Weekly mileage increases as Cebuano runners train for the Cebu City Marathon. This will help accustom your muscles to the distance which you are about to run. Training starts with 30Km/week up to 80Km/week a few weeks prior to race day. Some prefer to train in Abellana Sports Complex while some go out and run the busy streets of Cebu. More often, runners start their morning run at 4 am and finish around 7 am. Others also run after work at 6 pm up to 9 pm. While many run in packs, a few prefer to run alone.
Accidents happen if a runner becomes reckless. I once hit a passing PUV after it suddenly stopped for passengers and cut my left lower eyelid. Only a few millimeters from my eye, the wound kept bleeding as my friends (Opthalmologists) tried to dress and clean the wound. They even recommended minor stitches to improve tissue healing. I was lucky. My eye was fine save for the big "blackeye" i got after the accident. But some may not be as fortunate. Veteran Runner Rening Ylaya was hit by a passing taxi while running and broke his arm. It was placed in a cast for months and forced Rening to run with a broken arm. This can happen to any of us.
In an article by www.runnersworld.com, a few safety measures may be followed to avoid such disasters.
1. Run in groups. Despite wanting to run at your own pace, it may be advisable to run with a buddy. Accidents occur less often when more than one runner is cautious. As much as possible, runners in groups should be in a single file.
2. Never Run Deaf. MP3 players and iPODs are the latest craze in running gear. Music helps runners maintain a comfortable pace and can rescue them from absolute boredom. Earphones have also evolved to noise reducing in-ear plugs. These gadgets not only provide excellent quality sound but also block ambient sound from the environment. These are helpful when trying to ignore an irritating gym instructor but put you at risk for serious injuries when trying to run outdoors. When running with music, keep the volume loud enough to hear ambient sounds. Some recommend listening to music one ear at a time.
3. Wear bright or reflective clothing. Running is a good excuse to wear your brightest and most peculiar apparels. The more striking they are, the better.
4. Observe road courtesy. Respect a motorist's right of way. Always assume that drivers do not see you. Use hand signals to notify motorist's of your direction. Whenever possible, always run against traffic.
5. Stop, look both ways then cross. Except during races, always stop at intersections and traffic lights to give way to motorists. Look both ways and make sure it is clear prior to crossing the street.
6. Bring personal identification cards during your road runs. During long runs, bring your ID and Cellphone for immediate assistance during emergencies. When in a race, write your personal details like your name, address and contact numbers behind the race bib.
Road Mishaps are avoidable if runners are cautious and vigilant. When running the streets of Cebu, sidewalks are scarce thus runners need to take note of these precautionary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable run.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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