“I could be gone in a second without even a trace” – Tom Freud, Collapsible Plans
There is a balance between fear-controlled caution and a complete throwing of caution-to-the-wind. After 12 years working in the ICU and seeing the worse possible outcomes (often despite the best intentions), I’ve had a tendency toward leaning in the direction of fear-controlled side of the scale. I’ve come a long way in learning to let go a little.
Where running is involved, some might accuse me of being too relaxed. I disagree MOST of the time.
I follow some general rules:
- I always run with my phone
- Tell people when I am running
- Take my Epi-pen during bee season
- Wear reflective wear when lighting is marginal
- Keep aware of my surroundings
- Pull my headphones off when listening to traffic is essential
But there are things that I could do better. Take today for example…
Although I did tell my co-workers that I was running, I didn’t share where I was planning to go running. In fact, I actually ran where I told them that I would NOT be running; it seemed to call to me and I couldn’t resist.
All this would not be an issue had I chosen to run where the shoulder was adequate and large trucks didn’t have a tendency towards barreling down the road. Or maybe if I hadn’t insisted on traveling that additional 0.1 mile which took me into a section where the shoulder nearly disappeared and it was just road, guard-rail, and me. And although I knew better, I told myself that I’d be careful.
Then I saw the memorial with the bicycle, three headstones, and a wooden cross. Fear set in and, on the way back, I had an awakening just to reinforce how stupid I was for being there alone, on that blind curve, and without anyone knowing where to find me if I didn’t return to work. Yeah. It wasn’t my proudest moment.
After returning to the office, I looked up the names on those headstones and read of the tragic deaths. While it would seem that because cyclists share the road with the cars more often, that the sport holds greater risk. Still, one must not forget that running can be dangerous too. I could stand to take back a bit more of that caution for my own sake.
Hmmm, makes me wonder if I’m doing everything I need to do to stay safe out there…
scary. :(
You don’t ever want to regret NOT taking precautions.
Those white memorials always give me chills. And there are way too many of them around Boston and New York City.
I rarely tell family my route, I never take my phone, I run where there isn’t a sidewalk… I appreciate the reminder to do those things, to be safe. Thanks, Juls. I’ve never seen a memorial like that. Very sad.
The bikes can’t dodge the cars as easily but yes- some places are best avoided. Glad you made it back safe!
The tragedies don’t end with cyclists. The recent news about Chelsea King should remind us all to BE CAREFUL!
So sad. I just blogged about running safety too…we can never be too cautious. Run safely out there, Julie!
Always run smart. California is #1 in the country in cyclists deaths, probably because more people ride the roads there…
the cycling community lost two great racers that tragic day along that curve. they were riding responsibly and enjoying the rush of an awesome ride on that sunny day until an oncoming vehicle with the driver asleep at the wheel changed many lives forever… unavoidable. run and ride safe and defensively.