[Sportsandrec] Tips for Problems Running on Track

[Mike Sivill]

Yeah that is a good idea but then if she's running the same direction as the
other people, how are they going to see a blindness shirt when she's behind
them? Maybe she has to wear it AND run in the opposite direction. 
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cervenka, Stacy
(Brownback)
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 2010 6:21 AM
To: 'Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Tips for Problems Running on Track

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

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