Distance Runners Face Dangers on Southern California Streets
When seven distance runners from Anaheim High waiting to cross a street near campus were struck by a car on Wednesday driven by a suspected drunk driver, it once again brought into focus the dangers coaches and athletes must deal with while training on the streets of Southern California. This incident highlights the risks that runners face every day, and it’s a stark reminder of the importance of safety and awareness.
A Personal Experience with Tragedy
Hernan Herrera, the dean of students and wrestling coach at Monroe, has firsthand experience with the dangers of running on busy streets. In 2009, he was struck by a car in North Hills that ran a red light, leaving him hospitalized for weeks with knee and pelvic injuries that required surgery. Herrera was just 17 at the time and was a member of the cross-country team at Monroe High. His experience has given him a unique perspective on the issue, and he believes that accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of the precautions taken.
As a coach, Herrera understands the importance of training on varied terrain to prepare athletes for competitions. He notes that running on sidewalks and streets is a necessary part of a distance runner’s training, as it allows them to build endurance and stamina. However, this also means that athletes are exposed to the risks of traffic, distracted drivers, and other hazards. Despite these risks, Herrera doesn’t see changing the practice routine used by most high schools, as it would require significant additional costs and logistical challenges.
Supervision and Safety Measures
Coaches have been assigning adults to supervise street workouts for years, and Monroe coach Leo Hernandez has been doing so since 1999. Hernandez’s approach is to run with his athletes to keep watch over them, providing an added layer of safety and supervision. While this approach can help mitigate some risks, it’s not a foolproof solution. Perhaps, as Herrera suggests, there needs to be additional meetings and reminders for athletes to be cautious and to reinforce following traffic rules while being on the lookout for distracted drivers.
According to Herrera, athletes must get in their workouts beyond running around the school track to be able to compete well in cross-country or distance races in track and field. This means that they need to train on varied terrain, including sidewalks and streets, to build the endurance and stamina required for competition. While there are risks associated with this type of training, Herrera believes that the benefits outweigh the costs, and that athletes can take steps to minimize their risk of injury.
A Call for Awareness and Caution
In light of the recent incident, it’s clear that distance runners need to be aware of the dangers of training on Southern California streets. By taking precautions, following traffic rules, and being mindful of their surroundings, athletes can reduce their risk of injury. As Herrera notes, accidents can happen to anyone, but by being aware of the risks and taking steps to mitigate them, athletes can stay safe while still getting the training they need to compete. For more information on this story, visit Here
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