All runners need to take steps to keep themselves safe, but if you have an ongoing medical condition, it’s even more important. Whether you have diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, or another health issue that might interfere with your running, take a few moments to read our 10 ways to keep yourself safe as a runner with a medical condition.
- Listen to your body. You know your body better than anyone. Be honest about how you feel and what limits you should set for yourself on that day. Asthma not quite settled after a viral infection? Rest an extra couple of days until you’ve fully recovered.
- Spot your triggers. Keep an eye out for triggers that flare up your condition and avoid them where possible. Be aware of the impact they can have on your running. Sleep deprivation a trigger for your epilepsy? After a bad night, miss your run or choose a very easy run with a friend.
- Get educated. Learn as much as you can about your condition and how to manage it. Get help from professionals. Read about how your running might be affected and how to keep yourself safe. Struggling to keep your blood sugar in a safe range when you run? Speak to your diabetic nurse about how to manage this.
- Carry your meds. Always be prepared, don’t risk it. Find a running belt or backpack that allows you to comfortably carry your asthma inhaler, emergency glucose supplies or whatever else you need.
- Share your location. If you’re running alone, make sure you let someone know your intended route and when you plan to be back. You can activate location tracking on your phone and even set up emergency notifications on your sports watch to a chosen person if you need assistance.
- Tell your coach. Explain to them what actions they need to take if you become unwell, what signs they might see and what to do with any emergency medications. Make sure they have an emergency contact number, too.
- Exercise in a group. Running with others is a great way to keep safe. It can make you feel more confident and able to enjoy your run. Educate your friends about your condition. Know your own limits though and don’t feel like you have to stick with the group if it doesn’t feel right for you.
- Wear medical alert jewellery. Carrying a card or wearing a bracelet or necklace indicating you have a medical condition can help anyone that attends you in an emergency. Register with an organisation that stores your emergency contacts and health information for the next level of safety allowing quick access to your medical ID.
- Fill in the back of your race bib. Remember ‘pen before pins’. Reach for a pen before you attach your bib to your shirt. Having your medical and contact details on the back of your bib will mean any bystanders or paramedics that assist you in an emergency will have the basic information to be able to help you.
- Reflect and learn. Most people with medical conditions will have examples of when things haven’t gone quite right, when they’ve sailed too close to the wind, or even ended up in an emergency situation. Whatever has happened, don’t be complacent, think about what you could do differently next time to avoid putting yourself in danger.
