’s on my list of things to get. I have my ICE info on my phone, but since I lock the screen, that’s not actually going to be helpful if something happens to me. An ID tag would provide that info regardless of whether my phone is locked, or even with me. I’ve been meaning to order one from RoadID (not an affiliate link) for awhile. It reminds me a bit of the metal ID bracelets my parents had us wear when we were kids.

Final Thoughts

While all these things can help, that’s all they do: help. When it comes down to it, I think a lot of staying safe while running comes down to a few things:

Use common se
nse. Don’t do stupid stuff. Be aware of your surroundings.

Do you have any favorite items of safety gear that I didn’t mention?