Women Running Alone

shellbmama

I took up running about a year ago and quickly fell in love with it. As a beginner, I started running with my dog around my neighborhood in the mornings. For some reason, just a couple miles 5-6 times per week & I noticed such a difference. I built muscle, felt better, lost inches, etc.

I live in an area with a long, cold winter & I sort of fell off the wagon & stopped running. In the meantime, my dog got an injury & can no longer run with me. For some reason, I'm absolutely terrified to run without her! Last year there was a serial rapist raping women who were out running or walking alone. He was actually caught & arrested several months ago. However, I still have this major fear of being out alone without my canine running buddy. Any advice on getting over this? Do any other women have this fear? Even I stick to busy streets, I just feel very tense the whole time & I'm literally looking over my shoulder constantly.

nmluna

I don't blame you! I don't run a ton but when I do its by myself.. BUT.. I live in the country and I know most of the neighbors (and I am only running like 2 miles lol so I'm not going far).. if it were me - I would have my phone in my hand.. no ear buds (so you can hear whats going on) and I would carry a thing of pepper spray too. BUUUUT>. I'm a paranoid one lol I would feel the same way you do.

barryplumber

Try to find a running buddy

shellbmama

Thanks. I wish I had a running buddy. I don't know anyone at a similarly beginner level that runs & lives nearby. I live in an urban area & the attacks actually happened in my general neighborhood within a mile or two of my house. I still ran despite that though because I felt some protection with my dog. I'm thinking of getting pepper spray. Maybe it would at the very least help me feel a little more secure.

galgenstrick

I remember a paper a while back that showed the majority of rapists were deterred by women that carried themselves well and were strong individuals (not necessarily physical strength), and we're more likely to target reserved / shy individuals.

Something to keep in mind when outside alone. If you look like you'll scream or fight back they probably won't target you.

I'm glad the one in your neighborhood was caught, and it seems like he may have been an exception.

Edit: I found the study I was thinking of. It was by Betty Grayson and Morris I. Stein. Not sure if you can find a free version of the paper or not, but that's the one if you're interested.

softblondechick

Sadly, I would not run alone. 99% of the time, it would be fine.

In Sydney, Montana, last year, a school teacher went running by herself in the morning. Some guys grabbed her...Sydney, Montana is (used to be) the safest place in the world.

Get a treadmill.

Leyshinka

Unfortunately I too have this fear. I know it is unreasonable but I cannot get past it. It is what made me stop running until I got a running buddy.

She is too fast for me though so now I have paid to join a field and track club so that I can run on a secure track. I mostly have it to myself due to the time of day I go. I love it! Its not as exciting as running in wild nature but its outside.

Sued0nim

Is there a busy park you can run in

Follow basic safety protocols

But if too anxious, head to a gym or get a treadmill

Yes, it's a horrible but necessary consideration when exercising alone

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

The thought of safety other than my visibility in the dark and the correct shoes for the terrain had never entered my head before reading this.

Could you get a personal attack alarm? They aren't heavy but are very, very loud. Maybe talk to your community Police officer also so that they can put your mind at ease.

beccisayer

I totally understand your problem. I stopped running so much over winter for similar reasons - not wanting to run in the dark in a city, but what got me started again was running along one of the main roads during rush hour - not so great on the lungs but i felt safe with a constant stream of cars going passed. It was close to work rather than home so I parked a few miles up the road and got the bus the final way in the morning and ran back to my car in the evening. Worked as a good motivator when the weather was rubbish as I had to run to get home.
Since then I've found a busy park to run round which I stop at again on my way home from work. Every time I've been there are 2 or 3 others doing laps at the sametime.
I like the ideas others have suggested about attack alarms and pepper spray. Think I'll get one myself

kramrn77

Busy park- where I run after work has a lot of other runners and walkers so there is always a lot of people around. Or go to the pound and get another running buddy....

blobby10

I dont have any problems with running alone either across country, along the canal or through the town. But I am lucky enough to live in a very pleasant area and know loads of people roundabout so embarrassment at the way I look in running gear is usually my main concern. I always have my phone and a friend has all the info to track it/me. I also try to let someone know where I'm running and how long I will be. Although even when I was at least 45 mins late back once due to stopping to chat, my soon to be ex husband wasn't worried about me!

I think its sensible to carry a rape alarm or similar if you are concerned, but please dont let the possibility of one nutcase attempting to harm you be the reason to not carry on doing something you love.

