| Susan was a slave to her schedule. Rain or shine, | | | | * If you must run at night or in inclement |
| she laced on her running shoes and set out on her | | | | weather, choose well-lighted, populated areas. |
| daily jog. She left at the same time, ran the same | | | | Wear highly visible white or reflective clothing. To |
| route, and arrived home at the same time. | | | | improve your chances of being seen, carry a |
| It was like clockwork. And the schedule that gave | | | | flashlight. |
| Susan comfort gave the mugger opportunity. | | | | * Save the safest area of your route for the end |
| Susan knew there was trouble the moment he | | | | of your run. You are most fatigued then and less |
| pulled his car beside her on the curb and asked | | | | able to deal with an emergency situation. Reserve |
| for directions. | | | | some energy for emergencies. |
| She kept running, he kept following. This day | | | | * Make eye contact with drivers before crossing |
| belonged to Susan, though. A mounted policeman | | | | in front of a car, even when you have the |
| crossed her path, and she yelled for help. | | | | right-of-way. |
| The car sped off, but was caught two blocks | | | | * Avoid running on narrow, twisting or hilly roads |
| later. The driver was wanted for armed robbery | | | | with no shoulders. You are hard to see, and when |
| and rape, and admitted that he had singled out | | | | two cars approach each other, a hazardous |
| Susan because he knew when and where to find | | | | situation occurs. |
| her. | | | | * Carry personal identification, including the person |
| On Your Mark | | | | to contact in an emergency, and important |
| * If you are a new runner, visit your physician for | | | | medical information, such as blood type or |
| a complete medical examination if you have high | | | | allergies. |
| blood pressure or lipids; a personal or family | | | | * Join a running association to get training tips. |
| history of health problems; or if you are: over 35 | | | | Stay Alert At All Times |
| years of age; overweight; physically inactive and | | | | * Never run with headphones. |
| easily fatigued; a smoker. | | | | * Avoid running near doorways, alleys, or dense |
| * Get fit before starting to run. Consult a medical | | | | shrubs. |
| professional for strengthening exercises and | | | | * Always tell someone where you will be running |
| stretches for running. | | | | and when you will return. Better yet, run with a |
| * Warm up before you run. Afterwards, cool | | | | friend. |
| down to enable your body to gradually return to | | | | * If you use a jogging path, run during the popular |
| normal. | | | | hours. |
| Plan Carefully | | | | * Do not wear bright or expensive jewelry. It can |
| * Choose a safe time and place to run. Walk the | | | | attract thieves. |
| route first. | | | | * Ignore verbal harassment. |
| * If possible run on grass or dirt. Knee injuries can | | | | * Do not daydream. Run with your head up. Be |
| occur if you run on hard surfaces. | | | | aware of your surroundings. |
| * Avoid running on roadways. However, if you | | | | * Know the places where you could get help if |
| must run there: | | | | necessary. |
| -avoid peak traffic hours. | | | | * Avoid areas with aggressive dogs. The best |
| -run on the shoulder facing traffic at all times. | | | | way to treat a barking dog is to act as if you are |
| -obey all traffic signals. | | | | ignoring it, but stay alert for an attack. |
| -do not run on snow or ice covered roads. | | | | * Do not run between a dog and its owner, |
| Automobile drivers have enough distractions. | | | | especially a child. |
| * Wear light colored clothing at dawn or dusk, and | | | | * If you suspect a car is following you, run the |
| bright clothes in daytime. | | | | other way. Don't hesitate to holler "I'm being |
| * Alter your route. Don't be predictable, which | | | | followed" if you suspect someone is following you. |
| would allow someone to assume you would pass | | | | Draw attention to yourself. |
| by at a certain time. Think of Susan. | | | | |