Run to get fit, warrior ready: Keep safety in mind Published Aug. 24, 2012 By Senior Airman C.J. Hatch 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Running is part of the physical training test and as such, many people on Luke Air Force Base spend much of their PT time running, whether it be on the track or around the base. Running has many health benefits but done incorrectly can cause injuries ranging from blisters to serious life-threatening circumstances. "Proper footwear is the key to safety while running," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Noel, 56th Fighter Wing ground safety technician. Runners also need to be aware of the world around them, especially if running on a road. There can be multiple distractions for runners, one being music. Air Force Instruction 91-207, the Air Force traffic safety program says, "Wearing portable headphones, earphones, cellular phones, iPods, or other listening and entertainment devices (other than hearing aids) while walking, jogging, running, bicycling, skating or skateboarding on roadways is prohibited. Use of listening devices impairs recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, approaching vehicles, human speech and outside noise in general." This means one can run on a sidewalk or designated running path with headphones, Noel said. "If you cross a street, run off the sidewalk or in any way touch the road, the headphones come out," he said. The safety office also recommends pacing oneself, staying hydrated and knowing the trail. "Be familiar with the route you are about to run to lower the possibility of misstepping and rolling an ankle," Noel said.