Mrsallen6_11

When I started running we didn't own a dog, so I kept a small hand gun and my hunting knife strapped to my hip during my runs. Because there is really no "good" neighborhood to run in in my town I wanted to be extra careful. I'm not sure how your gun laws are though for your city or state, but I would highly consider it or at least carrying a knife or pepper spray. After my husband rescued our dog and got him used to running with me around the yard, I only carry my knife on my runs.

You can do that or you could invest in a treadmill, or join a gym and run there until your dog gets better.

47Jacqueline

I haven't had problems when running, but I do know it can be an issue. In NYC there have been a number of incidents where women were attacked while running in the park. I tend to run in a public area where there are other people rather than along an isolated path. I do notice I'm more tense when it's like 5AM though even if there are other people around.

shellbmama

Thanks so much for your responses. Unfortunately, I think my dog has a torn acl so I don't think running is in her near future (which is a shame because she loves it as well). I have been thinking of joining a gym to run on a treadmill. I really love running outdoors though. Thanks again. I'm going to get some pepper spray, stay alert, find a way to stop at a busy Park, and give it one more try.

FitnessTim

As a husband, the thought of my wife running alone terrifies me. Luckily, we have a treadmill that she loves.

I can't run with her as my pace is much faster than hers. A run for her would be a brisk walk for me.

cantumelia

I keep on running in solitaire places because I rather like running without nasty guys shouting nasty things at my bouncing butt every 5 minutes. But I had a few problematic encounters in the past while running or cycling alone wich I solved by comfronting them and making them run away scared of me . Fortunately I´m tall and not shy at all. Carrying a gun or a knife is not an option here in Europe (we´re not so fond of weapons as Americans). I seriously advice you taking up self defence classes. And never, never go without your cell phone and without telling someone where you´ll be running.

AllanMisner

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

Sued0nim

AllanMisner wrote: »

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

I'm not sure I like this advice

But then I live in a country where we don't carry arms so I just think the concept exacerbates the dangers. In stranger attacks it is more likely that you will be grabbed and wrestled with, risking arming your assailant

lishie_rebooted

Take some self defense classes since it will help you 1, defend yourself and 2, carry yourself with more confidence.

Run with a whistle
get the Road ID app so your partner/friend/mom/dad/whatever can follow your run and be alerted if you stop moving for 5min.

Get a second dog.

Join a running club and run with them. if you have a specialty running shop near by, they probably have a group.

AllanMisner

rabbitjb wrote: »

AllanMisner wrote: »

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

I'm not sure I like this advice

But then I live in a country where we don't carry arms so I just think the concept exacerbates the dangers. In stranger attacks it is more likely that you will be grabbed and wrestled with, risking arming your assailant

Men attack women because they are in a power position (stronger and/or already armed). If you’re properly trained and aware of your surroundings, he won’t get the drop on you and you won’t be losing your weapon.

maillemaker

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

Agree.

However.

Depending on where you live and run, your odds of being a victim of violent crime are probably pretty low. It is probably an irrational fear to be worried about being raped while jogging, but this might be male privilege shining through.

A firearm is not a magical talisman. If you do not have good situational awareness and do not pay attention to your surroundings and your "gut feel" you can be surprised and attacked without having any opportunity to bring any weapon of any kind to bear. So your first layer of defense is always being aware of what is going on around you. Most people go through life without being aware of what is really happening around them until something happens to force their attention onto it. Don't be that person. If something doesn't feel right, trust those instincts and act on them.

If you decide to carry a firearm, make sure you obey your local laws and obtain a permit if necessary. It is generally easy to obtain, again depending on where you live. Some places are very backwards in giving out permits but the good news the majority of US states are now Shall Issue states.

If you decide to carry a firearm get training and practice. A firearm is of no use if you are not proficient at its use as under stress you will simply fumble. Women are the fastest growing segment of shooting enthusiasts in the US and you may discover you have a new hobby. There are often discounted rates for training courses for women and indoor ranges often have "ladies night" where women get discounted or free range time. Then there are public ranges where you generally need to buy a hunting license to use which helps support the range and conservation efforts.

softblondechick

I did take a self defense class, it was a full day of training, and very physically challenging. About using leverage and body parts for defense, I learned a lot, but mostly I learned that I am not a person who could do this effectively. I also have a concealed carry permit, and feel that maybe I could use a gun for defense, but for the most part, criminals PLAN to grab someone, and they do it fast. I doubt I could get my gun ready that quickly.

