THE ROADS
It will come as no surprise that your worst enemies on the streets are the drivers. As a runner/walker, you will become more acutely aware of how few people stop at stop signs or even at red lights. Drivers turning right rarely even look right before turning. They only look left to see if another car is there. If you are on the trail or in the cross walk: BEWARE!!!

Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets. If they don't see your eyes, they probably don't see you at all and will run right into you. Although you have rights, it's better to be safe and alive than to be right.

Pedestrians are allowed to be on the streets or trails. If the running trails are too hard on your feet and you prefer to run on the shoulders which are softer, be sure that you are going against the traffic. Bikes go with the traffic, but runners go against it. And, with running buddies, make sure you are not more than two abrest in the road.

IPODS
These are technically not permitted at marathon events, but generally this rule is not enforced. If you enjoy running with an ipod, remember that safety is of utmost importance. Try to only use one earphone and keep the volume really low so you can hear traffic and other noises around you!

ANIMALS
In The Woodlands, we're blessed to live in the beauty of nature. With that comes run-ins with wildlife. Keep your focus, pay attention to your surroundings. Having a running buddy is the safest thing to do, but carrying pepper spray is always wise. Not everyone follows the "no leash" law in the county and runners are often chased by loose dogs.

PHONES
Running belts can easily carry mobile phones. It's the safe choice. If you're injured or sick, you can easily phone for help if you have your phone.

LIGHTS
When beginning early in the morning, it might still be dark out. You can either clip a flashing running light on your shirt or race belt, or you can purchase a headlight to clip onto your hat or strap onto your head. Drivers can see you better and you can see where you're going!

HAZARDS
From pot holes to loose gravel or debris, keep your eyes open, looking straight ahead and THINK constantly. Running injuries are normal, but the more we pay attention to dangers in the streets, the less likely we will be to suffer from them.

THUNDERSTORMS
Lightning bolts flash to the ground twenty-five million times a year in the United States killing nearly one hundred people, and seriously injuring up to one thousand more. Although it is perfectly fine to run in the rain (marathons are not cancelled because of rain), running in lightning is dangerous. Do not go out if you expect thunderstorms.

If you are out running and it begins to lightning, quickly seek shelter - steer clear of tall trees or poles. Find shorter trees or bushes. Call for help.

IDENTIFICATION
You should always carry identification when you go out on a run. Your driver's license will suffice, but you should also have a shoe tag with an emergency contact phone number listed. These tie into your running shoes and if for any reason, someone finds you passed out on the trail, they can look for that information and seek help for you.