Winter Running Safety

Part 3 (of 3) posts on Winter Running Tips.

Written by Tara Fairhead – Run and Triathlon Coach, Yoga Teacher, and member of the Align Team! 

Visibility:

It’s important to stay visible on your run. Since we have less daylight in the winter months, it is likely that many of your runs will be either at dawn or dusk or in the dark. Drivers will have a hard time spotting you if you’re not lit up in some way. High snowbanks also make it difficult for drivers to see you so assume that you are not seen.

Ideally, you want to wear bright colours with reflectivity and/or lights. You can buy small LED lights that attach to zipper pulls, or that are part of arm bands. You can also wear a headlamp or carry a small flashlight. The latter two options are great in case you arrive on a path or a sidewalk that is not well lit. Pot holes are all too common on winter roads.

Make sure to always run against traffic if you’re on the road (this way you see what’s coming and will notice if someone does not see you and you have to step to the side). Sometimes sidewalks are too icy to run on and sometimes there’s no sidewalk at all.

Communication:

Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Be able to be identified (carry ID on you) and have a few bucks on you if you need to catch a ride back home. It’s a good idea to run with your cell phone if possible so that you have instant access to call someone if you need.

Check out my favourite identification option – RoadID

Remember to dress appropriately to avoid frostbite on exposed skin, be mindful of icy roads and sidewalks and reconsider running outdoors when it’s below 25 degrees celsius, especially in high winds. Have fun out there and enjoy the fresh air!