Running Alone

MrsBB521

I want to start running my neighborhood before work but I'm afraid to be running by myself. Our neighborhood is small and safe but maybe I just need some re-assurance.

brianpperkins

If it is safe ... what is the concern?

handyrunner

You could carry pepper spray...that may give you a measure of security.

_Zardoz_

I want to start running my neighborhood before work but I'm afraid to be running by myself. Our neighborhood is small and safe but maybe I just need some re-assurance.

We can't reassure you about your neighbourhood because we don't know it. If though you believe it's safe as you say go running. I run alone all the time very late at night I know my area is safe. only you can judge yours

Flyingfree83

Can u not get someone to go with u who also likes to go running?

azrubael

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... And when it is gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” ~ Frank Herbert

MrsBB521

I want to go before work so that would be like 5am. I think I'll just carry some pepper spray, that would make me feel safe. Guess I've seen too many crime shows Thanks everyone.

JosieRawr

I run/ walk/ bike in my small, safe neighborhood. Only you can decide if you believe what you said or not.

janellyf

I admit that I live in a pretty safe area. But, anything can happen anywhere . . .

I often run late at night. Sometimes it is the only time I can get a run in.
I also prefer to run alone . . . it's my time to regroup mentally. I also don't want to have to worry about keeping pace with someone and I don't want to talk (or attempt to) while running.

I do stay in the neighborhoods I know, main roads only, wear flashing bracelets and reflective bands and always have my phone with me. I live very close to the metroparks, but I don't go to those isolated paths and wooded areas alone (regardless of time of day.)
I do have mace that I carry, too.

MrsBB521

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... And when it is gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” ~ Frank Herbert

This is awesome, thank you!

DymonNdaRgh40

I often run alone but I do carry my steel bat with me just in case.

You never know

Alanakrahenbil

I felt the same way when I first started running in the evenings. Our neighborhood is pretty safe and there's usually quite a bit of people running at the same time. I prefer to run alone, it's my me time and I hate carrying anything so i never brought anything with me but I agree with the others, maybe some pepper spray if you are worried about it

CupcakeCrusoe

Wear brightly colored, flourescent clothing (cars), and if you feel like someone is following you menacingly, yell out your name, loudly, and a description of the dude/dudette following you. (I've never had to use that trick. Ever. But I have on occasion held my keys between my fingers in a fist. I don't run in very safe neighborhoods.)

-a paranoid alone runner

AlistairBernardNormal

Do you have a dog? If you do, it may make an excellent running partner/guard.

TAsunder

Not related to potential victimization, I wear a road id and, if I ever run when it's somewhat dark (which I almost never do), I make sure I am very visible with plenty of bright colors and reflective materials. I also always run with my phone because it makes me feel safer to know I can call someone if I need to. I highly recommend all of those practices.

WJS_jeepster

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... And when it is gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” ~ Frank Herbert

Dune for the win!

shireeniebeanie

I admit that I live in a pretty safe area. But, anything can happen anywhere . . .

I often run late at night. Sometimes it is the only time I can get a run in.
I also prefer to run alone . . . it's my time to regroup mentally. I also don't want to have to worry about keeping pace with someone and I don't want to talk (or attempt to) while running.

I do stay in the neighborhoods I know, main roads only, wear flashing bracelets and reflective bands and always have my phone with me. I live very close to the metroparks, but I don't go to those isolated paths and wooded areas alone (regardless of time of day.)
I do have mace that I carry, too.

I agree with this. Anything can happen anywhere, anytime, but you can't stay home and avoid living your life.

Stick to well-lit populated or main streets, and avoid the paths unless it's daylight with a lot of walkers/runners around.

Carrying pepper spray can make you feel better, and looking up the sex-offender registry for the area can remind you which streets/houses to steer clear of.

Dogwalkingirl

Can't live your life afraid of what "might' happen! You said you feel your neighborhood is pretty safe so don't worry about it.

The dog idea is a good one.

sevsmom

I go a couple mornings a week in the dark/pre dawn. I vary my route to be a little less predictable. But, if it's a safe town, that's the best assurance you're gonna get.

amandzor

Well. If someone comes chasing after you, consider it a challenge to run faster!

knitapeace

I agree with the posters who say you can't let fear rule your life. If you know it's not a high risk area, then do what you can to make yourself comfortable. I run alone in my neighborhood at 5am and worry more about visibility than random crazy people. I carry knuckle lights as the mornings get darker, and wear light colored clothing.

