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We asked
JW Cheryl Anker-Agata, owner of Off 'N Jogging Tours in Los
Angeles, for safety tips that would apply to women running
in a foreign destination. Cheryl says...
- Be aware of your surroundings.
If you must run in the early morning hours, or evening,
be sure you are running in well lit areas.
- Be careful of the terrain.
You don't know these routes. There are always a lot of pot
holes and cracks in the streets and sidewalks that can cause
major injury.
- Always carry some form of identification
in a wrist pocket. Another option is to write
your name and phone number on your shoes. Just be sure that
there will be someone at the other end to receive your call
if you need assistance. If travelling alone and staying
at a hotel, carry a card with the hotel phone number and
address. If allergic to medication, it is very important
to carry that information too. Note: It is a good idea to
carry a few dollars for emergency calls, taxis, or even
a much needed bottle of water.
- Wear light clothing
or a reflective vest if running in the early evening. Too
much to pack? Then try to at least bring along reflective
wrist or ankle strips.
- Dress appropriately to protect
your safety Respect the cultural norms of the
society that you are in. In countries where women dress
in loose clothing that covers them completely, avoid form
fitting jogging clothing. Make very sure that it is safe
for you to jog outdoors. In some countries, women have been
slapped or hit because local men have found their dress
and/or behaviour offensive.
- Vary the routes so
the running routine will not become obvious to others.
- Run against the traffic.
- Do not wear head sets
when running alone on the street. It is very difficult to
hear cars and sirens (or someone running behind you) when
you are preoccupied with music.
- Run across the street at crosswalks
and always pay attention to traffic lights. Drivers have
a bad habit of not looking for pedestrians. Be sure to make
eye contact before crossing in front of a car. Take note,
too, of where the flow of traffic is coming from. For example,
in England, cars have a funny way of sneaking up on you.
- If staying in an unfamiliar area,
try to find a running partner. Staying at a B&B?
The owners, their neighbours or one of their children might
be a runner. They'll probably enjoy sharing their running
time and route with a new partner.
- If staying at a hotel, ask the
concierge for nearby, safe running routes, or
possibly a school track. Check with sports shops and local
running clubs for interesting route information. Or, ask
at the local women's bookstore. Someone always knows another
woman who jogs. The next thing you know, you've made a new
friend
Safe journeys!
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