Before this past summer, I refused to run the pavement. As a matter of fact the only training I have ever done has been in a gym. I trained for a 5k in the gym and really all the running that I have ever done has been on a treadmill. I now realize why 5ks and everything else was so intimidating to me, hitting the pavement was not something my body was used to.
I realized pretty quickly that if I was going to do this half marathon I would have to do the unthinkable – – run outside in my neighborhood. I was always terrified to run outside, and not because of my neighborhood because I see runners outside all the time and my community is safe. I was just scared that I would look like a fool out the gasping and chugging along during my runs. The first time I ran outside I ran a very very fast 2 miles… I was so scared/nervous! Gradually I got used to it and I even liked it… Say what? I learned quickly though that there was certain rules to this game…
10 Safety Tips for City Running
1) Run on popular/busy roads
2) Map out route beforehand
3) Know what construction is happening before your run
4) Let someone know about your route
5) Wear your RunID, have some kind of emergency contact information on hand
6) If you have iOS8 make sure you program your information into the Health App. In case of emergency that information can be retrieved without a password.
7) Always carry money (I learned this lesson the hard way)
8) Make eye contact, say good morning/evening to fellow runners community members
9) Trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel good, run the opposite way!
10) Keep your music low, loud music can drown out car beeps and other important noises you need to hear!
Panasonic Wired Open Ear Headphones
Panasonic sent me a set of Wired Open Ear Headphones* to try out for my morning runs. When I heard about the concept I thought it was brilliant because of course I want to ear my music, but I NEED to hear car beeps, bicycle bells and etc too. My current headphones are noise cancelling which is perfect for the train, but dangerous on the streets.
[Tweet “10 Safety Tips for City Runners #runchat #openyourears”]
I was also worried about how they would work because I have tried to run with ear buds before and it was an EPIC fail. I have abnormally small parts of my ear that refuses to hold an ear bud no matter how small they are. These headphones fit perfectly right outside the ear, and somehow you can hear every song clearly yet you can hear everything outside as well because your ears are open. It is really one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
City running is truly one of the hardest and craziest ways to workout, you have to be constantly on guard, alert and these headphones do the job of helping you listen to your favorite tunes WHILE remaining vigilant and pounding the pavement. Often times during my long runs, I cross streets like these and there are cars coming from every angle!
Wired Open Ear Headphones is an awesome innovation which transmits sound vibrations through the upper cheek bones of the face to the cochlea of the inner ear, allowing a user to listen to music while still paying attention to outside sounds—like the beep of a car horn or someone’s voice!
I would highly recommend these headphones for runners that live in very urban areas and run outside, this way you can run and not sacrifice your tunes! You can get a pair of your own here!
*I was sent a pair of Wired Open Ear Headphones for review, but no other compensation was received and all opinions–as usual–are my own!
23 Comments
Running in the city is definitely very different! Just the few short blocks we had to run to CP was daunting with all the traffic and people. I hate all the stopping and starting at cross walks too. Arrghhh. Your tips are right on! And, around here I keep my music low to hear potential attack dogs!!
My husband actually has those headphones but I’ve never tried them. Maybe now I will… 🙂
Speaking of potential attack dogs……..I still can’t believe that happened to you!
Got to admit these are pretty damn neat and if I was a runner and pounded the pavement outside would totally look into these, because you are right you have to be able to hear all around you, but being able to listen to music this way is a bonus. And I have to look into the Health ID app allowing for your personal info. Haven’t taken a good look at this one yet, but definitely want to add to it now 🙂
YES the health ID app is so important! I love that new feature.
These are great tips! Even though I don’t run in the city, you have to be alert in the country for animals like bears (yes, bears!), farm vehicles on the street, and I keep my music at a reasonable level (read: low). I have never heard of open ear headphones but I may have to add them to my arsenal of headphones. I love my bluetooth wireless headphones but variety is key! Thanks for insights, Nellie!
isn’t is crazy how many headphones one can have?! I can’t believe you have to be alert for bears. I mean. WHOA.
I know I would want something that I can still hear with. I turn my music level low when I walk so I can make sure I hear whats going. I think I would run at a park where people can see me. I never understood why people run in the woods or an area that isn’t traveled much.
Yes, the woods scare this city girl like crazy! I try to stay on very well lit, well traveled busy streets. No point in taking the risk!
I love running outside on the pavement during the nicer weather but can’t seem to get with the cold in the fall and winter. But I have to point out that you missed a very important safety tip for city running and it involves your route. While it’s good to plan your route ahead of time and tell someone what your route is, I would advise changing your route every so often if you run at the same time everyday. You never know what psycho along the route has memorized your plan and just waiting for you to run by to cause you harm. When I run, I always had three different routes in mind and would switch up every so often to deter any potential stalkers watching my every move since I was a habitual morning runner.
YES you are SO SO right! I started changing up my route and days recently, you never know what creepazoid is waiting to grab you. VERY Important! Thanks
Also make sure to still follow pedestrian rules when you are running because cars and bikes aren’t going to stop for you! That is my tip! 🙂
These earbuds look really cool. I love the pink/purple!
absolutely! Especially the bikes!! They are crazy in the city!
I am not a runner but these tips are spot. Living NYC I am always impressed by how runners tackle running in such a busy jam packed environment. Another thing I would add is to not run when it’s dark outside. No matter where you live it’s just not safe.
YES, running in the dark is no bueno, I was doing it for a while then it started getting darker and darker and I know in my gut it wasn’t safe. I have changed that now, thank goodness.
I don’t run in busy areas (or anywhere) but Cassidy got really hurt running in a city! He separated his shoulder by falling on uneven pavement. So scary and now it will never be the same.
oh my gosh! That’s so crazy!! There are just so many different factors to pay attention to when running outdoors!
I can’t imagine trying to cross an intersection like that! Even though I’m out in the ‘burbs, safety is always important. Love the idea of the open-air headphones & can’t wait to find out more about them! (Plus, the geek in me is fascinated with the physics behind them)
the physics are completely beyond me, I just know that its pretty freaking cool! haha — you’re right Safety is important no matter where you are!
I would amend #10 to run with just one earpiece in if at all possible. I love music and it gets me hype to keep going, but sometimes being able to hear the faintest of things helps from jumping half out your skin as well as just being alert to things that you might miss when you have both ears covered.
agreed! That is what makes the open ear headphones so cool…When I wear my other noise cancelling earphones, I keep one on and one off. Best of both worlds. Thanks for stopping by chica!
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Yes you are right these kind of headphones are really amazing as they don’t damage your eardrums, I have been using Aftershokz Bluez 2S earphones which also works on the same principle and plus point they are water resistant.
Thanks for sharing this article I would really suggest everyone to use bone conduction headphones as they will really give your eardrums a longer life.
Running with great enthusiasm is my passion. thankyou for lending us more tips and advice’s to follow while running. Hoping to hear more.