Safety is always a concern for runners regardless of whether you are running trails, bike paths, roads, or just in the neighborhood. Those safety concerns are many, but one of the biggest concerns in the area where I run is the bears. They are awake and hungry!
Recently, this guy (pictured below) wandered onto our deck and was looking in the window right at us. Both Scott and I as well as Demi who spotted the bear first and alerted us, were on our feet in a hurry. I grabbed my camera (haha) and Scott banged on the window and yelled to scare him off. We do not want him hanging around or coming back again.
He must be accustomed to dogs and people because he just kind of mosied on along not appearing to be bothered by us very much. He headed up our hillside and even ate a couple of dandelions on his way out.
A couple of days later, I was out cleaning out flower beds while Demi, my protector, was guarding the area. We both heard a thrashing through the woods below us at about the same time. Demi took off after what turned out to be this bear again and the bear actually ran up a tree. The minute that Demi turned away in response to our calling her, the bear eased right down and again just kind of went on his merry little way appearing not too threatened.
I don’t want to give up running because of the bears and I don’t want to have to drive into town every day that I am running. But, I do want to be safe from being attacked.
So for safety, I run with my running buddy, Demi. She senses the wildlife way before I even see them. Second, I let Scott know where I am going and how long the run should take. And third, I carry bear spray. I don’t like carrying anything in my hands because I am already holding a leash so I use this very handy Scat belt.
The Scat belt just clips on around the waist and is very comfortable. I don’t even notice it during the run. I always make sure that I have the belt positioned so that I can grab the bear spray easily. It does slide from the belt smoothly and the velcro that is holding it in place is also easily removed. To activate the bear spray, it’s just a quick pull up and back of the orange safety click and then press the lever underneath to spray. I practice it before every single run. I hope that I never have to use it.
In addition to those safety measures listed above, I also have the beeping of my RunTempo cadence app making a little noise to warn the wildlife that we are there. Most bear attacks happen when startled. I was listening to music for my cadence with one earplug in, but I felt that wasn’t the safest thing to do. However, I would sing on the run so I am sure that could have kept the bears at a distance ha! In all seriousness, I am very bear aware!! For more information on what to do in the rare chance that you do encounter a bear click here. There are lots of resources on the internet. Stay informed! Be safe!
Running Update
- Monday Rest
- Tuesday Run 2 miles + PT exercises
- Wednesday Run 3 miles
- Thursday Run 2 miles
- Friday PT exercises
- Saturday Run 3 miles
- Sunday Walk 1 hour + PT exercises
I have a follow-up appointment with PT today. I believe running a little faster cadence is helping with my form and preventing overstriding (taking that pressure off of my knees) although I do tend to revert back to my “normal” running form at times. I switched from listening to music to the RunTempo app due to safety reasons and I think it works a little better than the music anyway. Listening to a 170 cadence beat and trying to stay with that is hard for me so I set it at 85 and correlate that beat to my left foot strike to get a 170 cadence. I am still having some mild low back pain but the tightness in my right leg along with the piriformis pain that I was having is gone. I don’t expect everything to get better in just a couple of weeks but I am happy with the progress I have made. This past week was a down week for running. Next week the “long-run” will increase to 5.5 miles and I am excited to see how that goes. Stay tuned…
Family Fun
We spent the weekend with the grandkids and it is Hooligan fishing time of the year. We were all set to go fishing but unfortunately, we had some problems with our gear and we may or may not have looked at the wrong tide tables. By the time we got to our fishing spot, the tide was already going out. We will try again soon. Initially, when I asked who wanted to go fishing, Charlie was the first one to jump on board and I have never, ever seen her get herself dressed and ready so fast. Typically, she needs all kinds of help. But, they still had fun hiking, playing at the playground in Girdwood, and just hanging out at our house.
Tylor turned some downed trees into walking sticks for Scott and me. He etched and burned my Mom’s name in mine and Scott’s dad in his. So touching and thoughtful. He also made a bow for Maddy and etched Love into it.
I did get to hang out with Sonja this past week as well. We did a fun trip to Wasilla where she went on the hunt for some unique supplies for her clay earring business. I know I took photos but I can’t seem to find them, but this is some of the work that she has posted on her Instagram. She has many more beautiful designs that she hasn’t even posted. I think they sell before she gets a chance to.
And in my spare time, I am learning Chess and I finally beat Scott! It wasn’t easy! I don’t have any proof (no photos) but this is my online proof that I am finally winning some games. My Elo rating has improved slightly but definitely at a beginner level. Want to play chess, you can join me on SocialChess.
And finally, the awesome sunsets have continued, but check out this awesome shot of the moon that Scott took a couple of nights ago.
It’s been a good week and I am hoping it warms up soon. Still a bit chilly out. Hope your week is going great. Until next time…
Happy Running
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