You Are Invisible

Our community recently lost a runner to a tragic traffic accident. This makes each of us more aware of the need to be careful when we are out there on the roads. As the leader of the local Moms in Motion Run/Walk team, I have several tips I share with runners and walkers often. It may be my job, but truly it is the mother in me that feels the need to remind others to be careful out there repeatedly.

So here goes the safety “lecture” for the day:

You are invisible – Assume cars cannot see you. They may be thinking about work, texting, changing the radio station, eating a sandwich and heaven knows what else. You are small. You need to look for vehicles.

Look both ways – Never enter a street before looking both ways, twice.

Identify yourself – Wear some form of ID in case someone else needs to help you. Bring your license or wear a bracelet, necklace or shoe tag with your information on it. Road Id has a great selection of lasting ID items.

The buddy system – Running, walking or biking is more fun with a friend, and safer. Looking for a buddy? Join one of Elk Grove’s many teams, groups or training programs. Email me; I’d be thrilled to help you find one.

Cell Phone – Bring yours! If you fall and need a ride home, see a crime in progress, or bump into another walker who needs help, having your phone with you is worth it. Change the title of one person in your address book to I.C.E. for in case of emergency. Emergency workers can easily find this and call.

Stay out of the street – Elk Grove has an amazing number of green belts, paths, parks, and even tracks marked with distances. Still we find ourselves running on sidewalks near busy streets, often tempted to use the bike paths or run on the street. My motherly advice? If the cars are driving fast enough to kill you, stay on the sidewalk or find somewhere else to run.

Shaking your booty  – There is a time and place for shaking that booty. Running near a busy street—not so much. If you must bring along tunes, leave one ear open so you can hear what is happening around you.

Call your mother – or your husband, friend, or neighbor. Someone should know where you are off to. Even if it’s just a note on the counter.

As you plan your run for the day, consider these safety tips and know that part of being healthy for the next day is being there to see the sunshine tomorrow. Keep movin!