Both walking and jogging are good cardiovascular exercises that do not need any equipment. All you require is a place to walk or jog.
Most parks have paths for people who want to walk, jog or even run. But if your area has no walking or jogging trails, you may have to contend yourself with walking or jogging along a shared road.
Using a shared road while walking or jogging requires vigilance on your part. You have to watch out for incoming vehicles, strangers and other possible dangers on the road.
Walking or jogging at night may pose more problems which require that you take additional precautions.
Here are some tips to keep safe whenever you walk or jog on a shared road.
Study your trail
Get a map of the roads that you will walk or jog on. Make sure you are familiar with the area. If the only time you can walk or jog is at night, study your trail first during the day so you know where to go.
Wear the right clothing
Reflective clothing will help motorists see you better as you walk or jog along the shared road. Wear at least one reflective gear.
Athletic clothes manufacturers make shirts, vests and hats with reflectors. Some running shoes come manufactured with reflective strips.
Reflective clothing is useful at night or during dark cloudy days. You can also buy reflective stickers to put on your clothes or reflective bands to wear around your arms.
Dress appropriately
Layers of clothing should be worn on cold days. During extremely hot summer months, wear clothes that keep you cool and are absorbent.
Avoid wearing overtly sexy outfits. This may send a wrong message. If necessary, when the weather turns hazardous, you may need to wear special footwear.
Bring a flashlight
When you are going for a walk or jog after dark, bring a torch or flashlight with you. Apart from lighting your path, it can help indicate your presence while on the shared road.
Take a canister of pepper spray with you
Whether it’s day or night, a pepper spray may be your best defense against an attacker. Always check if your pepper spray still works.
Wear a whistle around your neck
A whistle makes a loud noise. It’s a good deterrent against possible attackers.
Don’t talk to strangers
Kids are not the only ones who benefit from this advice. While walking or jogging, don’t look people in eye.
Stay alert
Know your surroundings and be observant. Check if someone is watching you.
Carry money and a mobile phone
A handbag or wallet can be bulky; when exposed it is a great target for snatchers and thieves. Athletic stores sell arm and waist pouches that can carry small items.
Bring a small amount of cash enough for you to get a cab ride home. A mobile phone is most useful when you need to call for help in an emergency.
Unless it is absolutely necessary, never use your mobile phone or your PDA while you are out and about along the shared road.
Lower the volume
When using your MP3 player, keep the volume to a level where you can still hear the noise around you. Otherwise, you might not hear a warning from another person or a vehicle.
A shared road can be a good place to walk or jog if there are no designated trails for walkers, joggers and runners. Your safety along a shared road is in your own hands.
Follow the tips above to keep your walking or jogging experience safe and worry free.