6 Tips to Make Your Cross Country Running Outfits a Lot Safer

If you want to stay healthy and still be able to enjoy the great outdoors, you should really try cross country running. The activity may seem tame at first glance, but it does have elements of danger to it. Remember that running entails you to speed through roads and paths less trodden.

So if you are going to take up cross country running, you should make sure that you have the right equipment and prioritize your safety. This will allow you to enjoy it in the safest way possible. Below we explore a few tips to make your cross country running outfits a lot safer:

1. Invest in the Right Shoes

When it comes to cross country running, you should make sure that your shoes are up to scratch. Remember that you’ll have to run for hours on end in these shoes. You’ll have to go through rough and uneven terrain.

The road may be rocky or muddy, and if your shoes are not good quality, you will run the risk of them getting damaged in the long run. When you buy your cross country running shoes, you should check its soles. The soles should be able to provide traction and have strong spikes. These spikes will enable you to keep your footing through slippery terrain.

2. Wear the Right Clothing

During a cross country run, you will have to run for very long distances. You’ll have to run through various terrain, and the roads won’t always be in the best quality. You may even have to go through uneven and dangerous terrain. So you should make sure that you should have the right outfit for cross country running.

When choosing your running outfit, you should base it on the weather. If the weather is hot, then you should wear light and sleeveless clothing. Take a cap or wide brimmed hat to cover your face. You should also wear good quality shorts and tights.

If the weather is cold, you should bring an extra layer of clothing such as a windbreaker or running jacket. It should be waterproof and provide you with proper insulation against the cold. The jacket should have a hood in case of rain or a bonnet to protect your head from the cold. Taking the time to choose the right clothes may seem a bit tedious, but seeing as you will be running for long distances, your outfit should prepare you for any eventuality.

3. Lighting Devices are Key

Lighting devices are some of the most important things to have with you during cross country runs. There will be times where you run in the evenings, and you may run the risk of losing your footing or running into things if you don’t see where you are going. So before you set out on a run, you should bring the right lighting devices.

The usual lighting devices are headlamps, and attachable flashlights. However this may be a bit cumbersome, especially when you’re running. So you should get inventive. Aside from the usual lighting devices, you can sew neon signs to your clothes. This not only makes your running outfit look cool, it will also make you a lot more visible to drivers and other runners at night. Using neon lights may seem a bit difficult to pull off, however companies such as Ginde Star have created durable and flexible neon lights that can be installed to clothing with little to no fuss. You could also look online on Ginde Star Led for neon flex light ideas to better install neon lights and signs to your outfit.

4. Have a Medical Kit at the Ready

Although cross country running may seem like a safe activity, there is still a chance of getting injured. You may slip on an uneven road or scratch yourself on some bushes, so you will need to have a medical kit at the ready. Remember that during your cross country runs, you will be away from the nearest towns or villages so you should be prepared for any eventuality. This is especially important if you are running solo, because you won’t have anyone else to rely on. Your medical kit does not have to be large or cumbersome. You can put a small medical kit in a small satchel bag or fanny pack. That way, you can run with little to no impediments.

5. Wear Ankle and Leg Supports

During the course of a run, you will be putting a great deal of weight on your knees and ankles. If you don’t want to cause permanent damage to your limbs, it is important that you wear ankle and leg supports, These supports will keep your joints in place, and help prevent injuries in the long run. When you choose these supports, you should make sure that they are comfortable and stable. They should also allow you enough mobility to run and jump with little to no resistance.

6. Carry Protective Equipment During Your Run

Cross country running can be a dangerous activity, especially if you are doing it solo. So you should pack protective equipment with you. This may seem extensive,however you never know if you will need to protect yourself during your run. So it is a good idea to bring a can of mace or at least a taser with you. It is a good idea to learn their proper usage and effective range, for maximum efficiency. You should have them close at hand, that way you could react instantly should there be an emergency.

Conclusion

Running may seem tame at first glance, however it can get dangerous if you don’t have the right outfit and equipment. This is especially true if you are running through uncommon paths. So before you take up running, you should have your equipment optimized for safety. With these tips, you’ll be able to run as safely as possible.