Personal safety alert apps

[Equi-geek]

Hey everyone,

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.

runnersworld.com/gear/a2080...

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! 😁👍

[Jogunlikely]

Thanks EG. I'll look into that as in a similar situation. X

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Useful post.... Thanks you!

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:).

support.google.com/maps/ans...

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I’m learning loads about this today 🤣👍 another really useful idea! Thanks OF 😁

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

Oh yes, that IS clever!! 😗

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

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! 🐕 🤔

Parkrun for me tomorrow too! Enjoy yours! 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

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.

[alisonx Graduate10]

Hi EG

You can also do it on Whattsapp...if you share your run with a friend they can track where you are and find you if you stop on the route.

great post - i know i am more cautious running in the dark and these things play on the mind. some great tips on here - thanks all

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Oh that’s a great feature I never knew about! I’ll have a play, thanks Alison! 😗

[Equi-geek Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Just tested WhatsApp- that’s a nice feature! 😁👍

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10 in reply to Equi-geek]

I have no clue how to do this on whatsapp 🤔 Is there an idiot's guide??😳

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Me neither!! But use WhatsApp and so does OH so tbis could be useful

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Thanks, I will investigate too. Will give away my nipping into the cafe for a sneaky post run second breakfast though!

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

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! 😳😂

[telford_mike Graduate10]

Good post. I used the Garmin Live Tracker a few times when I was working my way up to 10k, just in case I keeled over 😂

[MutleyShuffle Graduate10]

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.

[Sqkr]

You can use Strava Beacon too, if you have concerns.

[Lordi Graduate10]

The Garmin app is quite good. It sends a live tracking link to selected recipients so that yhey can seeyour progress in real time. Free.

[Runner60]

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