Safety First
Trail Running
Keeping Safe on the Trails
In addition to wearing and taking the right gear and having sufficient hydration and nutrition there are a few other things to consider that can help to keep you safe on the trails.
- Know where you are going and ensure you keep on track. Whether that is using a map, compass, a GPS watch or a trail mapping app (for example MapMe, WikiMaps).
- Run with others. But if you are on your own ensure someone knows where you are going and when you are expected back.
- Be constantly aware of your surrounding. Remove those earbuds and be ‘present’ and alert.
- Injuries and accidents can happen anywhere and the trail is no different. On the trails you are usually a little further away from help, so a charged mobile phone with coverage is a must.
Other essential items include:
- A whistle for attracting help.
- First aid kit in a compact lightweight pack containing a few essentials including; plasters (or band aids for the non brits), blister pads, alcohol wipes, sterile pad/gauze, elastic bandage, pen, safety pins, tape.
- Space blanket.
- Snake bandages (a most for those running in Australia and where ever these critters call home). Getting bitten by a snake is not common but it’s vital to know what to do if it happens.
First aid knowledge and apps
It is of benefit to yourself and others to have some First Aid and CPR knowledge when out on the trails. So consider doing a first aid course to prepare yourself. And there are lots of apps to refer to that can help if you have a brain freeze.
There are a huge number of apps that can help to keep you safe on the trails. These will differ depending on your mobile device and location so check out your app store. And remember to download, set up and familiarise yourself with them before you leave home.
Protect yourself
Sunscreen is recommended everyday when you are outside. It should be used and reapplied as the product label indicates. And don’t forget to consider a hat and long sleeved top. Sometimes there is no shade on the trails to protect you from the rays.
Sunglasses are essential for eye health. But that aside they are also great at keeping cobwebs and unwanted bugs from your eyes. Just ensure they fit well and have adequate sun glare reduction and UV protection.
My essential safety gear for trail running
I keep my first aid qualification up to date and carry a compact first aid kit in my pack. And I have iFirst Aid and Australian Bites and Stings apps available on my phone to refer to if needed.
Before heading out on the trails I check the VicEmergency App for warnings in the area I plan to run and the expected weather for the duration of the run so I am prepared for it.
