[Sportsandrec] Tips for Problems Running on Track

[Cervenka, Stacy (Brownback)]

Tai, 
	The only solutions I can think of are:

1. Like Jody said, getting a brightly colored T-shirt that lets people know you're blind in a fun, saucy kind of way. For instance, I have a shirt that says, "Blind People Feel Better." I also like Jody's idea of, "Blind Runner: Run Faster or Get Out of the Way!" That way, it's not like you're wearing a shirt that screams, "Caution! Dangerous Blindo!" but the message still comes across. :)

2. Could you possibly run on the inside of the rail? Not sure of the set-up of the track, but maybe you could step over the rail and hold onto it while you run around the inside of the track. 

Hmmm. I'll think on this one, but that's all I got for now. Maybe you could try calling Roland Allen or Eddie Bell and see what they'd recommend. However, I do NOT think that running with a cane would be helpful. I assume you won't be using a cane during the 5K and it would likely make your stride kind of awkward and unbalanced. Just my two cents.

Stacy

-----Original Message-----
From: sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tai Blas
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 10:32 PM
To: sportsandrec at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Sportsandrec] Tips for Problems Running on Track

Hello all. I am currently training for a 5k and am wanting to run on an indoor track at times. I have joined the local YMCA and asked whether I could hold the rail while running around the track. I was told that this would be fine. I tied a towel around the rail so that I can keep track of how many times I have run around the track. The problems are:

1. Other track users do not realize that I am blind.

2. When I run in the same direction as other runners, they do not see me when I am coming up behind them and I run into them. This mostly happens when they stop to tie their shoes or rest by the rail.

3. When I run in the opposite direction as other runners in an effort to be more visible to them, I am constantly stopped and told that I am running the wrong way and that I should be running in the same direction as everyone else.

4. People generally do not pay attention and sometimes just stand around against the rail. I thought that seeing someone holding the rail while running might be a clue that I cannot see, but that is not the case.

Short of wearing a shirt or hat that says "blind dude" or carrying my cane while I run, can anyone recommend other tips? Sure, I could run elsewhere or get a partner, but I would like to run at times when a partner is not always available to run with me. At the same time, I do not want to hurt someone else or injure myself and I do not want to bring up liability concerns at the YMCA.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Tai

_______________________________________________
Sportsandrec mailing list
Sportsandrec at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Sportsandrec:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/sportsandrec_nfbnet.org/stacy_cervenka%40brownback.senate.gov