Run Safe, Tread Lightly: Safety Tips and Vegan Gear
Many people like to run, but the thought of running on sweaty treadmills at expensive gyms (running’s not so good for your mental health, if you’re also watching rolling news at the same time) puts many people off.
Outdoor running is obviously key. But then you have issues like running in the dark and near traffic, plus there are weather considerations (and not running so fast that any dogs can’t keep up with you, if they are tagging along).
Simple tips for safe outdoor running
- Choose a safe route, in line with your ability. Ideally find places with less traffic, but are not too isolated. And carry some kind of emergency contact with you.
- Check the weather forecast before you run. This lets you know whether to avoid running that day, and how to prepare and what to wear. Never take dogs with you even on walks, if it’s too warm (or wet or icy).
- Enjoy the Quiet. It may be common to see people listening to headphones on runs, but it’s not safe. You can’t hear potential dangers, including traffic. Just listen to the sound of the breeze and the singing birds, as you run.
- Build gradually. Walk before you run! If you’re older or not used to exercise, just gradually increase walk-runs, and only take proper runs, once you’re really fit. Also warm-up and cool-down before and after each 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.
Vegan running shoes (that buy hay for animals!)
The right pair of running shoes will last years, not give you blisters, and choosing vegan ones are also good, to save the animals. Most are still sold online, so get your feet measures in a shoe shop, to save the hassle of returns. If you’re a half-size, it’s best to order the bigger size, and wear thicker socks.
Fiona Oakes is an amazing woman. Missing one kneecap, she nevertheless trained to become a firefighter. Then opened Tower Hill Stables farm sanctuary (running marathons to raise money).
Then created vegan running shoes with profits to help fund the sanctuary. These have breathable water-resistant uppers and deep outside outsole lugs for traction on all terrain, and a storage pouch on the tongue. And profits from each sale go to help fund her sanctuary (to buy hay and other essential goods).
Choose sustainable breathable running gear
sochsoch (use code englandnaturallysite for 10% discount) offers a nice range of organic cotton quality t-shirts, all featuring running themes.
Everything is printed on demand, so there’s no waste. And all the t-shirts are sent in plastic-free packaging. These t-shirts can safely be laundered in washing machines, without releasing microplastics. Then biodegrade at end of use, back to the earth.
Vegan Original offers organic cotton gym/running clothes (from t-shirts to joggers), with animal compassion messages. Made with green energy and sent in plastic-free packaging.
Tip for safe outdoor 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. Stop if weather gets hot and find a shady place, and soak your dog’s coat with cool (not cold) water, and give a drink. Dogs with long coats could over-heat, even 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 to the loo 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!
Roger Bannister: the first to run a four-minute mile
Fellow medical students celebrate, after Roger’s win
Roger Bannister is of course the first person to ever fun a mile in under four minutes, something deemed impossible before he did it. Even today, only 20 seconds or so has been shaved off that time, by Olympic champion runners.
Roger Bannister was born in Harrow, London, in 1929. His love for running showed early. He studied at University College School and then at Exeter College, Oxford. Despite coming from a modest background, Roger balanced his studies with his training, proving his dedication from a young age.
Unlike many athletes, Bannister was never a full-time runner. He studied medicine, a demanding path by itself, and became a doctor. Every day he trained in the evenings after classes. Bannister later said that his medical studies helped him understand the body and improve his running.
Despite working part-time as a junior doctor and having limited time for training, he pushed himself with smart, focused workouts rather than endless hours on the track.
On 6 May 1954, at the Iffley Road Track in Oxford, Roger Bannister lined up for the race that would define him. With the help of pacemakers Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway, Bannister crossed the finish in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds.
Bannister’s record didn’t last long (Australian John Landy broke it just weeks later). But Bannister’s run had unlocked a new mindset. Suddenly, the four-minute mile was possible.
After retiring from athletics, Bannister didn’t chase further sporting fame or records. He focused on medicine and neurology. He became a respected consultant and later the Master of Pembroke College, Oxford.
