She Runs by the Seashore

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Disclaimer: I received AfterShokz Trekz Air to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

What’s more important than safety when it comes to running?

Not much.

To take it to the extreme, if a runner gets hit by a car and killed, nothing else matters. Of course, tragedies can happen to people even if they are doing everything they can to stay safe. But it doesn’t hurt to consider safety when you hit the streets for a run.

This month, BibRave is hosting BibRave Safety Month with partners AfterShokz and Brilliant Reflective. Each week has a different focus. The first week’s focus was Be Prepared, last week’s was Be Aware, this week’s is Be Seen and next week’s is Be Open. Read all about BibRave Safety Month in this BibRave blog post.

I’ve been using Instagram stories this month to show how I use my AfterShokz Trekz Air to stay safe. I’ve highlighted the stories on my profile, @VanessaJunkin, and I’ll be posting throughout the rest of the month, too.

I received the AfterShokz Trekz Air in January, and I was impressed that I could hear my music or podcasts clearly and with quality sound while also hearing my surroundings. Read the full review here. 

I don’t always listen to music when I run, and I still don’t when I run with others, but the AfterShokz definitely make solo runs fun — and safe.

Not all safety concerns are as grave as potentially being hit by a car, of course. When I ran on the Washington & Old Dominion trail last month, one thing I could hear were cyclists coming up behind me.

When running, it’s good to know who and/or what is around you. What if someone was running with very loud music, didn’t hear the cyclist, and then unknowingly moved in front of him or her? If the cyclist had been unable to avoid the runner or had to swerve quickly, a crash could occur.

Another safety concern is dogs. I have friends who have been attacked by dogs while running, so this is something I think about when I see a dog on the run, with my concern heightened if it’s an unleashed one. I can’t recall if this has come up while I’ve been on a run with my AfterShokz, but it definitely makes me feel more secure that I would be able to hear a dog if one were approaching.

Hearing cars, of course, is important. Since as runners, we often share the road with cars or have to cross streets if we’re on sidewalks, it wouldn’t make sense to completely tune them out with headphones.

And then, something that I — knock on wood — have not had to deal with: attackers. Sure, I’ve run by some people that could have been sketchy, but I have not had any kind of scary attacker situation. However, if this were to happen, I’d want to be able to hear someone coming up behind me. I’m sure it would be surprising no matter what, but I’d want to give myself as much time as possible.

The AfterShokz Trekz Air would be useful in all of these situations — they work through bone conduction, and they don’t actually block your ear.

So, how do AfterShokz Trekz Air fit the BibRave Safety Month focuses?

Be Prepared – Make sure your AfterShokz Trekz Air and your phone are both charged. The Trekz Air don’t need to be charged that often, but it’s something to think about, particularly if you’re heading out on a long run where you’ll want something to listen to. It’s also a good idea to let someone know if you’re going for a run. I admit I don’t always do this, but it’s certainly a smart idea. You might also want to be prepared by thinking about a safe route. I know there are certain places I don’t run when it’s dark out. Our Eastern Shore Running Club group runs are purposely held in a well-lit area when it’s dark outside.

Be Aware – Being aware of your surroundings is important whether you’re running when it’s dark or light outside. Safety may seem like more of a consideration when it’s dark outside, but there could be an inattentive driver or a possible attacker out there when it’s light out, too. And then there are also other things to pay attention to — like roots on a trail. AfterShokz Trekz Air help runners be aware by allowing them to hear their surroundings as they listen to music or podcasts.

Be Seen – This one is particularly important for when it’s dark out. While I have not yet used Brilliant Reflective, I have seen other BibRave Pros’ posts, and using these strips appear to be a good way to be seen. I’ve seen some creative uses for them, so maybe you could even put a strip on your AfterShokz Trekz Air.

Be Open – AfterShokz Trekz Air keep your ears open by sitting outside of them.

Ready to be safer?

AfterShokz and Brilliant Reflective are both offering deals through BibRave.

AfterShokz: Receive a bonus trucker hat with your AfterShokz Trekz Air purchase with code “TRUCKER” at http://bibrave.aftershokz.com/.

Brilliant Reflective: Use the link bit.ly/BRP25 to save 25 percent off of all Multi/Assortment Packs.

Be sure to follow BibRave on Twitter to take part in chats and maybe even you’ll even be a winner!

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