Today, I want to talk about flexibility and safety.
Since I’ve begun this running journey, I’m finding I have become very… how shall we say… particular about my outings.
My shoes have to be laced a certain way. My ponytail has to be just-so. I have to travel in a certain direction, and my socks have to be perfectly positioned. I don’t know if it’s superstition or eccentricity or what, but I find myself hung up by some seemingly little things like a sliding ponytail or bunched sock. I like to keep things interesting, though, so I will throw myself a curve ball from time to time, just to keep things interesting. I don’t like being locked into inflexibility.
Today, I decided to try a brand new route. It’s one I speed walk with my friends when we don’t want to go so far. It’s a loop of about two miles, very shaded, curving through some beautiful farm properties. The view includes horses, cows, peacocks, and beautiful foliage. If you’re lucky, you get to hear the tigers roaring and wolves howling from within the confines of the private preserve on the one side. Oh, and did I mention the grazing zebras? No? Very cool.
As I set out, I kind of started rethinking my decision. I tend to stick to busy roads and neighborhoods for safety’s sake. This route would be a little more remote and not quite as well traveled. I do have pepper spray that I carry at night, but I didn’t think I would need it during the daylight hours (note to self: start carrying during the day as well). I determined that I would remove my ear bud (I only run with one in) once I hit the loop, in order to ensure that I would be more alert and vigilant to anything going on around me, and continued on my way.
I was most of the way up the road that opens into the loop when a rather large dog poked his head out of a driveway. He wasn’t leashed. There was a wall impeding my vision, so I couldn’t tell if there was anyone around who would be able to call him back should he decide I looked tasty. I’m not necessarily afraid of dogs, but I didn’t feel comfortable risking it if no one was around should I need help. I doubled back and decided to continue my run through another neighborhood.
This one is situated on a little bit of an incline, so I got an extra good workout to make up for the loss of peacock sightings. My focus was a little off from the sudden change of plan, but I pushed through it and the results made me very proud.
Today’s training session had me run a steady 30 minutes. In that time, I managed to log 3.08 miles at a pace of 9:44. And man, can I feel it in my legs and thighs. At the same time, it was a huge confidence booster for my 5K coming in (OMG)12 days(!). I think I’m going to do ok.
Do you find that you have some interesting quirks when it comes to your running routine?
How do you manage personal safety on your route?
You’re going to rock that 5k! I always tell the husband where I’m planning on running, and I wear a RoadID since I’ve stopped running with my phone. I don’t really have a choice but to run on anything but populated roads around here. Unleashed dogs scare the crap out of me. I totally would have turned around, too.
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I definitely need a RoadID, but I can’t leave my phone at home. I’m not necessarily scared of dogs, but I want to make sure that I have an exit strategy and possibly someone who will hear me yelling if I need it, and today was not the day.
It all depends on where I am. I don’t mind running in the dark in the an with lots of proper reflective wear and lighting if I am comfortable that I’m in a safe place.
Where I currently left however I stick to the treadmill in the early mornings.
That’s pretty darn cool that you basically have a private zoo to run though haha!
It’s the craziest thing! They do private tours, but I haven’t made it back there yet to actually see the animals. I will, though.
I never used to, but I now always carry my phone with me just in case something happens.
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Which is a great idea. I see a lot of talk about “naked running” but I just wouldn’t feel right without taking my phone with me. Not just for myself but in case I witness a car accident or see something happen along my way. It’s just a good precaution.
I once almost ran into a snake, kept going, and a few seconds later the realization that it was a poisonous copperhead hit me. I though what if I had stepped on it and it bit me. I was all alone on a trial by myself. Since then I always have my phone.
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That’s a really, really good reason. Yikes.
I run with a half dozen items attached all over. I’ve tried running “naked” but it just isn’t the same. I need the safeguard of my iPhone. I definitely recommend a RoadID too!
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I think I use three. The Road ID is definitely going to be my next purchase.
Definitely get a Road ID. Mine is on my shoe and I don’t have to think about it.
I never go out without my phone – half the time it’s shoved in my sports bra, but I can’t run without it.
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