Safety while running

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Replies

  • catrinaHwechanged
    catrinaHwechanged Posts: 4,907 Member
    I just stay aware of my surroundings. Honestly, if I thought it was that dangerous to run in my neighborhood I would find a different way to get my workout in.
  • StarChanger
    StarChanger Posts: 605 Member
    I just run. I don't choose to live my life in fear. I don't bring my phone because it's nice to be away from it. I don't always want to be tied down to my phone. I also listen to music while I'm running because like another girl said, it really keeps me going. I don't choose to live my life in fear. I live in a safe city, and I jog in the daylight and I always see other people around. I also jog on a busy street or by a busy street so there's lots of people, but really I just run, with my i-pod and nothing else.

    Some of us have lived through attacks. We don't live "in fear"...we just know what's out there, for real.
  • horseplaypen
    horseplaypen Posts: 442 Member
    I try to stay alert of my surroundings and otherwise don't worry about it. No point living in fear.

    I have the same philosophy. I stay aware of what's going on around me when I run or walk outdoors, but nothing more than that. I don't carry a phone or weapons, and I do listen to music while I run, but not at a very loud volume. I don't run outside when it's dark (more for a traffic safety point of view), but I've never felt worried for my safety or had any unsettling feelings while outside. I've always felt very secure in the places that I've lived.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,211 Member
    I just don't do it with scissors.
  • I_Will_Be_The_Swan
    I_Will_Be_The_Swan Posts: 132
    It's horrible in my neighbourhood. There are loads of creepy, seedy guys, and I'm constantly honked at, given once-overs, and people shout obscenities and catcalls at me whenever I leave the house. I keep my head up and my eyes fixed straight ahead; I don't engage. I keep my hands in fists as I run and I wear solid sneakers - soccer shoes, kicking shoes. I've taken karate and krav m'ga, so I'm pretty secure in my ability to defend myself.
  • time2change14
    time2change14 Posts: 70
    It's horrible in my neighbourhood. There are loads of creepy, seedy guys, and I'm constantly honked at, given once-overs, and people shout obscenities and catcalls at me whenever I leave the house. I keep my head up and my eyes fixed straight ahead; I don't engage. I keep my hands in fists as I run and I wear solid sneakers - soccer shoes, kicking shoes. I've taken karate and krav m'ga, so I'm pretty secure in my ability to defend myself.

    that's horrible. i'm sorry you have to go through that. i see you live in NYC. which part exactly, if you don't mind me asking? i lived in la bronx for 5 years and there were some really bad places
  • kylamaries
    kylamaries Posts: 291
    It must be awful being in constant fear like that.
    I wouldn't say I'm living in fear; I'm just being cautious. I've experienced a few minor attacks already and I've avoided one on a run by going up on my friend's porch (after some catcalls that I didn't respond to, a few guys got out of their car and chased me). I don't run that route anymore and I am fairly comfortable with the route I have now; neighbors recognize me, there's a few businesses I can duck in to if need be, and the sketchiest part of it loops around a dog park (those pups have my back!).
  • LolliLouUk
    LolliLouUk Posts: 172
    I keep myself safe by not running
  • TheRoadDog
    TheRoadDog Posts: 11,788 Member
    I walk several trails around my home. Some are quite isolated. Been walking this area for 25 years. Come across the homeless. The occasional group of young adults having too much fun. Don't normally get hassled.

    Have had the phenomenon where, as I round a trail, I might come across a person that is by themselves and get's freaked out when they realize they are in an isolated area with me. Get judged on how I look. Too bad. They either don't acknowledge me (looking the other way) or theypull their cell phone out and pretend to be talking on it.
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    This isn't exactly "chit-chat, fun, and games" but let's be serious for a second. I'm very paranoid (on top of my already severe anxiety) and I run my neighborhood everyday. I don't carry pepper-spray, a gun, etc. because I personally don't feel comfortable with that. I do, however, pre-dial 911 and hold my phone my right hand, so it can be seen and all I have to do is press call if there is an emergency. When I pass strangers, I look right into their eyes and smile but I keep moving regardless of whether he/she has begun talking to me. I even know a few self-defense moves, but my question is: What do you -- male or female -- do or not do to protect yourself if you're out on a run/walk?

