Running Safety

It is such a busy time everywhere at the moment, on the roads, the beaches the bush tracks, I myself just went for a gutsa in the Noosa National park! I know what you are saying ‘What’s new? you are always falling over”... so I am writing some safety tips to adhere to when running...and maybe I will read them myself!!

Running on the Beach
It seems like the most wonderful thing to do, so easy, joyful, free spirited…yeah right!! Running on the beach can be tough!
1. Be aware that running on the hard sand can be tough on the legs and joints, sometimes hard sand can be as hard as concrete, so the impact can be just as strong.
2.  It may feel great to run in bare feet but be aware, it can cause pain through your feet from the flat footed impact, or blisters or cuts and grazes from shells and rocks
3. Some nasties get washed up onto the shore, at the moment blue bottles are on many beaches and they will still give a sting even out of the water
4. Soft sand running is tough and puts a lot of pressure on your calves and Achilles
5. No water taps are on the beach and I find that the sea air makes you really thirsty so take a drink or make sure you can access one

Road Running
There are standard rules that runners should be aware of when running on the road
1. If there is a footpath or track along side the road use it
2. If you have to run on the road shoulder, run towards the on coming traffic so you can see whats coming and know when to get over
3. Always wear light coloured clothing and never assume that cars can see you, often they are looking at other cars not people, you need to be watching the traffic constantly
4. When on pedestrian/cycle shared paths run on the left and over to the side, it’s courteous to other runners and walkers and if a cyclist is coming from behind you can easily go around
5. If running with music in your earphones, try to leave the right one out, that way you can hear things coming from behind in one ear…and please do not sing loudly (that tip is for the safety of the other runners going past)
6. Tie your shoelaces in Double knots

Bush Running
I love running in the bush in this weather as it is usually shaded and cooler...but there are plenty of hazards here
1. This weather brings out the snakes and all manner of creepy crawlies, so keep an eye out. If you see a snake on the path, don’t try to run over it or around it, turn on you heal and run back the way you came
2. Try not to run alone in the bush...if you do make sure you tell someone where you
are going and how long you plan to be. Carry your mobile and make sure you have ID
3. Make sure you know where you are going, study the maps and never run in an area you are unsure of
4. When running in the bush you need to look down, the paths can be hazardous and difficult, you need to run differently. You will need to take smaller steps and lift your feet higher, and don’t worry about your speed, just worry about not tripping or falling
5. If in a group, run single file, often bush paths are smaller and have many twists and turns, you don’t want a  head on collision, or be impaled by a barefoot surfer with a long board (aka Noosa National Park)

Running in Summer
It’s bloody hot out there at the moment.
1. Don’t risk running on a course if you are not sure of the water taps, you may not think you need a drink but a couple of kms in your tongue maybe hanging out, and there is nothing worse than running and trying to find a tap. Take your own drink if you are unsure…or just stick to the courses where you know you can grab a drink
2. Wear a hat, heat stroke in Summer is common to runners
3. Wear sunscreen, even early in the day you can get  burnt
4. I always say if I haven’t run before 7am in Summer it has to wait until after 4pm..don’t run I the middle of the day, especially in QLD