My mother thinks I'm going to be attacked, but she thinks anywhere in New York is the same as Manhattan. I live in a suburb on Long Island.

I will confess, however, on my very first early morning run I was sure I was being stalked by a serial killer. It was just the paper guy.

_Waffle_

I want to go before work so that would be like 5am. I think I'll just carry some pepper spray, that would make me feel safe. Guess I've seen too many crime shows Thanks everyone.

3am - 7am has the lowest amount of crime. Most of those guys are asleep during those hours. Your biggest concern is traffic. Just make sure you wear something that lets drivers know you're there if you're on the road.

http://www.trulia.com/trends/2011/07/do-bad-guys-sleep/

lmarshel

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear... And when it is gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear is gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” ~ Frank Herbert

And if you're a woman out alone, a little fear might just keep you alive and intact.

Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention. If something makes you uncomfortable, believe in your instincts and head for home or call for help.

bltrexler

My biggest concern are bears in the am. I run with a bell. No worries about crime safety for me. Get pepper spray for piece of mind.

IbiH

I run alone, ipod in tow. I stick to main roads where there is plenty of traffic. The bright clothes work too...... You'll get noticed (my boyfriend remembers seeing me run, way back before we met!!!)

sensitivefool

I'm sure criminals prefer sleeping in.

MinnieInMaine

I always make sure I have my cell phone with me and wear my RoadID bracelet (has my name, Hubs contact info, etc). That way in case something happens I can call for help myself or if I'm incapacitated, I can be identified and my Husband can be contacted. I've been running and walking by myself for years and nothing has ever happened but it's best to be prepared just in case.

While my neighborhood is safe, when I go on long walks, there are a couple areas I go through that are iffy. Also I live off a busy road and have had a few close cars with drivers not paying attention...

If you go when it's still a bit dark out, make sure you wear bright colors so you're visible.

My boss used to carry her driver's license and insurance card before he got her RoadID

raaachelmarie

I'm the same way as you, running early in the morning and alone. I go around 5:30, so it's just starting to get light and our neighborhood is pretty small and relatively safe. The only thing that makes me nervous is the people who come by and rifle through the trash. They made a mess in my driveway all for a busted up light after a bathroom paint/remodel, so sometimes I worry that I'm going to encounter them. I carry my phone with me and that makes me feel a little better, I also get less nervous as the sun comes up and my neighbors start to move about.

If you're really worried about it, I suggest taking the mace advice. Also, if someone is following you, you should turn around, make eye contact, get a good look at them and then ask them a question. It could be about the weather or the time, whatever, but once they know you could identify them, you become less of a target.

QuietBloom

I want to go before work so that would be like 5am. I think I'll just carry some pepper spray, that would make me feel safe. Guess I've seen too many crime shows Thanks everyone.

3am - 7am has the lowest amount of crime. Most of those guys are asleep during those hours. Your biggest concern is traffic. Just make sure you wear something that lets drivers know you're there if you're on the road.

http://www.trulia.com/trends/2011/07/do-bad-guys-sleep/

That's good to now. Makes sense too.

MarshallLuke

If you are that scared you know what else is a good workout? Martial arts classes.
Seriously, they work your whole body and, a while after beginning them, you won't worry about out running by yourself.
However, if that's not your thing, allow me to offer you this caution about mace. Have you ever been sprayed in the face with mace? Well, there is a chance that if you use it on someone there will be some blow-back and you will be macing yourself as well as your attacker. It burns like the ****ens and causes temporary blindness, which is just what you want for your attacker, but not so much for yourself. Also, most typical maces they sell in stores are really not that strong. Like, with a direct shot, you might just manage to stop an attacker for a few seconds before he regains his senses. So, if you have a friend who is a police officer, corrections officer, or military, get spray from them. That stuff will stop a bear dead in its tracks! (No, actually it won't stop a bear. Don't spray bears with pepper spray. You will most definitely be mauled).

QuietBloom

I live in an area that has some pretty serious gang activity and lots of homeless folks though I've never been bothered. But I do run off road and so carry my cell phone, a tazer and a whistle.