Defensive Running

Maybe you're lucky and there's a trail head out your back door that leads to miles and miles of manicured dirt trails that are ideal for running.  Your work-out shoes have never known the black-top of a city street.  Lucky you!  Most of us aren't quite so fortunate, however, and are forced to spend at least some of our time running with traffic.  City streets are not the ideal place to run, but typically are an inevitable part of the plan.

When your running route includes city streets it's good to practice defensive running.  What do I mean by defensive running?  Defensive running is running with reduced risk by anticipating dangerous situations and avoiding them.  As a defensive runner, you predict mistakes that drivers will make and avoid unfortunate consequences.

Here are a few examples.  Intersections without crosswalks are an accident waiting to happen.  Do not assume that a driver pulling out into traffic from a side street sees you.  Believe me, they are concentrating on cars in the road, not pedestrians on the sidewalk.  Unless you make eye-contact and get a go ahead nod, assume the driver DOES NOT see you and pass behind the car.  Conversely, drivers waiting to enter a side street from a center turn lane have probably not noticed your approach and as soon as traffic clears, will dart across the road without a sideways glance.  Be especially careful on sidewalks surrounding shopping centers.  Although, the cars aren't usually moving at high speed, there are many distracting buildings and signs, and you as a runner just don't stand out amidst the chaos.

Obey traffic signals, including the "walk" and "do not walk" signs.  Don't assume you know the light cycle and anticipate the change from green to red.  Be patient.  Even when the light turns, wait to make sure the cars are going to stop before you head across the road.

When possible, run facing oncoming traffic.  If you're on a country road with a narrow shoulder, run where you are most visible--which may involve crossing the road frequently.  Beware of blind corners.  You can hear the cars coming and anticipate, but they can not hear you, so be ready.

Listen and use common sense .  If you hear squealing tires behind you, trouble is probably headed your way.  Never insist on your right-of-way--the stakes are too high.  In a battle with a car, you are going to lose every time.

If you're headed for the road, LACE UP and be safe!