Unfortunately I’ve noticed that so many great experiences during my runs have made me realize I’ve sometimes neglected the importance of making sure I’m doing everything to have a safe run. 1. Have your phone on hand: share your location with a trusted contact so they know where to direct people if you aren’t responding. you can also download apps like AllTrails Lifeline or RoadID, which will alert chosen contacts if you stop moving and don’t respond to the app’s alerts. part of the appeal of going for a run is detaching yourself from a screen for even just 30 minutes. Your phone, though can be your first line of defense. 2. ENABLE EMERGENCY FEATURES ON YOUR WATCH (if you have one) Garmin and Apple Watch have specific special features for emergencies. 3. Protect yourself: You don’t have to go the pepper spray route (and shouldn’t, unless you know how to use it), but a personal alarm is VERY useful and effective. 4. Use your headphones at a level where you can hear your surroundings or ditch them for your runs. Being able to hear your surroundings and what could be by you is key. 5.Try switching up your route regularly (even running your standard route in reverse can be enough of a change) and running at slightly different times of the day. And make sure to use privacy settings on any fitness tracking apps so your daily running route doesn’t become public knowledge 6. STAY AWARE/TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS No matter where you live—and no matter your gender be aware, be smart and stay safe 🤍