Ever since the time change, I’ve found myself running alone in the dark a lot more than I like. Even though 5:30 in the morning doesn’t sound especially scary, it is still pitch dark at that time and will be for a few more weeks.
To be honest, even running or hiking in the daylight can be a safety risk. I love running on the trails near home, which I consider safe, but the area can be desolate. And in addition to danger from a human source, there are always risks when training alone. I’m known to be pretty clumsy (<–understatement!), and a fall on the trails is always a possibility. There are dogs left to roam around, snakes, and if I don’t stop making this list I may scare myself!
5 Safety Tools that will Make You More Secure
Because of the risks involved with running alone, I have started “arming” myself with certain safety tools. Here are five of my favorites.
1. Wearsafe Tag
I recently learned about Wearsafe, and was so impressed that when they asked me to be an ambassador I jumped at the opportunity. I received a year’s subscription to Wearsafe as an ambassador, but all opinions are definitely my own.
In a nutshell, Wearsafe is wearable technology that allows you to send an alert to your network of friends and family when you feel threatened or need to contact someone quickly.
When emergencies happen, we may not always have easy access to our phones, let alone be able to enter a code and make a phone call. When you connect your Wearsafe Tag to your phone, you have instant access to your network at the touch of a button, even if you are up to 200 feet away from your phone.
Wearsafe sends an alert to your network, allowing them to see a map of your location and to actually hear what is happening on your end. At your alert, your network can then take appropriate steps to help, whether it is to pick you up, find you a ride, or call 911. They can even communicate with each other, making the Wearsafe app a virtual situation room.
The Wearsafe tag is a discreet pod-like device that can be clipped to your clothing or your purse, or can be attached to your keyring. It is connected through a free app that you download to your phone. You invite your friends or family to join your network, then they also download the app so that they can be connected to you.
When you press the button on your Tag, an alert is sent to your network, which they can see on the app. From there they can check your location, turn on audio, and they even have the ability to call 911 right from within the app. And you know when someone has received your alert because it will silently vibrate each time one of your network members opens your alert.
Currently, Wearsafe has a limited-time promotion where you receive a free Tag when you sign up for service, which starts at $5 per month. There is no charge for the people in your network unless they also want to have their own tag. Plus you can save 15% on Wearsafe service with the code COACHDEBBIERUNS!
I feel much more confident while I’m wearing my Wearsafe Tag. I know that help can be on the way at the touch of a button.
2. Pepper Spray
Once I realized that I would be running alone in the dark on a regular basis, the first thing I did was buy a canister of pepper spray.
Fortunately, I have not had to use it, and I hope I never do, but I will continue to carry my little pink canister of Sabre pepper spray as long as I run alone.
Read More: 10 Tips for Staying Safe on the Run
3. Knucklelights
I have tried out different light options over the years, and I keep returning to Knucklelights. They are easy to carry, very bright, and they have lower light and flashing options for when it starts to get light, to conserve the battery.
I still have my originals, but now rechargeable Knucklelights are available, which makes it easier to continue to light up the dark!
Read More: Running Safely, My Story
4. Nathan LightSpur Foot Light
When you’re running in the dark, being seen from behind is almost as important as lighting the road ahead of you. Last year I got to try out the Nathan LightSpur Foot Light and I loved it. It simply slides on the back of your shoe and lights up the night with different colored lights and flash patterns.
It is rechargeable, comfortable, and really helps make you visible from behind.
5. Reflective Lighted Belt
I purchased one of the original Halo Belts a few years ago and I didn’t realize until I looked for a link to share that apparently they only make K-9 collars and leashes now. I searched and found a similar belt on Amazon.
I love this belt because it lights you up from the front and back. It has a rechargeable LED light that can be set to solid or flashing, fits comfortably around your waist so you don’t have to add one more thing to carry, and provides 360 degrees of reflection.
Remember that the best safety tools are your own senses. Stay aware when you’re running alone. Keep your eyes and ears open, which means skipping the headphones, and trust your sixth sense too.
I know that there are a lot of options out there. What are your favorite safety tools?
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I saw something about wear safe and think it’s a great idea for those that run alone. Look forward to seeing how you like it. The knuckle lights were great for our Ragnar Races.
I’ll keep everyone posted about Wearsafe. Hopefully I’ll never have to use it. We did test it and it worked beautifully! Even though we were sitting right next to each other, my husband got the alert and was able to see my location and hear me (or rather both of us 🙂 ). It’s pretty cool.
Just recently, on my trip to Florida, I forgot to pack my SpiBelt. I found an LED waist pack at WalMart of all places! I was pretty excited about that. Fortunately I don’t have to run in the dark too much, but it’s nice to have all these options.
I really love this belt. I recently pulled it out to use again because I’m just starting to run in the dark. I actually turn it, depending on what direction I’m running (with or against traffic).
Great tips!!! I’m a morning runner too and cannot wait for an early sunrise!! Until then I wear a reflective vest, and sometimes being a small flashlight. I may have to check out those knuckle lights though!
The Knucklelights are great because you don’t have to clasp them in your hand. It’s much more comfortable.
I’ve never heard of the WearSafe tag, that’s awesome. I think I will look into buying that, especially when I start marathon training. I do a lot of early morning long runs during training and I would feel a little safer with that device.
The price is right. $5 a month? Easy peasy. And not just for the dark (or even running). It’s a great safety tool for anytime you might have a dangerous issue.
The Wearsafe tag is a great option. I almost always run alone. I agree that being aware of our surroundings is so so important! I never run in the dark, but you have some great suggestions.
I think that any time we run alone we need to be extra aware. I love that the Wearsafe tag provides a little extra security.
I LOVE my Knuckle Lights! I have had the originals (almost two years), and either something is breaking down or my batteries are defective. I need to just get some of the new rechargables LOL They are super convenient for walking the dog, too!
I’ve had mine for years too, but until recently I didn’t run too often in the dark, so they are like new! And yes, I use them when I walk the dogs too!
Debbie – I love this post so much! Safety first for all the amazing women running out there! I really like the idea of the safety tag and it’s something I would actually wear and it’s actually very convenient! Pinning these awesome helpful tips!
Thanks Ilka. I love the Wearsafe tag and not just for running.
I’ve really been enjoying the Knuckle Lights! I also have a reflective vest that while it isn’t the cutest, it really helps me feel safe!
I’ve been seeing a lot of the Wearsafe lately – I gotta check that out!
I still have my vest from Ragnar but I don’t use it on a regular basis.
Awesome right up! I really like those knuckle lights, I don’t especially like holding things while I run but it looks like they wrap around making them easier to carry?
They do! You can hold themy very loosely because of the hand strap.
Those are some great tips for running more safely. Thank you!
Hey Debbie,
Astonishing post…!
Women’s safety in today’s society has come up as an important issue. Women’s are considered as a weaker section of the society and that is the reason why most of the victims of violence are women and sometimes children. Despite of several rules and safety measures given by government, the rate of crime against women is increasing day by day.
But the question here is: Why to wait for someone else’s help? Women are strong enough to save themselves and even their loved ones. With the help of safety tools mentioned in your post anyone can feel safer and fight against the crime.
Thank you so much for sharing this informative post. Looking forward to more such mind blowing articles.
I run in pretty busy areas so probably wouldn’t need these products, but very interesting post!