How to run with a guide
If you’re a blind or partially sighted runner – getting started
- Running with a guide is a learning curve for both parties, remain open-minded and be willing to try different instructions, running ropes, routes and terrains. For totally blind runners, initially the motion of running might make you feel nauseated, this will disappear as your body and brain get used to running and your fitness level increases.
- Always be honest with your guide runner. If the pace is too fast or too slow, you feel unwell or uncomfortable during a run; share this information as soon as possible.
- It is easy to become comfortable running with the same key guides, you get to know each other well and are familiar with the instructions you require. It is important to encourage as many other runners to run with you. Be prepared to try running with new guides to give people the opportunity to try guide running and determine if it is for them or not.
- Be clear with new guide runners about the information you require while running, keep it straightforward and consistent.
- Runners and guide runners support each other while running, it is important to reciprocate encouragement and support.
Races preparation
- Always take an accessible mobile phone with you on a long run or during a long race. This will enable you to request assistance should the necessity arise during a long run and at the end of a race event or marathon will enable you to locate and meet up with your friends or family.
- During a long training run or marathon, for those of us with no eyesight there is little to distract you if you start to feel fatigued. Try to distract yourself by focusing on sounds, and smells around you, or focus on positive self-talk, for instance, focus on crossing the finish line, the medal at the end, a bubble bath or shower when you get back to your hotel!
- During a race it is easy to become distracted by other runners breathing, especially where breathing sounds laboured. If this starts to affect you, for instance you start to feel tired, try to kick away from them or drown out the breathing by focusing on other sounds around you, think about a song or piece of music that you like and play it in your head.
- As you might have guessed IPods and MP3 players are not great running aids for visually impaired people! In races where other runners are wearing headphones, it can make it difficult to make them aware of your presence behind them, particularly where you want to pass them on a narrow stretch.
- When crossing the finish line in a race, the visually impaired runner must cross the line ahead of the sighted guide. If the guide runner crosses the line first, both runners will be disqualified.
- When entering races, ask organisers for a discount for your guide runner, especially if they do not want a medal or t-shirt. Most races accommodate this request. Charity events, understandably cannot always offer discounted places.
- Arrive at race events in plenty of time, to get your numbers and get your bearings. Make other runners aware of your presence.
- Try to be understanding of other runners especially at race events if they do not anticipate the participation of a blind runner. By taking part you raise the profile of blind people’s participation in sport – it’s a learning curve for everyone involved.
Most importantly enjoy running!
On a final note, Hazel has this to say about her experiences with guided running. “Running with a guide runner is a great way of getting to know people and make friends, and having a guide runner with you around a marathon route is just a fantastic opportunity to take part in and enjoy various running events. The camaraderie from other runners, particularly during marathons, is brilliant. Remember, visual impairment or blindness is not a barrier to participate in sport – it’s a great opportunity to take part in sport in a way that works for you!”
If you find this useful, who not share your own experiences on the Connect message boards and help others get into sport?