Runner's Personal Safety

Whether it is for health benefits, weight loss, to compete in a race, or simply to clear your mind; many of you are used to getting up before the crack of dawn to go out for a run. Whatever the reason is for incorporating running into your life, it is a chance to do something for yourself that
you look forward to.

Considering long work hours, taking care of your family or many other responsibilities, often the only possible time to get a run in is either early morning or late evening. Whatever time it is, you lace up your shoes and with determination you hit the streets or one of the many trails. Most of the time your mind is busy focusing on stride or breathing as you are training for your next race. You could be also running just to clear your mind and enjoy some of your favorite ipod tracks. Since this is probably not the first time you are running your favorite route and because you feel comfortable knowing where it leads to, you don't really pay attention to your surroundings or if anyone is watching or following you.

Just last summer a 23 year old woman went for a morning jog near the DePaul University in Chicago when a man attacked and pulled her to the ground. Luckily she was able to scare him off as she screamed. I wish stories like these weren't true, but this could happen anywhere to pretty much anyone. While I am not trying to discourage anyone from running, I want to stress the importance of being aware of our surroundings.

No one runs anticipating an attack every step of the way, as it would take away from the fun and effectiveness of the run. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect society and learning a skill such as self defense might seem extreme at first, but probably wouldn't be a bad idea if you found yourself in a situation when you suddenly need it.

When I say self defense I don't mean big visually appealing acrobatic moves that you see in movies or even martial arts competitions. I am not talking about a martial arts class where you would spend many hours just figuring out your stance, or needed the ability to do the split or jump three or four feet in the air. What I am referring to is a realistic personal safety program where you learn to react quickly and effectively, a program that teaches you a practical way to defend from an attacker even when you don't pay attention. For example, imagine you are running and suddenly you feel someone grab your wrist or shoulder. I'm sure you will agree that in such situation a spin kick will be unrealistic and you won't have time to take a step back to assess which move you should use. Without much thought you need to be able to react immediately and effectively instead of waiting helplessly for the attacker's next move.

Programs that teach what I just described are available. Revat is a style used programs designed to teach the most effective way for runners to protect themselves, and to train their reflexes in order to initiate an impulsive way of dealing with assault. "It is also a genuinely safe and effective way to exercise. This program changes the way your body reacts. The reflexes of the Revat system simply become your reflexes, and therefore are always present" said Ingo Weigel the founder of Revat Training System. Having gone through this program you will have increased confidence and earn to control your emotions in a stressful situation, which will allow you to think clearly and not panic. Therefore, if you are ever running and find yourself in a situation where someone is trying to make you the victim, you will be able to take control and defend the attack. If you can not find a school that offers Revat near you then look for a facility that teaches self defense based on the principles of Wing Chun, as their similarities make the two styles equally effective.

Peter Kadzielawski is a personal trainer and co-owner of Equilibrium Personal Training; www.equilibriumfit.com