The Rules of the Road
1. Don't assume a driver sees you. In fact, imagine that a driver can't see you.
2. Always run on the left side of the road facing traffic. The best way to avoid an untimely meeting with a vehicle is to see it coming.
3. In busy areas stay on sidewalks where possible. When running in large groups, it is much safer to be out of the way.
4. Run single file in congested areas or wherever there is oncoming traffic.
5. Respect a driver's right to the road.
6. Use your ears as well as your eyes- don’t wear headphones.
7. Beware of stopped cars making a right hand turn. Either stop to wait for them to turn or go behind them.
8. Don’t challenge cars to a race. If you are both approaching an intersection, stop and let them go first.
9. Cross at cross walks or traffic signals whenever possible. Obey traffic rules and signals. Runners, as pedestrians, are bound by traffic laws.
10. Use hand signals to show which way you plan to turn.
11. If running at night, reflective great is a must (reflective vest, blinking light and/or a headlamp are all good options.)
12. If running alone, let someone know your route and your estimated run time. Carry your phone.
13. Always carry some sort of ID.
14. If you need to stop and tie your shoe, pull off to the side of the road and out of the way.
15. Be alert at all times. Be wary of “runner’s high,†fatigue, or any lapse of concentration.
16. Carry a noisemaker or get training in self-defense and the use of pepper spray.
Winter
Fleet Feet Sports will cancel a group training session if the following dangers are present:
• Extreme cold conditions
• Actual temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below
• Wind Chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit or below
• Thunderstorm - lightning is present
• Any other dangerous weather conditions, such as ice storm, hail, extremely poor visibility, etc.
• We will NOT cancel a session if it is simply raining or snowing - you never know what may happen on race day, so let's be prepared for anything!
Summer
Fleet Feet Sports will cancel a group training session if the following dangers are present:
• Extreme heat conditions (heat index in excess of 100-110)
• Thunderstorm - lightning is present
• Tornado warnings and/or High winds
• Any other dangerous weather conditions, such as hail, extremely poor visibility, etc.
• We will NOT cancel a session if it is simply raining - you never know what may happen on race day, so let's be prepared for anything!
According to the Red Cross
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Use a buddy system when outdoors.
• Take frequent breaks when outdoors.
Excessive Heat Watch: Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
Excessive Heat Warning: Heat Index values are forecasted to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs = 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit).
ID Tags are highly recommended for safety reasons. They include pertinent information should an emergency occur. They loop through the participant's shoelaces and are inexpensive. You may choose to cover the cost for each training participant, include it in the cost of your program, or ask participants to purchase an ID tag. Below are three options.
SAFETY
If a runner needs immediate medical attention do not hesitate to call 911.
If emergency occurs while on run: Call 911 first then contact store or run group leader at trail-head. Stay with person. If you are on trail and do not have a phone, get message to person at trailhead. Designate one person to stay with person, one to sprint back (alert runners coming up trail). Primary goal is to get help. Once help has arrived, coaches will follow injured person; mentors will guide rest of group.
Contact Brandon Frank after emergency personnel have been notified or for general first aid: 208.985.0097