GTU-Safety Tips for Winter Exercise


We got to talk safety today with Jessie on Good Things Utah!!! Remember that with the proper preparation and plan, running in the dark can be a fun change. Plus sometimes we love to not be able to see where we are running or how far we have to go! ;) If you missed it, click on the link below to view.

 
 Whether you are an early morning runner or you hit the pavement after work, this time of year can really mess with your running routine as the light hours diminish and the long, dark days of winter set in. Although running in the dark is a challenge, it is not impossible and can actually be a nice change of pace. There is just a little more preparation and awareness that goes into it! Here to talk a few quick points about safety when it comes to getting outdoors and exercising this winter!
 

BE SEEN. It's important to remember that just because you can see a car doesn't mean its driver can see you. Being seen is the first step to running safely in the dark. Wear light colored, high-visibility clothing with retro-reflective properties such as the NathanSafety Retro-Reflective Vest and the new Black Lit light...it has lights built in! Lululemon also has an awesome reflective line of clothing out right now and they really pay attention to all the little details to make you safe! One less thing for me to worry about bringing. These clothing items reflect light back to its source, such as a car headlight, which allows you to be seen more visibly in dark or lowlight conditions. And let's be honest, when we think safety we immediately think Nathan products! They lead the industry with the latest and greatest to keep you safe! On top of clothing, add a few of the Nathan Strobe lights around your body. They say if you can put multiple points of light on your body, the faster you are recognized by cars as a human! It may be smart to wear a hat or visor also to shield your eyes from the oncoming lights. Hey, even strap a light onto the brim of your hat or visor!

BE SMART. You may be well seen by traffic only to roll your ankle in a pothole while running down a dark street. It pays to do your homework and create a few "dark" loop courses in your neighborhood. Run them by day to evaluate the conditions of the roads and seek out routes that offer wide roads for plenty of room to run, street lamps to light your way and sidewalks. Make mental notes on where potholes and other obstacles are located. Run shorter loops on harsh weather days when visibility is poor and footing is risky. Light your path with a hand held light or headlamp, like the NEW Zephyr Fire Hand Torch by Nathan.  Plus it even has an alarm for safety!!! Awesome, right!?! Doing so will allow you to run more relaxed and with better quality.

BE AWARE. Run with a buddy or in groups when possible. We all know that we shouldn’t go out in the dark alone and that goes for both men & women. We have always been told that there is safety in numbers and this is still true!! Plus cars will more easily see a group of reflective runners. Always run against traffic and avoid busy roads with narrow streets and no sidewalks. Vary your routes, wear an ID, and bring a cell phone in case of emergency. Leave a note at home with the route you are taking. There are also some cool apps out there, such as Glympse, which allows your family and friends to track where you are on the run. Avoid listening to music and be in tune with your surroundings when running alone. Play the weather card in extreme weather conditions and hit the treadmill. You'll get in a better quality workout and be back on the roads safely when the weather subsides.

With these tips, you have taken all the needed safety precautions to take the stress off of the conditions so you can relax and focus on your workout!


And HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!
 

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