“Preparedness isn’t a purchase; it’s a practice.”
In the world of ultra-endurance, we often obsess over the latest gear. But after years of pushing through the “pain cave” and solo pavement pounding, I’ve learned that the most critical safety tools you own are completely free: Your Strategy.
Here are the no-cost habits that bridge the gap between guessing and knowing.
🗺️ 1. The “Hard Return” Rule
Don’t just tell someone you’re “going for a run.”
- The Routine: Share your specific route and a Hard Return Time with a partner or friend.
- The Protocol: If they haven’t heard from you by that exact minute, they don’t wait for a text—they start the emergency protocol. It costs $0 to have a backup plan.
📲 2. Your Digital Lifeline (ICE)
If something happens, your phone is a locked brick to a first responder unless you set this up. EMS is trained to look for your Medical ID without needing your passcode.
- iPhone Users: 🍎 Official Step-by-Step for Medical ID
- Android Users: 🤖 Official Guide for Emergency Info
💡 3. The 360° Visibility Audit
Even without buying new lights, you need to audit how you appear to others.
- The Reflection: Ensure you aren’t just visible from the front; side and rear visibility are where most runners are “invisible” to turning cars.
- The Strategy: At night, stick to “out-and-back” routes on streets you know intimately.
🏥 4. Identify Your “Safe Zones”
Safety is about knowing your terrain before you’re in trouble.
- The Recon: Identify “Safe Zones” like 24-hour gas stations or police stations along your path.
- Tactical Advantage: Knowing exactly where to go if a situation feels “off” is a free advantage that can save your life.
🧠 5. Trust Your “Internal Tech” (The Gut Check)
Your biological “Mindset of Anticipation” is the most advanced sensor you have.
- The Audit: If a street feels too dark or a situation feels “off,” abort the route immediately.
- The Reality: Your training volume is never worth the risk. Redirecting your run is free; the cost of ignoring your intuition is much higher.
MITZ’S FINAL WORD:
“I’ve tackled the Spartan World Championships in Iceland and 71 miles at Anchor Down. The gear saved my race, but the mindset saved my life. RUN SAFE. BE SAFE.”