My Running Gear for a Safe Outdoor Workout
In this post, I want to highlight running/walking attire that I wear/carry with me on outdoor exercises for safety & visibility.
As the weather warms, we're all itching to head outdoors for our daily exercise routines. As a Taurus, I take any opportunity to head outdoors & prefer to work outside. However, there are other factors to take into account when I work outside. If you recall, my mom was on a walk {in her own neighborhood} & was attacked from behind by the {asshole} neighbor's wolf-dog. Personally, I have almost been attacked by {neglagent} dog owners' dogs in my neighborhood & almost hit a few times by drivers not looking at the road.
Today, more than ever, I take walking/running safety very seriously--whether that would be some sort of attacker or a distracted driver. While I jog on a busy road, many of my 'close calls' have happened in the neighborhood where I live as the driver doesn't look when backing out or is looking at their phones while driving--I even had many times when they roll right through a stop sign. Hello, it's not there for decoration, it says STOP.
Below, I want to share a few garments & accessories I take with me on my daily outdoor walks and runs.
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| Safe running gear for women |
My Running Gear for a Safe Outdoor Workout
- A High Vis Vest: I wear a High Vis Vest all the time now. I have a bigger one that goes overcoats and a smaller one for summer workouts. I feel better knowing that on-coming traffic can see me & I think it offers a bit more protection as it does draw attention, if something were to happen, possibly, someone else could spot it going on.
- Mace: Since the dog attack, I carry mace. I love this SABRE one because of the way it fits in my hand/around my knuckle. Also, it's bright pink.
- Bright Coats: Similar to the High Vis Vest, I wear a bright pink running coat when the weather calls for it. Again, it increases my visibility. This one is Lauren James.
- Athletic Sunglasses: Recently, I invested in this sporty prescription {from Zenni} sunglasses. I like how they block out the sun & protect my face from any sun damage from spending too much time outdoors.
- Pink Hat: I wear a pink hat to shield my face from the sun, but also to increase visibility.
- Club: When I go for a *casual* walk in my neighborhood, I carry a club. While the wolf-dog neighbors have since moved, another family, of the same breed moved in with a huge dog that doesn't stay in its own yard--yet the owners feel that that is okay. If anything charges at me while I have my club, you know what will happen.
You can also add items like a reflective tap to your hat/shoes or attach a reflector to your shirt while running/walking outdoors. Many times, I practice vigilance when working out outside. I do it without music, so I can hear anything coming. I walk with traffic, & pay attention to yards that are known to have large dogs.
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| His Visibility Running Gear |
It's also a good idea to look up sex offenders in your area & know if you pass any of their homes while exercising. The {same former wolf dog house} neighbors next door have a sex offender living there.
I practice different scenarios in my mind on what to do or where would I run if something were to happen...it's nice having a plan...just in case.
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| Running Shades |
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| Mace |
It's not being nosey, it's being smart, paying attention to your surroundings, & having a few simple items or plans on hand if something were to happen while you were out.
Regardless, there is no better feeling than the end of a good run or a brisk walk. Enjoy the warmer weather, just be safe along the way.
Follow @katelynchef on Instagram.
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| @katelynachef on Pinterest |
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