    While this is all fine and good too... don't forget about other risks (and probably more common)... like getting run over. Please for the love of your life, wear more reflective/bright (ie White or highlighter yellow) clothing than just your shoes... particularly between sunset and sunrise. I don't how many people in my neighborhood I have almost ran over because I COULD NOT see them... some of them where saved from being nicked because of the reflective areas on their shoes.... and no, I don't speed through my neighborhood either.

    edited for grammar.
  • zanne54
    zanne54 Posts: 336 Member
    I life in a safe neighbourhood and I run on the side streets. I'm more concerned with being hit by a car than I am being hassled by random people. But, I'm 5'8", with a solid build and have an aggressive, dominant personality. No matter what I'm doing, I walk, run, whatever strong - with my head up and shoulders back so I look confident and assured.

    My only real precaution would be running at dusk/night. I wear reflective clothing and take my DH with me. Although he jokes that I'd be more likely to defend him than he defend me. :D
  • StarChanger
    StarChanger Posts: 605 Member
    Just a little tidbit for those who were saying they "don't live in fear" by taking precautions.....

    This is a blog post from TODAY by another MFPer. She was attacked by 2 men last night, while leaving a "safe", professional- clientel, bar in her own neighborhood. She was just a minute from her house and she makes this walk frequently and has always considered it a "safe" area of town.

    Luckily she only has a few bruises and the police have found the assailants....but they got away with her phone and money (so they had all of her info, home address, etc) initially. This could have gone very, very bad for this young woman....

    Edit for link...doh
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Nerysrobertson12/view/young-females-545502
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I don't run the same route every day or with any predictability. That's pretty much it.

    Sometimes I run some secluded wooded trails where I've very rarely seen another soul. What are the chances that some homicidal maniac is going to hide behind a tree, waiting with chloroform, on the off-chance that some 'helpless' little woman might go jogging by?!

    There's a much greater risk of some weirdo following me home from the grocery store and waiting outside my garage. And I still buy groceries.
  • farmgirlsuz
    farmgirlsuz Posts: 351 Member
    I run in the neighborhood park. It's really safe and loads of people are there, including sometimes (if I am lucky) some firemen from the station down the road. Hey, a little eye candy never hurts. Maybe one of these days I will catch one of them too, damned if they don't run fast.

    THIS! Those darn firemen sure can MOVE!
  • rodneyderrick
    rodneyderrick Posts: 483 Member
    I usually carry some pepper spray when I'm taking a nice leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood. I don't fear other people attacking me, but every once in a while a hostile dog might approach me. Since I'm not training for anything in particular, I'm running the park right now. But when I do run in the neighbourhood, I don't wear headphones.
  • JingleMuffin
    JingleMuffin Posts: 543 Member
    I just run. I bring my phone most of the time. I have my permit to carry but certianly don't run with my gun. I'm already running and My husband knows how long it takes me to go my routes. I tell him before I leave and if too much time passes where i should have been back. I'm either hurt or abducted. Thats his cue to drive my route. nothings happend yet. not saying it never will but part of running for me is nature/ adventure. take that away and i dont think i'd enjoy it as much.
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    If you're out at 5 am chances are that the people you're worried about are sleeping off their hangover. I worry about skunks and cars that don't see me. When I meet people I take it that they're nice and friendly unless they prove otherwise.
  • KissMeImShtFaced
    KissMeImShtFaced Posts: 85
    As silly as it sounds, why not go to a richer/nicer neighborhood to run? My neighborhood isn't "bad" so I don't do it out of safety but more for aesthetics. It does seem very safe though. I usually see tons of men and women out running at the same time. A side benefit is the sidewalks are usually better too. The richies no how to complain to city council I guess.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    If you're out at 5 am chances are that the people you're worried about are sleeping off their hangover. I worry about skunks and cars that don't see me. When I meet people I take it that they're nice and friendly unless they prove otherwise.

    Indeed. Basic stuff for me too-run where I can be seen by as many people as possible, don't run in the dark, make friends with the people and the dogs on your route, tell someone where you're going to be and for how long you'll be gone, don't blast music, etc. I'm more worried about wildlife, bad drivers and getting injured than anything else.

