Dakong Sayop for Newbie Road Runners: Run Against Traffic, Not With It!

Kung first-time runner ka or even someone who just enjoys walking or jogging sa dalan, you might not think too much about which direction you should be running. Pero let me tell you—this one simple mistake can literally save or risk your life.

You’ve probably seen runners nga nagdagan tapad sa traffic, pareha sa paglakaw sa pedestrian lane. Looks normal, right? Wrong. This is one of the biggest mistakes newbie road runners make. You should always run against traffic—meaning, the road should be at your right shoulder.

In this blog, we’ll talk about: 

✅ Why running against traffic is the safer and smarter choice 

✅ Real dangers of running with traffic (di ta ganahan ma-ligsan, mga friends!) 

✅ Other road safety tips para makapadayon ka sa imong running journey without ending up in the hospital

Safe road running direction example.

1. Why Should You Run Against Traffic?

Para makakita ka sa peligro before it’s too late.

When you run against traffic, you can see incoming cars, motorbikes, and trucks. If something looks off—like a car swerving or moving too fast—you have a chance to react. Pwede ka maka-lihay, maka-likay, or even jump onto the sidewalk kung necessary.

Pero kung nagdagan ka with traffic (meaning, ang mga sakyanan naa sa imong likod), di nimo makita kung naay sakyanan nga guba ang brakes or ang driver distracted. By the time you hear the car behind you, too late na.

Sa dagan og kinabuhi, mas maayo nga kita ang magtan-aw sa peligro kaysa kita ang tan-awon sa oban… ug di na makareact. Char.

2. Dangers of Running With Traffic (A.K.A. The Shortcut to the Hospital)

A. Mas lisod ma-notice sa drivers Kung imong likod ang nag-atubang sa traffic, drivers can’t see your face or movements. They might assume nga aware ka nga naay sakyanan sa imong luyo, but in reality, wala ka kabalo nga naay ga-approach nga truck o motor nga nag-speed up.

B. Mas dali ka ma-blindside Kanang feeling nga murag naay ni-abot nga motor nga wa nimo damha? That’s because you can’t see behind you! Unlike kung atubang ka sa traffic, you can easily move to the side if needed.

C. You have zero time to react A split second can mean the difference between life and death. Running against traffic gives you those precious seconds to step away, lihay, or jump if necessary.

3. Other Road Safety Tips Para Maka-Padayon Ta sa Pagdagan, Not Sa Emergency Room

Okay, now that we know asa dapat magdagan (against traffic jud ha!), here are more safety tips para kompleto ang imong running survival kit:

A. Always Wear Reflective Gear

Labina kung mag-run ka sa buntag sayo or gabii, wear something bright or reflective. Mas maayo kung naay LED lights or reflective vest kay mas klaro ka sa drivers.

🛒 Get your gear from my fave online shopping destination: Check out these reflective running vests and led safety lights on Shopee.

B. Run on the Side (Not in the Middle of the Road, Please)

Kung naa kay sidewalk, gamita. If naa kay shoulder space sa dalan, diha magdagan—not in the middle of the road.

C. Listen to Your Surroundings

I know, I know… nindot kaayo mag-run with music blasting sa imong headphones. Pero kung magdagan ka sa dalan, ayaw palabi og volume—at least makadungog ka kung naay sakyanan nga duol na.

🛒 Affiliate Link: Try these air conduction headphones that let you hear music while still being aware of traffic.

D. Look Before You Cross (Obvious Kaayo Pero Daghan Maka-Limot)

Ayaw pag-assume nga ang driver mohunong para nimo. Check both sides before crossing, even if pedestrian lane na siya.

4. The Ultimate Reminder: Respect the Road

Look, di ni para mahadlok ka mag-run sa roads. In fact, road running is a great way to build endurance and mental strength. Pero kung di ka mag-mindful sa imong surroundings, one mistake can be your last.

So next time you go out for a run, remember: 💡 Road on your right shoulder. 💡 Run against traffic. 💡 Stay alert and visible.

In running and in life, it's better to see obstacles head-on rather than be caught off guard.

Dagan Ta Para sa Long Run

Mga friends, at the end of the day, running is about health, strength, and resilience. Pero di na mahimo kung ma-ligsan ka sa first week pa lang.

So do yourself (and your loved ones) a favor: Follow road safety rules. Don’t make the same mistakes I did. I learned the hard way so that you don’t have to.

See you on the roads, but hopefully not lying on them. 😆