Since starting my triathlon coaching in 2001, the triathlon coaching space has changed DRASTICALLY from meeting clients to a weekly basis to chatting with them via phone, to FaceTime or Zoom Chats with triathletes all over the world. Honestly, I LOVE this change because now...
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About a month ago, I was interviewed by KEN5 and Savannah Louie about running safety, especially for women, as we understood what happened with the women runner in Iowa. See the interview below:
Savannah and I chatted about apps that can alert our love ones if we are not moving. Over the last few years, I have used Road ID when I am out on my bike or running in an unknown territory but that is the only app that I know. Here is the thing, you won’t see many photos of me out running with my phone, only with the GoPro. Why? My phone is too much of a distraction.⠀
My priority is my run when I am running. My phone is too much of a distraction as it is. When I am running, I need to be an athlete. When I am home, I will be a coach.
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After my chat with Savannah, I started thinking about my runs alone as a woman. I told her on the interview there are a few Rulon Rules that I do that may help you, if you must run alone and here they are:
It really sucks sometimes that we must deal with this, especially as women. (I am sure guys must deal with this as well). Running is my happy place and I don’t think that will ever change.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The other day, I reached out to my Instagram Peeps and asked them what they did if they when they were out running alone or any other advice that could help NOT only women but men as well. Here you go:
Elaina S. – When I run alone (80% of the time) I have my husband bike along as I run. Sometimes I run on the frontage road or meet up with one of my guy friends and we run around the lakes together.
Molly R. – I honestly got a dog to run with me so I’m not completely alone! I do bring my phone with me but only for safety reasons. I leave it on silent or airplane mode!
Lili R. – I stick to well-traveled trails and avoid residential neighborhoods. I’m honestly more afraid of a dog coming after me from an open garage than I am of a human. I also NEVER respond in any way to men who make lewd comments, even though sometimes I want to yell!!! Acknowledging jerks just gives them what they wanted. Hope these help 💕
Michele V. – Find and wear reflective gear!!! I use reflective skin spread, nontoxic and weather and sweat proof!!! Here is the link: https://www.safetyskinproducts.com/. And I agree NO EARBUDS!!! This is also important to listen to your body and nature as well, know your surroundings! Agree again w/ listen to your gut!!!
Regina – Always carry pepper spray!
Elisha – I have a small but incredibly loud whistle attached to my keychain – it draws a lot of attention and would help deter an attacker and keep an aggressive dog away too. Simple but effective tool!
Nicole M. – I have always run alone. I try to avoid night running now. But if it’s a lone trail, I carry pepper spray that comes with a hand strap. Made for runners. The canister is very thin and easily fits into a small hand grip. The Velcro strap wraps around the outer part of your hand. I recommend always carrying pepper spray or mace if you are trail running anywhere. Make sure you test the spray occasionally to practice using it. Also, never run with ear buds or anything that obstructs or dulls your senses and animal instincts.
Myrna C. – Don’t be predictable! Run different days and different routes
Jess M. – Love these RULES Jen. When I run alone, I usually leave a note at home for my husband or kids with the route. They know my routes by name ;) love all the other tips here too, especially reflective gear! And friends. Heck, running with friends is the very best therapy around!
While this is never a fun topic to chat about, I am super stoked with working with Road Id on this post and will be providing a Giveaway on my Instagram account.
Here are your “Rulon RULES” for the Instagram Giveaway and I am giving away two of them. Entering is SUPER easy. Here are the rules:
Giveaway ends on Thursday, September 20th at 11:59 pm.
The winners will be randomly selected and contacted the next business day!
Not sponsored by Instagram BUT Road Id and Jen Rulon!
It was awful. It was December 29, 2017, coming back from vacation in FL. We got in early and being a dork, I did a twist and lift with my 45 lb luggage in the back of the SUV to head home. We go home. And something felt off. I stretched. Did some lower back stretching and ended up taking a nap for almost 3 hours (it was early flight).
I got up. FOOOOKKK. My back is jacked. Something isn’t right.
Long story short, as I have shared this story a lot on my social media, I have three bulging disc and dealing with degenerative disc disease.
WTF? I am 46 years old, had a EPIC 2017 and now I can’t freaking walk or flip turn in the pool because I pissed off the disc.
Well, you know me. Instead of bitching and complaining about it. I did something about it. I learned everything I could about bulging disc, went to Stratton Sport & Spine, 3x’s a week and have maintain my back exercises since this all started.
Today, I wanted to chat with you all about lower back pain, the muscles involved, why things happen the way they do and some exercises that I have done with Stratton Sport and Spine!
About a year ago, I reached out to ya'll via a survey to find out what you all were looking for to help you with your triathlon training. And this is what I heard: I need more time How do you “balance” it all How do...
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Let us begin by fixing a very common misconception. Your core is not limited to your abdominal muscles. Your glutes, back, obliques, and many other muscles are a part of your core. Together, they represent the most important group of muscles in your body. Why is...
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