Running in groups promotes comraderie, better training pace & safety according to 2012 Virginia State Senior Games 5km Road Race Gold Medalist Doug Landau. The Herndon injury & disability lawyer also won silver in the West Creek 10km road race & bronze in the Road Bike Time Trial in Richmond
Herndon lawyer Doug Landau, himself an avid runner and cyclist who enjoys his office’s proximity to the W & OD trail, was dismayed to learn that a woman was dragged off the trail and attacked in late January. The attack took place near Sunset Hills Road and the Reston YMCA. Landau has often run and biked in that very area near Reston Town Center. When his wife was teaching aerobics at Capitol Courts in Sterling 20 years ago, Landau was made aware of an instructor being attacked on the W&OD Trail in Loudoun County near
Sterling Park Blvd. Runners of all ages, sizes and genders need to think about where they will be going and safety.
“In light of this incident, I want to remind folks of the dangers of running, cycling or walking in secluded areas.” says Doug.
- Don’t go out alone.
- If you must go alone, consider staying in areas that are in common view.
- Never wear ear buds or ear phones* that prevent you from hearing what is going on around you.
- Be aware of your surroundings and anyone exhibiting suspicious behavior.
- Before you go out, let someone know where you are going (and when you expect to return).
- Report any suspicious behavior to the police.
If you or someone you know has been injured while running, cycling or walking and there are questions as to what laws apply,
email or call Abrams Landau Ltd. at once (703-795-9555).
*To those who correctly note that Landau wears earphones while exercising, it is when he is training indoors or running around the turf and grass fields, on beaches, golf courses, away from traffic and potentially fatal crashes with cars, trucks, taxi cabs and motorcycles. Lawyer Landau never wears his ear buds while racing, in group road rides or runs.
