Trail running is a great way to get some exercise while also enjoying being out in nature. But while trail running can be great for your health, it can also open you up to certain dangers that you may not experience with other forms of exercise.
So to help ensure that you’re as safe as possible when you’re exercising in this way, here are three tips for staying safe while trail running.
Know The Route You’re Going To Run
One of the great things about going trail running is that you can get a change of scenery and explore new areas. But while this can be a benefit, this can also be a bad thing if something happens to you while running and no one knows where to find you.
To keep this from happening to you, Ashley Boyer, a contributor to Shape.com, recommends that you research every route that you are going to run before you head out there and that you give someone the information of where you’re going. Along with this, you should also let someone know when you plan to run, how long you plan to go for, and when you’ll be back. Even if you just send a text to your best friend or your mom, having someone out there who’s waiting to hear back from you can help keep you safe in a variety of different situations.
Watch Out For Wild Animals
When you’re trailing running, one thing you’ll want to keep an eye out for are wild animals.
Depending on where you live, you might have some ferocious animals that frequent the same trails you’re running on. To help you protect yourself, Sarah Wassner Flynn, a contributor to Women’s Running, recommends that you always run with some form of protection on you. In some cases, having a whistle or spray could be helpful. In other areas, keeping a small handgun on you might be the best protection.
Be Aware Of Your Surfaces
According to Lisa Jhung and Brian D. Sabin, contributors to Runner’s World, trail running is actually easier on your body than running on cement or a treadmill because the ground beneath your feet is softer. That being said there are still surfaces that you’ll need to look out for on the trail.
Roots, holes, mud, and other surfaces can trip you up or cause you to slip while you’re running, which could result in an injury. So to avoid this, consider slowing down as you trail run so that you can keep yourself aware of your surroundings and your footing.
If you’re about to start trail running and want to ensure that you’re keeping yourself as safe as possible, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this.… Read More..