Running Gear Every Woman Needs to Stay Safe and Protected on the Road

If you prefer the city streets over a track or trail, the biggest threat to your safety is usually drivers who are increasingly distracted by their phones. Visibility is your best defense — make yourself seen and you keep yourself safe. A reflective vest like the Brooks LSD Vest ($54, originally $110) works over a sports bra or a long-sleeved tee to keep you highly visible from both the front and back year round. Pair with the reflective Seattle Tights ($99, originally $165) and Ghost 10 Running Shoes ($120) for head-to-toe reflecting.

If you're running before sunrise or at night, adding additional gear like a headlamp and flashing arm bands will ensure you shine bright and get the attention you deserve.

Drawing attention to yourself can come in handy for a variety of reasons when you're out for a run. Whether to scare off an animal on a trail run, make your presence known to a car or cyclist, or call for help in the event of some kind of attack, being able to get loud is an easy and useful measure for staying safe. Women-founded athletic apparel company Graced by Grit includes a safety whistle with every item it sells, and most of its tops have loops or button holes specifically designed to easily secure the whistle to yourself. If you want to upgrade your alarm-sounding capabilities, the Doberman Security Alarm Jogger ($18) sets off a 110 decibel alarm with the touch of a button and can be easily secured via wristband.

The easiest way to be known while you run is to run with a friend (or five). If you do find yourself in a sketchy situation on a solo run, however, being able to let others know who and where you are can be the key to staying safe.

Using an app like React Mobile allows you to share your location with selected friends or family, and a quick swipe on the screen lets you update your status from "I'm fine" to "Follow me" if you start to feel nervous for any reason. Hitting the "Help me" button lets your network know something has gone wrong.

Backing up your tech-based safety measures with an on-body identification like the Road ID wristband ($20-$30) or shoe ID ($20) ensures that if you end up in a situation requiring any assistance, you'll be able to get the help you need as efficiently as possible. We also recommend always running with an ID on you.

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, and sometimes that offense comes in the form of pepper spray. This Runner's Pepper Spray ($13) comes with an adjustable hand strap so it's easily accessible without the risk of dropping it. If you prefer Catwoman's claws over Spidergirl's webs, though, GoGuarded ($13) is a ring you can slip onto any finger to be instantly equipped with a sharp claw should you need to fight off an attacker.

Far more likely than a run-in with a bad guy on your next run is the possibility that poor planning leads to dehydration or fatigue that could leave you stranded out on the trail somewhere. Make sure you've got the fluids and calories you need to go the distance with a handheld water bottle like the SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask ($35). The attached zippered pouch is big enough for your non-Plus iPhone version plus a pack of ShotBloks, tasty gummies that replenish calories and carbohydrates to keep you from bonking.