Last year, my friend and fellow runner Elizabeth from Running for Bling was assaulted while running. She was out for a 10-mile run last November in her hometown when a man came up from behind her, grabbed her and began groping her. Luckily, he ran off and left her physically unharmed, but the fear and mental damage had been done.

Her story really shook me – along with many runners across the country. This was someone I know. This is someone who lives in my city. This is the kind of run I’ve done alone a million times. This could have been me. Or you.

I think about Elizabeth’s story often. Her experience and tips have made me a more alert runner. November is National Running Safety Month. Although we runners spend a lot of time talking about gear, nutrition, fueling strategies, pacing and many other factors about the sport we love, safety is something we probably don’t spend enough time focusing on. No matter where you run, here are 9 tips in honor of National Running Safety Month.

1. If you have to run in the dark, don’t run alone.
Running in the dark can be necessary, like when you have a 20-mile run on your marathon training schedule during the middle of the summer or if you’re a working parent or professional whose only free time for exercise is in the wee hours of the morning. However, running in the dark can present dangers, such as an increased chance of tripping and hurting yourself on uneven pavement that’s hard to see in the dark, or an attacker hiding where you – and others – can’t see him. If your only option is to run before the sun comes up or after it sets, join a training group or find a running buddy who can run with you. Stick to routes that are well lighted and where more people and traffic are likely to travel. If that isn’t possible, do your run on the dreadmill treadmill where you are safer.

2. Have a buddy when you go trail running.
Just like you should take precautions at night, the same holds true for trails and paths that are concealed from view. Trail running can be very dangerous with rough terrain and technical footing. If you were to trip, fall and injure yourself running on a trail far from your car while alone, you could really find yourself in a dangerous situation with no access to medical attention or help. One of my close training pals found herself in this position last year when she fell while running alone on a trail and broke her finger. Luckily, there were two nice runners who were able to help her back to the trailhead and get her to her car, but this could have been much worse. Likewise, trails and other tree-lined running paths that are obscured from view can invite a greater chance of facing an attacker. Just as in the dark, find a buddy or group to run with and when possible, stick to paths and trails that are more heavily used and have more people out and about.

3. Be alert and have a plan.
My friend Elizabeth was not running in the dark or on a trail when she was attacked. She was running in the morning in a neighborhood she was familiar with. This means that we always need to be alert of our surroundings and have a plan for what we might do if we are faced with a dangerous situation. Glance around you regularly. Be cautious at intersections, parking lots, neighborhoods with large bushes, etc. When I see someone who looks suspicious or an area that seems a bit creepy while I’m running alone, I often proactively cross to the other side of the street well in advance of reaching that person or obstacle. Be aware of your surroundings and focus on what is happening around you. This may mean not listening to music while running or only having one ear bud in.

4. Be visible.
To help ensure cars and other vehicles see you while you’re running, wear bright colored clothes and be as visible as possible. This is especially important at night and low-light hours like dusk and dawn when you can be harder to see. I recently had the chance to try some pieces from Brooks Running’s Nightlife collection. This is their line of running clothes that comes in fluorescent colors and provides 360-degree visibility with reflective details on key motion zones. I have the Nightlife Infinity 1/2 Zip II in pink and yellow and the Essential Capri in yellow and black. Just like all my other Brooks clothes, the fit is true to size and very comfortable. I could literally blind anyone that comes in my path. Well, maybe not blind them but I am so bright that there is little chance a car, bicycle or other vehicle wouldn’t see me coming. I love that the top has a little zip pocket on the sleeve for small things like a key, card or chapstick as well as thumbholes. The capris are more subtle with fluorescent material on the waistband and at the knees. Brooks offers a ton of other Nightlife gear, including tops, bottoms, hats, gloves, ID bands and more.

I also love several products from Amphipod for nighttime running. I always use my Amphipod Swift-Clip Cap Light that sticks right onto the bill of my visor and lights my path. I also love thier Vizlet LED Wearable Reflectors and Xinglet. I first used these during my night leg at the Hood to Coast Relay back in August, and they work great. The Vizlets are flourecent shapes with flashing LED lights that can be clipped anywhere on your body, and the Xinglet is a much more comfortable and less cumbersome alternative to a reflective vest.

5. Run against traffic.
If you’re running next to a road or on a road without a sidewalk, be sure to run on the opposite side of the road against traffic so you can see cars coming toward you. You will likely be able to see vehicles before they can see you.

6. Carry your cell phone with you.
You never know what might happen when you are out running. You could fall. You could have severe cramps. You could encounter a situation like my friend Elizabeth. If you have a phone with you, you can quickly call a loved one or friend for help or 911. Be sure to conceal your phone when possible so you are a less likely target for theft.

7. Run with your personal information.
In case something happens to you while you’re running, it’s important to have your personal information with you so people know who you are and who to call for help. I love the Road I.D. Shoe Tag, which you can customize with your information and emergency contact and attach onto your shoe. Some friends gave this to me for my birthday a few years ago, and I still use it every time I run. If you alternate your shoes, it’s easy to take it on and off different pairs. Last weekend, I went trail running and was sure to have it on.

8. Tell someone where you’re going.
Before you leave your house for a run, tell a friend or loved one where you’re going and when they should expect you back. By having an idea of the route you’re going to stick to and how long it will take you, they can look for you if something happens and you don’t come back when expected.

9. Bring some back-up.
I’m not going all CSI on you guys, but you may want to consider bringing some “weapons” with you to protect you while running, such as a loud whistle you could blow or pepper spray you could use in case you find yourself in a compromising situation. There are companies that make pepper spray that attaches to your hand or wrist so it is easily accessible. I sometimes carry a bright orange whistle from REI that is incredibly loud when used and would definitely draw attention.

Disclosure: I am a Brooks Run Happy Blog Ambassador. I received the Nightlife clothes mentioned in this post from Brooks for free. Everything I write about Brooks or any other company or product  is always my own unbiased and honest opinion based on my personal experience.

Have you ever found yourself in a dangerous situation while running? What other running safety tips would you add to this list? How are you recognizing National Running Safety Month?