November is National Running Safety Month

As runners we're all about the cool... the fancy GPS watch, color coordinated clothes, latest music playlist. But all too often we forget the most important thing of all - runner safety.  November is National Running Safety Month.  Follow these tips to be safe on the roads so you can continue to do what you love - Keep Running!!

Run in groups or tell a loved one
Because runners are fit super elite athletes we often think we're invincible - even the guys.  Wrong!!! Too much can go wrong while running alone.  Runners have been abducted, robbed, shot, and unfortunately killed.  If at all possible find a running buddy or group to run with.  If you must run alone tell a loved one or friend where you're running and how long you will be out.

Bright light, Bright Light
With less light during the autumn and winter months means many runners are hitting the roads in the dark.  This is not the time to audition for a part in an espionage or ninja type movie.  Leave the dark colored clothes at home.  Buy a running vest, bright reflective running gear, or flashlights.  Many of your specialty running stores have the gear you need to ensure the cars see how wonderful you look as you pound out the miles.

Say what, you're listening to the Backstreet Boys?
Technology is great... MP3 players, iPhones, and cell phones have the ability to carry your entire Beatles collection and play the songs randomly while you bounce beautifully down the road.  Unfortunately, while you're bopping your head you can't hear traffic, car horns, or that strange guy running up behind you.  If you want to enjoy your playlist do it on a treadmill.  When you're on the road you need to be aware of your surroundings.  But, if you just can't get away from the tunes then leave one ear bud out.

Secret agent man
According to Road ID, each year 122,000 runners, walkers, and cyclists are hit by cars.  To me its not an option, you must carry or wear some form of ID which lets folks know who you are in case of an emergency.  Also, unless you have a shoe phone or Dick Tracey spy watch, do yourself a favor and carry a phone.

Road Rules not Your Rules
Always run against traffic.  This allows you to see cars coming and they can easily see you.  Follow all pedestrian laws, looking both ways before crossing.  Even if you're right don't be on the wrong side of a car's bumper.  Neighborhoods are the worse, be especially careful of cars on the streets and opening doors.  Also be on the look out for cars coming out of the driveway.  Most homeowners aren't expecting to see a runner as they back out.


So, you're fit and can run a ton of miles
Don't take this the wrong way, but so what.  What are you going to do after running 4 miles and someone attacks you (see run in groups).  Even though we like to think all that work in the gym and running miles will allow you to protect yourself it won't.  Ladies and GENTs, take a class on self defense.  The life you save may be your own.

Keep Running!!
Rome

2013 Soldier Half Marathon Race Recap

Wow, where has the time gone.  It has been a wild and crazy week.  On November 9, 2013 I returned to the scene of the crime, this time I brought friends with me.  A year ago I ran the Soldier Marathon in 2hr 59m.  I was on cloud 9 as this was the race that got me into Boston.  I had such a great experience I simply had to share it with friends.  There were a lot of us from the Atlanta metro area - all running either the half or the full marathon.  Running a race is fun, but running it with your running buddies is beyond comparison.  The camaraderie and friendship of the running community is pretty awesome.  Everyone was there to have a good time, share stories, and cheer each other on to the finish.

Soldier Marathon and Half Marathon is held in Columbus, GA and starts and finishes at the National Infantry Museum.  The race is relatively small compared to more popular events, but still large enough to have the excitement of the bigger races.  The organizers of this event are fabulous and have every detail covered.  The soldiers are awesome and ensure every runner has a great experience.  A great example is the motivation the drill sergeants give you to get up the hill at mile 2.  If you've ever seen an military movie with the gruff gunnery sergeant or drill instructor you can imagine the scene.  Approximately 7.5 miles of the course takes place on Ft. Benning, then a scenic path along the Riverwalk.


I opted out of running the marathon on this trip, I wanted to use this race as the 2nd of 3 half marathons within 60 days.  This strategy allowed me to build endurance and work myself back from injury.  I set my plan up as a 3 tiered approach with mini milestones to build my confidence going into the Spring race season.  So far so good.  I was pretty happy with my overall effort in this event.  The weather was perfect, course just right, and plenty of cheering fans along the route.  

But... the best part of this year's race... many of my friends were either running their first marathons (Fred and Brian), scored a personal best or age group award (Suzanne, Curt, Kathie), or making a go and qualifying for Boston (Geri).  To see them and so many of my other buddies finish was great.  I think everyone had a great experience - see the video for yourself.  If you ever get a chance this is a great race to add to your running list.

~ Rome