Running is one of the best forms of exercise, getting your pulse racing and working your entire body from head to toe.

However, it’s not something you can just dive into without a bit of forethought and preparation. 

To get the most out of your running sessions in Santa Clarita, you’ll need to consider a few things in terms of your physical safety, so let’s explore what aspects must be on your checklist.

Protect your eyes from the sun – while retaining great visibility

Investing in runners sunglasses isn’t just about looking cool while you pound the asphalt; it’s also about ensuring that you can see clearly on bright days and are therefore completely aware of your surroundings.

The sunlight not only does damage to your eyes over time, but also inhibits your ability to see what’s ahead of you, which when you’re out on a run can be fatal. Being aware of other pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists is key to staying safe, so wear sunglasses in bright conditions, regardless of the time of year or the actual temperature.

Schedule your run when the sun is up

The sun might hamper your vision, but it’s also your best friend in terms of making you visible to others who are out and about at the same time.

Running in daylight is definitely advisable, because during the hours of darkness you’ll be much harder to spot, which could lead to collisions. Meanwhile if you are nervous about running alone for fear of being targeted by criminals or assailants, sticking to when the sun’s up rather than at night is also wise.

Choose your route carefully

In some instances, you’ll have no choice but to run on the road to complete your desired running route. However, it’s always better to alter this so that you are primarily protected by the sidewalk, and not in the path of vehicles. Use a fitness app to plan your route to make this easier.

If you are forced to run on the road, do so on the side that will let you face the traffic head-on, rather than having it come from behind you. This will let you see vehicles immediately, so that you aren’t taken by surprise, especially on sharp bends.

Heed the rules of the road

You’ve got as much of an obligation to obey the laws that govern the highways and byways of Santa Clarita as anyone else, so don’t forget this when you are out running.

This means making sure that you use designated crossing areas when moving from one sidewalk to another, giving way to cars at intersections where appropriate, and generally staying attuned to the road signs and signals that will indicate what you have to do in any situation.

Pick appropriate footwear

Serious runners wear specific running shoes for a reason; they’re designed to give you a combination of a lightweight build and adequate traction underfoot so you can perform well and also avoid slipping.

Don’t assume that you’ll be able to run in more formal shoes, or an old, worn pair of sneakers. As with sunglasses, it’s better to splash out on a dedicated set of footwear for running, both to stay safe and to fulfill your performance potential.

Run with a partner

Last of all, if you choose to run with someone else then you’ll always have a person by your side who can help out if something goes wrong, and act as a deterrent for muggers and other miscreants.

Obviously it’s better to run with someone who is of a similar fitness level to you, so factor this in when choosing a partner.