Any girls go by themselves ?

cmeade20

I live in a weird town that's surrounded by Boston on all sides, so it is quite urban here (albeit middle-upper class). I run on main roads during the day, and try to stick to well populated areas. I usually don't walk/jog anywhere at night, but I will walk up the street alone...but that's about it. Our city is super safe, but the surrounding neighborhoods are slightly less so.

What town is that? I live half an hour from Boston

Impy84

I go walking by myself ; this includes hiking and trail walking. Safety concerns not especially. I try to stay aware when im out and i always make sure someone knows where i am. Even if it's as simple as a fb post. "going hiking call me in 2 hrs if i've not checked back in guys "

if i go a public park (stone mountain park GA) i can't take my taser or mase as it's public and im pretty sure against the law but i don't go at night nor too early in the morning because that in my opinion is just DUMB. regardless of where you live.

spunkfish

I live in a medium sized town. It's about 50,000 people. I don't really have anyone to work out with. None of my friends are into fitness or paying attention to what they eat. There are a few biking and running trails around where i live but i don't know if i should do that by myself. I don't think i would feel safe. Both of the trails i have seen are in a wooded area and sure it looks pretty but safety wise not so much.

There isn't a really high crime rate or anything but i think i have just heard one too many stories of a girl being by herself and something bad happening. I'm really starting to consider taking a self defense class.

Any women on here who go out walking/biking by themselves ?
Is safety a concern for you ?
Is there a way you protect yourself ?

I go out running every other day by myself. My town is pretty small...I've only ever had 1 problem and it was because of stupid drunks on four wheelers.

tenunderfour

I live in a medium sized town. It's about 50,000 people. I don't really have anyone to work out with. None of my friends are into fitness or paying attention to what they eat. There are a few biking and running trails around where i live but i don't know if i should do that by myself. I don't think i would feel safe. Both of the trails i have seen are in a wooded area and sure it looks pretty but safety wise not so much.

There isn't a really high crime rate or anything but i think i have just heard one too many stories of a girl being by herself and something bad happening. I'm really starting to consider taking a self defense class.

Any women on here who go out walking/biking by themselves ?
Is safety a concern for you ?
Is there a way you protect yourself ?

I run and bike alone all the time. I should probably be more aware - and take more precautions, but I don't. A couple of years ago a woman in my area was attacked and raped on a very nice, suburban road while she was jogging at 6:30 am. After that I carried pepper spray with me. I did not run with my iPod on, etc. I only ran on well populated streets.

I mean I think you have to be safe - but you could drive yourself crazy with the "what if....".

sadielankford

I live in the city of St. Louis and while I do see women alone (jogging/walking) from time to time, I'd never do it. I just go to the gym instead.

PixelTreason

I jog alone at 5 AM while it's still dark outside. It's a bit creepy at times but I feel safe enough. Not that I am in a particularly safe neighborhood but still, it's ok.
You watch the news all the time and you would think people are getting killed left and right just leaving their home but in reality, violent crime doesn't happen as often as you think.

So I run and hope for the best.

nickiog

i didnt read any of the replys but the running trail in my city always says to not make it a routine...like don't go at the exact same times every day always switch it up and to try and run during the day if you are going alone because there tends to be more people around...also a can of mace is really light and easy to use...just make sure its the foam style not the spray :]

personally i stick to the gym and only use the bike trails if i am going with other people

Verity1111

I live in Chicago and basically in the hood, so yes. lol. I have lived here my entire life, so I don't see the big deal really. I went out walking miles for a few days, but I stopped only because it doesn't interest me and I have two kids..I just say live and don't let fears run your life. I truly doubt I will be shot at because I am not in a gang or wearing gang affiliated colors. I try to just trust the Lord will look out for me, female or male, and make sure nothing weird occurs.

clehman71

I live in a town with a population of about 45,000 and when the university is in session the population jumps another 23,000 or so. I also don't have any friends that are into getting in shape or eating healthy. I take walks 4-6 miles and cycle 15-30 miles by myself all the time. I just make sure not to go into the less savory parts of town. I haven;t had any problems with people bothering me. I don't care spray, but I do make sure I always take my phone with me. If I have a problem I want to be able to call for help (flat tire or twisted ankle) . I am going to stay an optimist and believe I should be safe in the areas I choose.

hanneberries

...why shouldn't you go alone?

xdaysbingefree

I run/bike/walk alone all the time, but I only do it during the day, and I either stay in my neighborhood, or I go places where there are plenty of other people.

I personally don't think it's a smart idea to go into the woods alone. You would most likely be fine, but there are just so many weirdos in the world, that you never know. It's definitely better to be safe than sorry, and I think you should just avoid situations where you are isolated from other people

itsDorian7

I go alone on the bike trail, but I'll only go during the day when there are lots of people that are using it. I keep a keep a knife strapped to my bike and I try to stay aware of my surroundings. Paranoid? You bet. Years ago I was attacked, in a nice quiet, supposed crime free area. You never know, and you never fully get over something like that.

Romans624

I do it all the time. I would do it early morning and nights. Occasionally I feel slightly creeped out, if its really dark, but mostly I go when its fairly light outside and cars are on the road. Its a pretty safe area here.

