User reveals safety feature for going on a run: “At least your loved ones can have peace”
Many of us enjoy training outside. However, even such an innocent activity can pose certain risks.
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Many of us enjoy training outside. However, even such an innocent activity can pose certain risks.
One of the things I’m often excited about at the end of the day is going for a walk or a run, just to unwind and enjoy being outside. However, I often found myself not going out at all if it was getting late or already dark.
While nothing major ever happened to me during these late walks or runs, I already know that I won’t be able to enjoy it fully as I will be looking over my shoulder and often putting the volume down on my music to make sure no one is following me.
Going outside at your own risk?
This could be my own fault as I watch a lot of true crime shows featuring stories of women being kidnapped, assaulted, and murdered when all they did was go for a run.
Many of these stories are told to spread awareness. And, at least in my case, it did, to the point where I think twice before going for a run with my hair in a ponytail as I heard that an attacker could grab it from behind.
A study conducted by researchers from The University of Manchester revealed that during their runs, women experience verbal abuse, threats, being flashed, as well as physical and sexual assaults. Almost 70% of the 498 respondents shared that they’ve experienced some form of abuse.
To tackle this issue, runners tend to take different measures, such as finding a running buddy or getting pepper spray. Wearable tech can also help in this case.
A smartwatch can keep an eye on you
Many smartwatches, if not all, now include safety features. While many focus on the fact that their wearable can detect them falling or losing their pulse, there’s another reason why one might want a smart wearable that can also track where they are at all times.
One runner on Reddit shared how they’ve found Garmin’s safety and tracking feature useful during their workouts outside.
“I would highly suggest for those who are doing long runs/rides or whatnot to enable this feature to allow your loved ones to receive a million texts on your long runs,” shared the user.
The feature works by sending an automatic text to a contact of your choice with information about your run.
The provided screenshot showed multiple texts sent to the user’s wife sharing that the user had completed the run in a certain time, adding details such as their average pace and last lap. The Redditor also shared that their significant other can also track them whilst they’re running to know they’re safe.
“It hasn't saved my life/marriage, but for female runners in particular who are worried about running at night, at least your loved ones can have peace,” wrote the user.
However, other users online discovered that this feature doesn’t work on iPhones.
“[...] Due to Apple's ecosystem being walled off, Garmin isn't allowed to send texts through Apple phones, only Androids,” wrote one user, adding that “you can still use the Live Tracking feature which will send friends and family an email where your current whereabouts instead.” The Live Track feature creates a real-time view of the location where a user is training.
Other users also found the feature useful, especially if any health conditions are involved: “I just did this. I'm a type 1 diabetic, so this is huge. Thanks!”
When it comes to providing your loved ones with peace of mind, one Redditor wrote:
“Peace that they know if I'm still running or that they'll know where my body is. I do appreciate the sentiment OP. I don't think it's a bad idea to use this feature.”
Another user online praised Garmin for the same feature when they were running a marathon.
“In theory we could have relied on the official race live tracking, but the race website started giving people errors under the load of 5000 or so participants. Garmin tracking worked flawlessly to help my family follow me,” shared the user.