In the end, running where there are others, not late at night or very early in the morning is best. I used to go to a track by my house with friends, we were together, but every one could do their own speed.

omma_to_3

I've never felt uncomfortable running alone. My husband on the other hand...does not enjoy my runs. I no longer run at night because he didn't like it. I normally run in a large park which has a wooded area.

My advice would be to find a running group. I run with a friend on weekends and alone during the week. I'm going to try out one of the local running groups too that meets after work twice a week. Great way to run with a 'buddy', there should be a large range of experience and abilities, and you might even make new friends!

Sued0nim

AllanMisner wrote: »

rabbitjb wrote: »

AllanMisner wrote: »

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

I'm not sure I like this advice

But then I live in a country where we don't carry arms so I just think the concept exacerbates the dangers. In stranger attacks it is more likely that you will be grabbed and wrestled with, risking arming your assailant

Men attack women because they are in a power position (stronger and/or already armed). If you’re properly trained and aware of your surroundings, he won’t get the drop on you and you won’t be losing your weapon.

I'm not a runner but thought that running means you are less aware of your surroundings .. focusing inwards or on music

that's why as a woman, and increasingly as a man, you need to look to your own safety by not putting yourself in dangerous situations... I can't get over my inbuilt fear of weaponry escalation though accept your point of view

sandryc79

Any chance of making some shelter dog happy by giving him a home where he gets to go on runs and your injured dog gets a buddy?

Your fear isn't irrational.

snarlingcoyote

AllanMisner wrote: »

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

First off- full disclosure. I am getting a Judge for my birthday. I've got nothing against handguns.


But I won't even wear my Fitbit Surge to go running (I go back to my trusty One). When I'm running, there's no way I'm carrying any handgun that would big enough to stop someone who was really determined to hurt. It's too much weight. Also, I dislike the marks my running bra leaves on me already and get heat rash sometimes from lightweight running clothes. I am not wearing anything extra that makes me sweat and weighs me down.

There are much, much better alternatives out there for a female runner, IMHO.

Take a good self-defense course and learn how to beat the crap out of a guy. You will carry yourself with more self-confidence. Women who look like they will fight back don't tend to get chosen by predators for attack. If someone ever tries to abduct or hurt me, my plan is to seriously eff them up.

Know your surroundings. Look around you, see whose there, what's there. If you see a stranger, look directly at him/her, smile, wave, say "Hi! How you doing? I haven't seen you before. Do you need any help?" Believe it or not, being friendly, looking people in the face and being assertive with your friendliness tends to decrease your chances of being attacked. If the person isn't a bad guy, you've got a new friend on the trail and that might come in handy one day. (Or you've got a delivery person who is completely lost and is really happy to ask where XYZ street is - that has happened to me more than once as there are 3 streets in my neighborhood with very similar names) If the person is a bad actor, you've established yourself as a competent person who is notprey. The kind of woman who probably took a self-defense class and plans to eff you up if you attack her.

jcow84

I just carry pepper spray and stay on busy roads (no trails). I also have my phone attached to my arm. It`s not scary at all - you just have to be aware of what`s happening around you. I often run without music, which is actually quite enjoyable. I also run during daylight. There is no need for guns - you`re going to shoot someone at point blank range if they grab you? Sounds like overkill to me.

SezxyStef

I run/walk/bike alone a lot...I just make sure I stay on well lit busy areas...no trails, no bushes etc.

My family (husband and son) know my route, I have my phone and if anyone tried anything there are always people around or at least close.

Best that can be done sometimes.

PopeyeCT

Are there any colleges or universities in your area? Where I live, there's a three mile looping trail around the college and the whole thing has surveillance cameras and emergency call buttons.

lawkat

Personally, I am more afraid of cars not seeing me and running me over than someone attacking me. I do carry pepper spray, stay on busy streets and just wear one ear bud so I can hear my surroundings. I refuse to be afraid to run outside. I have been lunged at by dogs, but never people. Every once in a blue moon I see someone who sets off my alarms, but I don't let it deter me from future runs. I make it a point to be as aware as I can about my surroundings. That is all you can do. You either get out there or you don't.

I also live in a state where you can't carry concealed weapons. Not everyone has that option or wants to go to that extreme.