If you like the thought of running outside in nature (over subscribing to expensive gyms), this is likely a good idea, as you get the mental health benefits, as well as the physical ones. However it’s important to know a few safety tips, to keep you safe, when out in the elements.
Choose Safe Routes
Even if you run local to where you live, pick routes that are safe, and also in line with your ability.
Ideally find places that have less traffic and are not too isolated, and carry some kind of contact on you, so you can call for help if needed. Let people know your route.
Check The Weather
Listen or read the weather forecast before you run, so you know how to prepare and what to wear.
Knowing if any areas are going to be too hot (important if dogs accompany you on runs) or too wet or too icy is important.
Choosing Sustainable Running Clothes
Good running gear is comfortable, but you don’t have to buy into trends. Organic organic cotton joggers and a tee will suffice.
SochSoch (use coupon code ENGLANDNATURALL for 10% discount) makes fitted organic cotton t-shirts, for men, women and children, sent in plastic-free packaging. All have outdoorsy themes of running, hiking, biking, sailing and beach. Hoodies contain recycled polyester so if used, wash in a microfiber filters.
Vegan Original is one of the new breeds of organic cotton message tee companies, spreading the animal compassionate message with zero-waste ethical basics like tees and sweatshirts.
This company prints its clothing on organic cotton, uses green energy and sends everything in plastic-free packaging.
This online store also offers 100% organic cotton gym t-shirts and joggers. Perfect to inspire others to follow a healthy vegan lifestyle. It also offers a few nice illustrated organic cotton tees and hoodies for children.
Invest in Good Vegan Running Shoes
Running shoes are different to regular sneakers, in that they are specifically designed to more protect your ankles and knees, while on the move.
But there’s no need to buy running shoes made from leather or polyester, these brands are made from eco recycled materials, all vegan-friendly.
As most vegan shoes are are sold online, get feet measured at a shoe shop (or measure your own feet). If you’re a half-size, it’s best to order the bigger size.
KARHU offers a range of vegan running shoes. They feature mid-cushioned foam for underfoot protection and designs to cradle the foot both flat, up and downhill. In various styles and colours. Run and Become also offers good vegan running shoes for men and women.
Fiona Oakes is an amazing woman. Missing one kneecap, she nevertheless trained to become a firefighter. Then opened a farm sanctuary (running marathons to raise money).
Then created vegan running shoes with profits to help the animals. These have breathable water-resistant uppers and deep outside outsole lugs for traction on all terrain, and a storage pouch on the tongue.
Bahé makes eco-friendly vegan running shoes made with natural rubber, sugarcane insoles and footbeds made from mostly corn (and linings with recycled polyester). The shoelaces are made from organic cotton. Made ethically, they are sent in compostable packaging, with a tree planted, for each pair sold.
These clever running shoes are designed for healthy blood flow and help to reduce inflammation, using grounding technology.
Personal Safety
If you can, add a headlamp to light your path, and carry some kind of personal alarm, as well as your mobile phone. You can now install ePowar safety app on smartphones, that track your run, to alert contacts, in emergency situations.
Enjoy the Quiet
It may be fashionable to run listening to music. But this means you can’t hear traffic or even potential dangers. Just listen to the sound of the breeze and the birds singing, while you run.
Build Gradually
Running outdoors may be good. But if you’re older or not used to exercise, take it slowly. Start by walking (good enough if you wish) and gradually increase to walk-run methods, then only take proper runs, when you’ve reached maximum fitness. Be sure to also warm up and warm-down before and after your run.
Check out Lucy Wyndham-Read’s online running videos. This qualified trainer builds up safely with you at home, so you are then safe to venture out on short runs, once you’re fit enough.
Tip for Safe Running with Dogs
Only run with young fit dogs (not very young dogs, as their bones are still growing). Never run with old or overweight dogs. Blue Cross has safety tips (check with vet beforehand). These include:
- Don’t run with brachyephalic dogs (short muzzles, flat faces: pugs, bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, boxers, shih tzus).
- Check weather and paving heat before you go (if too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws). Use grass/dirt trails if needed. If weather heats up, stop and find a shady place and soak coat with cool (not ice-cold) water and give a drink. See a vet if you suspect heat exhaustion (dogs especially with long coats can even overheat in cold weather).
- Leave two hours after meals before walks/runs, to avoid bloat.
- Ensure good recall, so dogs don’t pull on harnesses.
- Carry a foldable water bowl, safety lights and poo bags (let dogs go beforehand, as running causes bowel movements).
- Rest if dogs are tired, then just walk slowly home.
- Rinse paws with warm water after running in snow and ice, to avoid toxic rock salt burning paws (when coming indoors to higher temperatures).
- Give dogs time to stop and sniff!
