Running Safety & A Ragnar Relay Product Giveaway!! #Swagnar

I am a mom of three boys, and trying to keep my boys safe is a full-time job.  There is always something that they can get into and get hurt.  However, as a mom, I tend to put myself and my safety on the back burner at times.  Can you relate?

Sometimes the only free (me) time we get is once all the children are sleeping soundly in their beds and the husband is watching a game on the television.  Unfortunately, the days are getting shorter and that means it gets dark sooner.  Running safe at night is a big concern and something that we all should take seriously.

I do most of my running during the day, either solo or while pushing my two youngest boys in the double jogger.  When running solo or running with children, it is very important to keep your guard up and to stay safe while running.  Running during the day or night, we must always do our best to run smart.

Safety is key.  Our children and family need us!  Check out my top ten running safety tips to keep you running safe!  When you are finished reading the tips, be sure to enter the SUPER FUN giveaway below (night running vest and road ID) to keep you safe while running!

1. Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected to return.
2. When you  come in contact with another person while on your run, make eye contact with them.  Show yourself as calm, confident, and in control.  If you appear that you are strong and not fatigued you will not be marked as an easy target.
3. Use your instincts.  If you think or feel running near a person or street is not safe.  Listen.
4. Carry pepper spray or other safety device that can easily be held in your hand while running.  This is great for not only human attacks, but also for animals.
5. Run in familiar areas.  Yet vary your route and time slightly from day to day.  You don’t want to be too predictable with your running routine that would make you an easy target.
6. If you can, run with company.  If running with a group of friends is not an option, try running with a dog.
7. Be prepared.  Knowing what the weather will be and preparing for your long runs are key.  You don’t want to be dehydrated, bonk because of poor nutrition or freeze due to not being prepared.
8. Make sure that you are visible to oncoming traffic (and even pedestrians).  Wear reflective clothing. (The ragnar night running vest I am giving away is perfect for this!)
9. Wear (or carry) identification while running.  (The RoadID has many great products!)
10. When listening to music, make sure you can hear the activity around you.  Be aware of your surroundings.  I love my yurbuds because they are not only comfortable, but they also allow me to hear my music and surroundings.

These are just ten of my running safety tips.  I am sure there are many more, and I would love to hear your favorite running safety tips below.  But first, I want to keep you safe while running and offer you a giveaway!!

Ready to WIN some great Running Safety Gear!? Along with the Ragnar Race Series, I am giving away a ragnar night running vest and Road ID shoe tag to keep YOU SAFE while running!!

All entrants will also be eligible for other prizes! So be sure to enter this giveaway to join in on all the fun!

The giveaway will close on October 28th at 12:01am.

You must complete the Rafflecopter form below within 48 hrs of this post being published to win. Yes – you read that right – you have until October 28th, 2012 at 12:01 am to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ALL entries collected from the Ragnar Swagnar Relay Giveaway will be entered to win bonus prizes, so be sure to enter the giveaway of the 12 great participating blogs!

Now that you have read this blog and entered the contest, be sure to visit Stephanie at her blog  Fit Mom In Training. I’ll be passing the virtual relay baton to her on October 27th. Check out her blog for your chance to win the next prize in the Ragnar Swagnar Relay!