Even if you’re not a parents, runners can adjust to back to school time, and probably should take some time to consider how the start of the academic year can impact their sport.
Be Mindful Of Traffic
Kids back in school means so much more traffic. This is a two fold concern for runners. First, more cars means runners need to pay a little bit more attention to people at intersections and coming out of driveways who may not be paying the attention they should. Second, runners who travel to the gym or other locations to run will need to build in extra time to ensure their own schedules don’t get interrupted.
Watch Out For Crowding On Sidewalks
Those once-open sidewalks may now fill up with school underway. If you live in an area with walkers and bike riders, you’ll need to keep both eyes open. Be a little more cautious when navigating your walking paths, as it’s easy to turn an ankle or trip when trying to pass or get around people.
You May Have To Take Your Track Workout On The Road
While some schools allow the public to use their tracks (this is not the case where I live), the return of classes may shift your regular schedule. You may have to change your times in order not to interfere with school hours, or you may have to put track workouts on pause entirely, until schools are back on break.
Watch Out For School Busses
I don’t know why, but school busses can really bring out the reckless drivers. Busses are big and hard to see around, so be cautious when trying to cross or work around them on foot.
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How to you adjust for back to school season? Do you need to make any special arrangements?
Our schedule pretty much stays the same all year, but there is definitely more traffic once school starts. Not looking forward to that!
We are finally past the back to school days! It is important to watch the traffic and the school buses when on foot and in your car. good reminders
I’m glad that the school keeps the track open for other athletes to use.
We have a child care centre near our home. When they open up again we will have the sound of kids playing again. I rather miss it when they’re gone!
Great timing! Today is the first day of school here. Yes, I think just about everyone will feel the impact even if they don’t have kids. Especially with all the schools (elementary, middle and high school) starting at different times, it seems like the school traffic goes on and on for hours. All good tips here! Yes, I bet a lot of people will lose their tracks. Our schools don’t allow people to use the track even during summer, so that part doesn’t affect me.
Thanks for the reminders.
It also means I’ve been procrastinating about getting to the track. I’m running out of time.
Ha! At first I thought this wouldn’t apply to me since I don’t have kids. Obviously, I was wrong. Yes, with kids and buses everywhere it’s important to stay aware.