    And I have spent time as a captive in someone's basement. I refuse to live my life under the assumption that it is going to happen again.
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    I coach for one of the running stores in my city. The subject of Safety while Running comes up frequently in my clinics. I have compiled some of the advice I received over the years from sources including police, martial arts instructors and even a rape clinic counselor in my city. Here are some of those tips;

    1. Always be aware of your surroundings. This includes making use of your hearing and eyesight. Headphones can limit your senses.
    2. Always let others know your route and when you will be back.
    3. Always carry a cell phone and a police whistle. Someone who is willing to do you harm does not want you making noise.
    4. Always use the Buddy system... Criminals usually try to pick off the low hanging fruit. A single runner falls into that category. Most criminals will not bother with people running in groups.
    5. Always Run during daylight hours or on well lit courses that are familiar to you. Why give opportunity?
    6. Carry throw away money. If someone accosts you, in most cases it is because they are wanting money. Carry a handful of change you can fling in their face. It can disorient your attacker while you make your escape.
    7. Unless you have training, remember that weapons work both ways. A determined assailant is often more than a match for someone unprepared to use a weapon. In many cases the person holding the weapon is the person who is injured.
    8. Always follow your instincts... we have that sixth sense for a reason. If something feels wrong, it usually is. Seek help or move to a more populated area.
    9. Always bring bus/cab fare. Hailing a taxi may cut short your run, but could save your life.
    10. Eye contact is a sign of confidence and awareness. By establishing eye contact, you let the criminal know you are aware of their presence. Criminals are less likely to attack someone exhibiting confidence.
    11. There are no rules to defending yourself. If someone attacks you, you have every right to gouge, kick, poke, slap or hit someone any place you can. Focus on pressure points that will disorient your attacker (groin, throat, eyes, ears, nose, armpits). Never maintain the fight longer than is required for you to flee. Yelling and screaming may attract help.
    12. If you are overpowered, and an attacker is trying to rape you... urinating and defecating have helped some women stop the attack.

    Hope these help!
  • SpecialSundae
    SpecialSundae Posts: 795 Member
    I don't tend to feel unsafe when I'm out running. I run busy walking/running trails and violent attacks against runners are pretty much unheard of here.

    Plus I survived rough parts of North India and can punch out 6' 225lb rugby players, which helps my confidence.
  • kylamaries
    kylamaries Posts: 291
    I coach for one of the running stores in my city. The subject of Safety while Running comes up frequently in my clinics. I have compiled some of the advice I received over the years from sources including police, martial arts instructors and even a rape clinic counselor in my city. Here are some of those tips;

    1. Always be aware of your surroundings. This includes making use of your hearing and eyesight. Headphones can limit your senses.
    2. Always let others know your route and when you will be back.
    3. Always carry a cell phone and a police whistle. Someone who is willing to do you harm does not want you making noise.
    4. Always use the Buddy system... Criminals usually try to pick off the low hanging fruit. A single runner falls into that category. Most criminals will not bother with people running in groups.
    5. Always Run during daylight hours or on well lit courses that are familiar to you. Why give opportunity?
    6. Carry throw away money. If someone accosts you, in most cases it is because they are wanting money. Carry a handful of change you can fling in their face. It can disorient your attacker while you make your escape.
    7. Unless you have training, remember that weapons work both ways. A determined assailant is often more than a match for someone unprepared to use a weapon. In many cases the person holding the weapon is the person who is injured.
    8. Always follow your instincts... we have that sixth sense for a reason. If something feels wrong, it usually is. Seek help or move to a more populated area.
    9. Always bring bus/cab fare. Hailing a taxi may cut short your run, but could save your life.
    10. Eye contact is a sign of confidence and awareness. By establishing eye contact, you let the criminal know you are aware of their presence. Criminals are less likely to attack someone exhibiting confidence.
    11. There are no rules to defending yourself. If someone attacks you, you have every right to gouge, kick, poke, slap or hit someone any place you can. Focus on pressure points that will disorient your attacker (groin, throat, eyes, ears, nose, armpits). Never maintain the fight longer than is required for you to flee. Yelling and screaming may attract help.
    12. If you are overpowered, and an attacker is trying to rape you... urinating and defecating have helped some women stop the attack.

    Hope these help!
    Thank you so much for these! I practice most of them already but I never thought about the throwaway money (which is pretty logical actually).

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