Certain scents and sounds attend the arrival of summer. The smell of fresh-cut grass, cicadas chirping and the thunk of cricket bat on ball. But there’s also a lesser known sound: the crunch and grind of shoes striking turf.
The arrival of sun shocks thousands of Victorians into a flurry of activity each year. Everyone thinks the same thing: ‘I must get fit’. To this end, seasoned athletes and weekend warriors are taking to the streets in droves.
It isn’t easy. For many over the cooler months their get up and go- got up and went. Motivation boosters come in many forms: music, running-partners or specific programs. For those runners listing to music or following the instructions of their chosen exercise app, earphones seem a necessity.
But they dull a sense that can save your life.
Bass and drums thrumming in your ears and your feet thudding along in rhythm may be motivating, but it’s definitely distracting. Consider this: if you’re out running and accidentally run onto the road and get hit by a car it’s likely you’ll experience some level of injury. Depending on the speed the car was travelling it could be a serious and life-altering injury. That’s how easy it could happen.
It’s good to get in the zone, but keep a vigilant eye out, even if you’re unplugged. Watch out for road traffic as well as your fellow fitness fanatics. And sticking to footpaths and spaces dedicated to exercise will also help keep you safe.
Yes, road safety is critical, but there are other reasons to unplug your ears too.
Our lives are ruled by glowing rectangles: smartphones, tablets, laptops and televisions. We sit on trams and trains, earphones in, watching videos or flicking through Facebook. Outdoor exercise is your chance to escape technology’s clutches and experience the terrestrial world.
No matter whether you’re running in the dark or during daylight here’s a good rule of thumb: keep up the colour. Wearing bright clothes can make a big difference by helping notify other road users of your presence.
If your fitness wardrobe is looking shabby, why not get yourself something new and colourful? Summer and spring are vibrant times of year after all. Your safety’s a great reason to treat yourself. Go on, you deserve it. There isn’t a better excuse.
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