Running tip number 7 is for runners who are just getting started. Coach Tadris Parker has personally tested this recommendation and a hundred other health tips commonly shared in the running and fitness world. Listen to the audio clip below to hear his take on this one piece of health advice: “Face forward in traffic.” Learn all about this at Keep Calm and Run To The Best You!

“Running against traffic allows the runner to be in command. Anyone who is alert and agile should be able to stay alive.”

 — Dr. George Sheehan

Tip 7. Face Forward in Traffic (running)

The quote by Dr. George Sheehan may sound a bit extreme, but it is necessary for the outdoor runner to stay alert and agile in order to stay alive. Running on the roadway involves an element of risk and it’s not to be taken lightly. “Face forward in traffic” is the proper position to be in while you’re working out in the fresh air.

Running Outdoors is Best

Awareness is key to staying safe and sharp whenever you’re running outdoors. Even though it’s more dangerous to run on the road than at the gym, outdoor workouts really are better for you - both physically and mentally. You will experience changing inclines and different surfaces while running outdoors. You’ll need to be prepared to go around obstacles and be aware of the people around you. The fresh air and sunshine adds to the experience, making outdoor runs much more enjoyable.

Running on a treadmill can make you feel like you’re a hamster on a wheel. It’s boring to be set at one pace, surrounded by walls, even if you’re watching TV. Sure, it’s more convenient and you don’t have to worry about traffic but sooner or later you’re going to get tired of it. The only downside to exercising outside (besides traffic) is bad weather, but that’s no big deal if you know how to dress for running in winter or rainy day workouts.

Safety Rules for the Road

In New Jersey, we have a disproportionate number of pedestrian injury crashes and fatalities compared to the nation as a whole. A pedestrian is someone who is traveling by foot, whether walking or running. Last year, The Governor’s Highway Safety Association reported 220 pedestrian fatalities in the state of New Jersey, involving a motor vehicle.

In response to this, New Jersey state laws have been stricter for the past decade in hopes of making roads safer for pedestrians. Now, drivers are required to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, instead of yielding, as they were required to do before. The responsibility is not on drivers alone, though. Pedestrians, whether traveling by skateboard or e-scooter or using their own two feet, have to do their part in keeping the roads safe and accident-free. As runners, we have a responsibility to respect the rules of the road and abide by traffic safety laws whenever going for a run outside.

Tips for Runners/Walkers

At Keep Calm and Run To The Best You, we have a Run/Walk Club which meets twice a week to run outside as a group. Anytime we’re running alongside vehicles, we need to be vigilant. Ideally, we stay behind a median or divider to help block the traffic (such as the 9th Street Bridge in Ocean City, NJ) or run on a race track or dirt path. No matter where you choose to run, be aware of your surroundings. This means looking ahead of you and not listening to music if you can’t hear the sound of cars or voices nearby.

The rules for cyclists are more similar to cars and trucks than the rules for pedestrians. Although bicycles are supposed to be riding with the flow of traffic, as far to the right side of the lane as practicable, pedestrians should always face forward in traffic. Walk or run against the flow of cars so that you can always see what’s coming towards you.

Here are some preventive tips for your outside workout:

• Pedestrians must always walk facing traffic

• Wear reflective clothing and/or carry a light when walking at night

• Wear a bright or light colored shirt so drivers can see you at a distance

• Use crosswalks and cross at corners - avoid jaywalking

• Skip the earbuds/headphones that will hinder your hearing

• Run on a track, trail, or inside of a median whenever possible

• Go with a buddy, especially if you have any health concerns

• Wear a heart rate monitor and practice rhythmic breathing

• Stay well hydrated

Listen To Podcast

At Keep Calm and Run To The Best You, we are actively helping people from all walks of life to get healthier and happier in the body they’ve got! We’ve collected advice from professionals, combed through archives, and gathered insights from our group members. Click here to see the rest of our 101 health tips about running, intermittent fasting, and weight loss.

Train for your next running event

Coach Tadris Parker trains athletes at all levels for local or virtual running events.

Email coachtadris@gmail.com with questions about our Run/Walk Club, running events, or health programs.

If you’re serious about running or walking to improve your overall health, join our Run/Walk club and let’s do this together!