Running is a popular pastime for millions of people, but many more have yet to jump on board this particular exercise trend.
To show why it might be the right workout for you, here is a brief look at the benefits it offers and the things you can do to run without putting yourself in harm’s way.
Primary perks of running
Running is proven to be good for your health, not only in terms of providing short-term benefits like weight loss and increased stamina but also when looking to the long-term, with lower mortality rates recorded amongst runners compared with those who do not participate in this type of activity.
From strengthening your joints to helping you enjoy a higher quality of sleep, running can impact your physical health, as well as doing its bit to help you keep your mental health on an even keel. It can even help with your memory and minimize the impact of degenerative diseases.
Tackling the issue of glare
While it should be clear by now that running can benefit your body, there are also things to look out for which could impair you if you are unfamiliar with the risks involved.
Glare is an often overlooked complication, as running in strong daylight, especially in urban areas or on tarmac surfaces and tracks, can damage your eyesight and even cause temporary blindness in extreme circumstances. Thankfully with the right running sunglasses you can still enjoy outdoor exercise whatever the weather and keep glare and harmful UV rays at bay.
Ensuring you are visible
If possible it makes sense to run during the hours of daylight, especially if you are equipped with the aforementioned eyewear for protection. However, if this is not an option because of your schedule or the time of year, then making yourself visible when you are out on a run is vital for safety.
Runners are especially vulnerable to collisions with motorists and cyclists, so wearing bright clothing at all times is necessary. You should also avoid running in poorly lit areas because even with high-vis gear that reflects light, you could be difficult to spot.
Find a running partner
Running safety can be boosted significantly if you pair up with a pal or even join a group so that you are out on the streets together, rather than going solo.
This is useful for a variety of reasons, from boosting your visibility to ensuring that there is someone else there to get in touch with the emergency services if disaster strikes.
Bring your smartphone
Smartphones are an invaluable tool for everyday life and can be even more useful when running. As well as being able to help you track your progress and chart your routes, they can give others real-time updates about your location and also be a lifeline for if you get into trouble, or lose your way.
They are also a great way to reassure loved ones that you are OK if you are out on a longer run, which can avoid a lot of stress and strain in your closest relationships.
Avoid standard earphones
Finally, although you might be tempted to listen to tunes using your preferred headphones or earphones while running, this is a safety no-no as it leaves you incapable of hearing the world around you, which of course comes with all sorts of complications.
Instead, invest in runner-specific headphone products, the design of which will ensure that your ears are not totally swamped by sounds and you can still hear approaching traffic and other threats.
