15 Safety Tips You Need To Know If You Go Jogging Alone

If you love to go jogging but are alone, then this article is for you. All through your run, it’s important that you remain safe at all times. Here are 15 safety tips that will help keep you safe during jogging alone.

1. Avoid Running At Night

One of the most important safety tips for joggers is to avoid running at night. This is especially important if you’re female as women are more likely to be attacked while running at night than men are. 

If you must run at night, make sure you’re highly visible to oncoming traffic and people passing by, and try to run with a friend or in a well-populated area.

2. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

When jogging alone, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be alert to who and what is around you, so that you can take necessary precautions. This includes being aware of any potential dangers, such as people or animals that may be lurking in the area.

3. Try Not To Look Like An Easy Target

When jogging alone, try not to look like an easy target. One way of achieving this is by wearing clothing that shows you are athletic and strong enough to defend yourself if required to. If you are listening to music while jogging, make sure that you are still aware of your surroundings. Don’t neglect any potential dangers just because you’re focusing on your music.

4. Always Have Emergency Money And A Phone

When jogging, always have emergency money and a phone on you. In the unfortunate case that something happens, you’ll be glad you have these with you.

Keep your phone on you at all times so that it’s accessible to call someone for help should you need it. However, keep in mind that if you’re in a dangerous or threatening situation, using your phone could put you in more danger. Try to have a plan B if things go wrong – for example, if you can’t call for help, know where safe spots are in the area or have a friend waiting for you nearby.

5. Stay Safe With A Running App

Running apps have been built to help you track your distance, pace, time and so on. These apps also have the capability of being an emergency tool in case a jogger just can’t run anymore. Many running apps offer a feature that alerts a predetermined contact if the app is not reactivated within a certain period of time or if there is a sudden decrease in pace. 

6. Running With A Safety Device

A safety device can help you if you find yourself in a dangerous or uncomfortable situation while out running.

There are a few different types of safety devices that you can use while out running, but one of the most popular and easy-to-use devices is the personal alarm. A personal alarm is a small device that you can wear around your wrist, which makes a loud noise when activated.

When the alarm is activated, pressing a button on the device will emit a loud screech which has been compared to a car’s anti-theft device. This sound can help scare off attackers or draw attention from people who may be able to come and help you.

7. Bring Your ID Along

If you’re going to be out running for any significant amount of time, it’s a good idea to bring your ID with you. This way, if something happens and you’re unable to contact someone, they’ll be able to identify you.

8. Change Daily Routine

If you typically go for a run at the same time and same routine every day, switch it up. Try going during different times and routines of the day to avoid becoming too predictable.

9. Obey Traffic Signals

Staying out of the street keeps you visible to cars, protects you from bits of flying debris, and reduces your risk of getting hit by a car. Additionally, obeying traffic signals prevents you from getting into accidents.

10. Carry Pepper Spray

Carrying pepper spray allows you to defend yourself against attackers. Make sure to practice using it before an emergency arises.

11. Tell Someone Your Route

Telling someone your intended route and expected time of return allows them to know when to expect you home safely. If something does happen and you’re not able to make it home, they can ask for help.

12. Never Run Towards An Isolated Area

It may seem like a shortcut, but you don’t want to end up in an even more vulnerable position than you were before.

13. If A Stranger Talk With You

If a stranger talks with you about something, don’t go along with it. If the person is asking for help or advice, ask them if they would like to call someone who could help them. Don’t give your contact details unless the person is in genuine danger and they need you to contact someone on their behalf. And above all, don’t go off with a stranger just to get away from someone, or you could put yourself in even more danger.

14. If Someone Is Following You

If you feel like someone is following you, there are a few things that you can do. Try to change your route, cross the street or head for a busy area. If the person continues to follow you, discreetly remove your earphones so that you can hear what they’re saying and keep an eye on them at all times. If the person is not saying anything and they are just walking towards you, do not confront them. Act normal and walk past them quickly, but try to keep an eye on them at all times. If they get too close or start touching you, scream as loud as you can and call for help.

15. Take a Self-defense Class 

If you are planning on taking up jogging as a hobby, you need to take some time to learn about self-defense. As it turns out, jogging is one of the most popular activities among female crime victims. Knowing how to defend yourself will help you protect yourself even if the worst happens while you’re out on your jog.

Final Thought

Hope these tips are helpful to you. Keep safe and keep jogging!