Safety on the roads has always been an important part of training at The Running Center. Because we share the road with other runners and non-runners alike, it is wise to follow some safety guidelines. There are two sets of guidelines, one is for your own safety and the other is for the courtesy of others. Some information is more applicable to running in the street, while some is more pertinent to running in a park setting or at a track. Whatever the locale, adhering to these "rules of the road" will indeed enable everyone to enjoy a safer and more pleasurable running experience.

SELF SAFETY
1) Runners tune into their bodies not out, so save the headphones for the treadmill. You won't be able to hear cars, dogs or people if you wear headphones on the road.

2) Whenever possible, run against traffic. Be sure to make eye contact with drivers.

3) If running within a group on the street, stay in single file. Pedestrians do not have the right of way except in crosswalks when crossing at a traffic light.

4) Tell someone your running route and approximately how long you'll be gone.

5) Carry I.D. and an emergency phone number, but don't carry your home address.

6) Wear reflective or light colored clothing if running at night.

7) Leave your jewelry at home.

8) Know the location of telephones and open businesses. Carry coins just in case you have to make a phone call. Or carry a cell phone.

9) Vary your running route so that no one can count on you being in the same place at a specific time.

COURTESY SAFETY
1) Don't stop to chat with friends in the middle of the road. Move off to the side.

2) Don't stop abruptly in the middle of the road, for instance if you have to walk or tie your shoe. Move off to the side.

3) Generally speaking if you are running around a particular loop course, try to run counter-clockwise. However, it is a good idea to occasionally change directions and run in a clockwise direction too. If you choose to do this, make sure you yield to those coming towards you.

4) In Central Park, run inside the double white lines. The outside lane is for cyclists and skaters.

5) In a race, line up at your appropriate pace. If you try to start too far front, you'll run the risk of getting trampled, while impeding another runner's performance.

6) If you choose to run on a track while other runners are training, stay on the outside lanes, as the inside lanes are for speed work. However, if you're (nearly) alone, the inside lane is fine and is the lane that is measured for four laps to the mile.