One of those dark morning / evening gremlins and solo running is the ‘what if?...’ should no-one notice I’d disappeared. I work from home on my own (except for the dog!). My OH is abroad for one month at a time with his work, and I have a long-standing minor heart condition called SVT. It has never surfaced while running, but it makes me more cautious than most might be. If something were to happen to me, no-one might realise for days and the dog would also be home alone too. At my age, I’m less worried about being assaulted, and more concerned about a sudden collapse.
Fortunately my OH was home for the new route I ran yesterday. So I showed him my plan, texted him when I set out and texted him when I got back to the car. I also have ‘find my iPhone’ which would have helped him find me. And this is for a run in a good urban neighbourhood in broad daylight!
I’ve recently had a play with Strava and noticed a paid-for upgrade to the ‘safety pack’. It would let people know if you seemed to be in trouble. But I wondered if there was a cheaper, or free, alternative to use.
I came across an article in Runners World and I’ve downloaded RoadID. Seems quite flexible and works so long as you have a signal, but also leaves virtual bread-crumbs so, if the signal drops out, then someone can at least see where you were heading.
So, along with all the usual precautions, I’ve now got peace of mind that a friend or relative will know if I’m unable to call for help. What I now need to do is brief them on how to respond! Very important 😬 Fortunately my brother is in the police so 🤞🏻 he can be bothered to send someone to find his sister 🙏
Anyway, another gremlin squished and on to happier thoughts! I’m looking forward to Parkrun tomorrow - happy running all! 😁👍
Written by
Equi-geek
Graduate10
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It is very important that folk know where we are and even more so for you x
I wear a safety alarm on my wrist, but, where I run mainly, only the wildlife would be able to hear it...
I use the location link on Google maps on my phone... Mr OF is the contact and he can track my run and my ETA..he knows exactly where I am and can text me to tell me to hurry up:).
Gosh EG didn’t know about your health issue. Makes me respect your achievements even more. ❤️
I love that RoadID idea. Think I’m going to download it for myself right now. Like your situation, my dog, whilst fiercely loyal, would have issues calling 999 if I was ever in difficulties! 🐕 🤔
An excellent post Equi, it gives food for thought to the many people who run alone. Using your phone as the tracking device is a good idea, and most of us make sure they are fully charged before running.
I think I would carry a personal alarm as well if I ran alone in the dark.
Thanks EG - I need to look into options too. I think my Garmin has something I can use so my OH can track me! Need to read up on it though...
I’m not enjoying our disused railway line on my own in the dark, but when I didn’t get back before it got dark on Wednesday my main issue wasn’t getting mugged but nearly breaking my neck because I didn’t stop soon enough to get out my headtorch! 😳😂
There is an app called Kitestring which sends a text to an emergency contact if you don't check in after a run (or during, you can set the time), not sure how helpful it would be in an emergency but I suppose combined with a personal alarm it would be worthwhile.
Great post EG. I tried this out today and it worked really well. Hubby had the kettle on when I got back home and he said he tracked me all the way. Thanks
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