2014: Hit the Ground Running – Part 3 {Sponsored}

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In our 2014: Hit the Ground Running Series brought to you by New Balance San Antonio, we’ve covered gear and tips to getting out on the roads. Today, we’ll talk about safety.

Getting out and hitting the street, whether you are walking, jogging, or running, is one of the easiest (and most inexpensive ways) to get in a good workout.  But hitting the streets also means that you are on the road with cars, animals, and other people so safety precautions are a must.

runwomanHere are a few tips to help keep you safe while you’re sweating off the pounds:

1. Always run against traffic.  Make sure that cars can see you when you are running but also that you can see the cars coming at you.  You know those crazy people on the road that text and drive?  If they are coming towards you without looking, you can react and push yourself and your kids (if you are running with a stroller) out-of-the-way.  If they are coming from behind you, you might not have time to react.

2. Wear bright clothing.  Again, you want to make yourself as visible as possible to drivers.  I personally love the Momentum Racerback tops from New Balance San Antonio that come in colors like Fiery Coral, Azurite and Diva Pink where you’re sure to be seen on the road.

3. If you are running early in the morning or at night, be sure to wear reflective gear.  New Balance San Antonio has their new High Visibility Beacon Jacket and Glow in the Dark Running shoes that are perfect for those moonlit runs.

4. If you are walking or running with a jogging stroller attach the safety strap to you. San Antonio is in the hill country.  If you are headed down a hill and your stroller gets away from you, your kids go with it.  A safety strap keeps your kids safe.

5. Take water with you.  Y’all, we live in Texas which means 105 weather in the summers.  But I don’t have to tell you that, do I?  New Balance San Antonio has both handheld water bottles and fuel belts available.  Hydration is key and on hot, summer days, get your runs in before 10:30AM.  Anytime after that and your risk heat stroke or dehydration.

6. Cross streets at a crosswalk or stop sign.  If you must cross a busy intersection that doesn’t have a crosswalk or stop sign, don’t ever cross if you can see a car headed your way.  You never know if they can see you in the distance and it’s hard to judge the speed of the car.  Make sure the road is totally clear.

7. I know this might mess with your “groove” but please don’t run with music.  You can’t hear what’s going on around you and are more at risk of an attack or not hearing an approaching car with music playing during your run.

8. Be alert.  If you run on trails, make sure you run on trails that are fairly populated and during busy times or run with a buddy.  Pay attention to people around you and trust your gut.  If a road or trail doesn’t feel right or you suddenly feel uneasy, turn around.

And don’t forget about our 2014: Hit the Ground Running event on Saturday, January 25 at 9am at New Balance Quarry Village. We’ll start off the morning with smoothies, offer fittings of New Balance’s Psyche Personal Sports Bras, have a fun walk/run through Alamo Heights, enjoy meeting and socializing with other San Antonio area moms, and finish back at New Balance for healthy treats and giveaways.  Strollers and kids are welcome!  Register to join us.

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Brooke
Brooke graduated high school from right here in San Antonio. After twelve years of living everywhere from Colorado to Greece, London to Atlanta, she and her husband have made San Antonio home and have become parents to their daughter and son. Brooke loves finding undiscovered activities around the city and dragging her kids along! She is a runner, an amateur cook that loves trying out San Antonio’s growing culinary scene and is actively involved in non-profit organizations in San Antonio.

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