Getting your base training in during winter is a great way of keeping your fitness levels up and helping you prepare for next year’s race calendar but it’s important to stay safe when out running during the darker months. To help you be prepared we’ve put together some top tips for you to stay safe this winter.

1. Be seen and bright.

It’s important that you stay safe when running out in the dark and that may mean wearing a head torch and bright, reflective clothing. This will allow cars and other runners/cyclists to see you on the path and make yourself known to surrounding traffic.

2. Run with a friend

When running in the dark, the ‘safety in numbers’ rule applies.  Grab a friend or family member to go running with you, or if they prefer, cycle alongside you. Otherwise, there are lots of local running clubs that are usually open to new members. Doing this will help encourage you to get those miles in but also make you feel safer and less vulnerable.

3. Use your safety feature.

Despite the obvious of telling someone where you are going, why not also use the safety feature on your phones and smartwatches. Many watches allow you to put a live tracker feature on so your friends and family can track your running and know where you are.

4. Run in busier areas.

Try not to pick a route that takes you on isolated runs as this can be dangerous during the day, let alone in the dark. Pick your route carefully and try not to go on any new paths at night. Stick to well-lit areas where you know there will be others around. Remember, it’s important to mix things up, if you do try a new route only attempt this during the daylight hours.

5. Use one, or no headphones.

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, even when running during the day. However, the darker nights can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention, so why not ditch those headphones to ensure your runs are as safe as they can be! If you need those tunes or podcasts to get you through your cold, winter runs then why not try using 1 headphone so you can still be alert.

6. Take your mobile phone

Taking your phone on your runs can be very beneficial if you get into an accident or in case of an emergency. It’s useful to add your emergency contact saved as ICE (In Case of Emergency) so responders know who to call if needed. Having your phone is also a good call-in case someone else is injured and you need to contact emergency responders.

We want to hear from you!!!

If you have any more tips you would like to share with us, please don’t hesitate to send them to us at [email protected] and we will share them too!