Tag: clothing

You are ready to go out walking.  You have your shoes on, but are you going to be safe while you are out there?  What do you need to do to arrive back safely from your walk?  Let’s go through some of what you can do.

Emergency information – what should you have on you?

1. Your name
2. Any allergies
3. Medical issues such as diabetic, asthmatic, epileptic, etc.
4. Emergency contact person that is not walking with you

The above list will assist anyone that is around you when you are unable to speak for yourself for whatever reason.  My favorite product for emergency information are the bands by RoadID.  They have a variety of products that emergency personnel can get medical information about you including an electronic version with extensive medical information.  The more information about you that they have when you are unable to tell them yourself, the quicker they can help you. You can visit them here.

Headphones/earbuds – don’t wear them in both of your ears and don’t have them too loud. 

If you must wear headphones or earbuds, then have just one in and keep your other ear fully available to hear what is going on around you.  When you have them turned up and/or in both ears, you run the risk of not hearing people as they come up from behind and want to go around you.   You may also not hear bikes coming up behind you on a trail or vehicles on the road and you may step into their path without knowing it until you get into an accident.  

Reflective clothing

When you are out in the early morning or late evening hours vehicles need to see you.  There are reflective vests that will go over your clothing, no matter what you are wearing.  Another option is a headlamp, where you can better see where you are going and for others to see you.  Flashing lights come in a variety of options including ones you can have on your back.  One thing is for sure, do not wear all black without something reflective on it.  People are going to want to see you and you want them to see you.

Walk with a friend

Walking with a partner or a group is not only more fun but also gives you extra eyes and ears when looking out for your safety.  They can also assist you if you get hurt and watch out for people, bikes, and vehicles.

Mace or pepper spray

This is a great option to have available for unwanted animals or people getting too close and posing a threat.  I recommend carrying this when you are out by yourself.  Although you never know if you may need it for animals when in a group.

Water/beverage

You’ll want to make sure that you have water or some sort of electrolyte beverage to drink.  This is especially important when it’s hot and humid out.  You’ll need to keep hydrated.  Dehydration is not a good thing and can be dangerous.  You can either carry it in your hands or buy a belt that will carry your beverage for you. There are a variety of belts to fit the way you like.

Snacks while walking

Yes, you read that correctly.  You’ll want snacks.  I recommend something small such as raisins, peanuts/nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, jelly beans or hard candies.  These will be easy to fit in your waist pack.

These are not all-inclusive, but a starter to get you thinking about safety when you go out walking.

You have picked out your shoes and fitness watch. Now what do you wear for clothing? I am glad you asked. You will want to be comfortable, but not too warm or too cold. Although, chances are greater of you being too warm then too cold. There are so many choices on the market, how do you know what to choose and when to wear it? Here is some helpful advice on what to wear when.

1)     Dress for a temperature that is 20⁰ warmer than what is on the thermometer. For example, if the temperature is 50⁰ on the thermometer you would dress as though it says 70⁰. You will warm up as you walk. You don’t want to be too warm and overheat.

2)     Dress in layers. Have a light weight jacket for when it is chilly or raining to start out and then tie it around your waist after you warm up and quits raining. When in really cold weather, wear a moisture wicking layer against your skin and then thicker, warmer layers on top of it. This goes for when it is raining out also, make sure you have rain gear on that you can take off and carry when the rain clears. Light weight ponchos are great for rain gear and can be easily folded up in a carry bag.

3)     Do NOT wear cotton. “Cotton is rotten” is a phrase that you will hear in the running & walking community.  When you sweat or get rained on and the cotton gets wet it will keep all that moisture against you. This is especially true with socks. The moisture can give you blisters.

4)     Wear moisture wicking material. This will keep the sweat away from your skin. They now make everything out of moisture wicking material: tops, bottoms and socks.

5)     When walking in the warmer climates and if your thighs rub together I recommend a longer inseam short with spandex that will stay in place. This will save you the pain of chafing and then having to buy chafing cream.

6)     Get a good sports bra! Women, make sure when shopping for a sports bra that you look at the support level. There are three: light, medium and high. You want to have the proper support level so that you aren’t bouncing too much along your walk. For those really hot days make sure you have a nice colorful one that holds everything in and you can wear just your bright colored sports bra.

7)     In the winter and you have a lot of ice, be sure to get traction cleats for your shoes. These will keep you walking across the ice instead of slipping across it.

You can buy just a few items and make it through all of the seasons by layering up in the colder season. Watch for sales at your favorite local running & walking shop and you can get quite the clothing collection.

As you go along in your walking career and you lose weight and/or take off those inches and you find yourself with clothes that no longer fit, look for a charity that accepts running and walking clothes.