Many, like me, find running on a treadmill terribly boring. The roads are full of interesting sights and sounds (and smells). There’s a lot of research that shows why you should be spending more time outdoors. Running on the roads gives you the opportunity to run with friends, who can provide motivation and conversation.
However, there are some precautions you should observe while running on our roads:
1. Visibility. In Chennai, most of us like to avoid the sun, which means we run when it is fairly dark. It is extremely important that you are visible to motorists and bikers. So, wear bright reflective clothing and shoes — most running gear have reflective elements on them to enhance visibility. You could also wear bands with LED lights on them for extra safety. If it is very dark and you are running in poorly-lit areas, a head-mounted LED lamp will be helpful.
2. ID. Another essential is to carry some identification with you while you run, for any unforeseen situations. A laminated card with your details and emergency contacts is good. A wearable band like the Road ID, which has these details etched on it is even better. Either way, ensure you don’t go out for your run without carrying something which will help passersby/medical staff identify you and take appropriate action in case of any emergency.
3. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This includes traffic, passers-by, obstructions, potholes, open trenches or manholes. If you want to listen to music, keep the volume low and the headphones loose, so ambient noise can reach your ear. You could consider using only one of the earpieces. It’s easy to get lost in your run or your music, so make sure you do not zone out completely from your surroundings.
4. Run against traffic. This means you can see oncoming vehicles and keep away from them. Vehicle drivers can also see you better.
5. If you are running in a group, run in single file on busy or narrow roads.
6. Do not wear any jewellery during a run.
7. Before you step out for your run, tell your family or friends where you will be running and when you expect to get back.
8. Carry a whistle, especially for women. This can be very practical for calling for help or scaring people off if you feel you are in an unsafe situation. Run with a buddy or a running group wherever possible. Ask your local running chapter to inform the local police station on standard running routes and times so they can increase patrolling there.
9. Run on familiar routes. Running alone at night is not the time to discover new routes. Many roads may be too narrow to avoid traffic in, and may pass through unsavoury locations. And you may get lost finding your way back.
10. Carry a mobile phone. Yes, running is liberating and a lot of people like to stay unwired during one. But there are many reasons why you should carry along a phone. You can call people if you get lost or have any problems. There are various apps that help you run safer. Some broadcast your location to friends/family so they know where you are at any time. There are also apps that let you send emergency messages or call select contacts with your location, on the press of a button.
11. Carry some cash, preferably small notes to buy a drink or a bite if you get too thirsty/hungry during a run. And for bus/auto fare back home if you decide to cut short your run midway.
Happy, and safe running!
The writer is an avid Chennai Runner. You will often see him shuffling, blearyeyed, around Boat Club or Marina beach, having woken up too late to join the more sensible prebreak-of-dawn runners. He loves participating in running events, and has completed numerous marathons and half marathons.