MinMin97

Is there a way you protect yourself ?
I do exercise by myself outside sometimes...but only if I feel safe...even then, I am not really safe, but seems like some places are just asking for trouble. It is a very legitimate concern...be cautious. I used to be more free when I was younger, but these days the danger is very high.

ESVABelle

I don't live in the best neighborhood, but I know I can take care of myself. I always keep my ID and cellphone hidden in my bra. And I carry a knife. I'm not concerned I'll ever have to use it but it's better to have it and not need than need and not have.

rumpusparable

When I was in Germany I walked 4-6 days a week on woodland trails in a park nearby my house. Never felt unsafe there, never had a problem.

Il_DaniD_lI

I run by myself. Just be aware all the time. I always look people in the eyes, even if they appear "scary" to me, I feel like it makes me appear less like an easy target. Basically, assume everyone is going to abduct and kill you and you'll be fine!

LaurenAOK

I go running alone but not in any woods or anything. I just run on the sidewalk along my street. It's a busy street so I feel safe knowing people can always see me. I also NEVER go after dark.

GodsGirl37

I go walking with my dog snowman. He is very protective of me. a dog makes the best walking buddy.

skaery7

I bicycle, jog and run by myself a lot. I do use headphones running and walking but also try to be aware of my surroundings and go at times of the day that others are out. My safest place is my subdivision, so I use that in the early morning hours or after work near sunset. Otherwise I use public parks, bike routes and just remember to be safe. I have pepper spray and a cell phone w/me biking, but not always jogging or running. Sometimes I text a friend if I feel "iffy" before going and let them know where I am working out and when I expect to be back and to look for me if I don't text them by a certain time. I am an outdoor runner (hate treadmills), so I say go for it and again, just use common sense and stay away from low lit, low traveled areas alone. Enjoy!

mevalentina

I bike, run, and walk in the park and at the local high school track all the time by myself. I try and not go after dark, but the few times I have a carry a small can of pepper spray that fits in my pocket with me... I think as long as you are aware of your surroundings you should be okay. Just try and stay on the main paths and in the well lit areas if you are concerned.

shelbiejo

I run really late at night.... between 10-11:30 and it worries me some times ha. My sister will go with me sometimes, but if she doesn't I bring my dog. He barks at anyone and anything that moves so I don't feel like I have to be on the lookout.

nikinyx6

I'm much more scared of animals... a mama bear and her 2 cubs crossed my path yesterday...scary.

PunkyRachel

I live in a city with about 75,000. I will walk anywhere during the day. Once it's dark I get scared and speed walk to my destination, or just force my husband walk with me. I just make sure when I walk my local nature/bike trails, to bring my headphones and listen to music.

caraiselite

i used to walk to/from work everyday (11pm, 7 am)
i stuck to main street mainly.
the scariest thing i saw was a snake.

MaraDiaz

Yeah, I jog by myself at night. Sometimes late at night, now that's it so hot. I carry a knife. I either only put one headphone on or I don't listen to music at all. I listen to and pay attention to what is around me. I'm thinking of trading the knife for pepper spray, I think that would be even more effective in most escape situations. Or bearspray. And either spray can be used on aggressive dogs if need be.

I also live in what is considered a very safe neighborhood, but I don't rely on the tender mercies of the middle class to keep me alive. There are creeps at all social levels, and if I run into one, I intend to be prepared.

Of course, it helps that I'm currently too heavy to easily carry off!

Whoops! Forgot the two most important things! I tell someone I'm going and I carry a cellphone. If no one is awake, I leave a note. Which admittedly won't help much, but usually at least one person I know is awake.

Melonpaul

I live in the San Fernando Valley in southern california and I go out walking all the time, during the day and night, I prefer before it gets dark because you can be more of your surroundings but as far as being concerned about the city, I'm not, mainly because I know what my purpose is, where I'm going and what my destination is. I don't walk in fear I walk with motivation knowing that I am doing something good for myself. A positive attitude helps tremendously! But if you're still worry some about walking alone I would suggest a walking companion, person or animal, I walk with my dog sometimes (he's not the greatest walker when he sees small rodents, but he does the job ) Good luck and stay safe out there!

nwhitley

I run by myself about 3 times a week. My long run is also by myself in a forest. On the weekends, it is usually fairly busy so I don't feel unsafe. There are usually a variety of walkers, runners, and bike riders. I try to vary my routine and pay attention to what is going on around me. I always tell someone where I'm going and the approximate time I should be finished. I also wear my road id. I'm more afraid of getting injured (I have fallen more than enough times on the trail and had to limp for a while) and the wildlife than other people.

AmyRhubarb

I run alone - I usually run in the morning (statistically safer than later in the day since all the undesirables are usually still sleeping it off at that hour ). I'm on fairly well traveled roads but with enough shoulder to be well away from the cars. I run against traffic so I can see what's coming. Situational awareness is key - head up, looking around, not afraid to detour or turn around if there's something ahead that doesn't seem right. If I wear headphones, I keep the volume low so I can hear cars around me, or other runners or cyclists coming up behind me (farm equipment too - I run through the ag area of the local school, sometimes I'm dodging tractors!). I look behind me fairly often too - nice to know if someone's back there.

I carry my phone in an armband, wear my RoadID bracelet, and clip a knife in my waistband, eyes open and brain engaged. :bigsmile: My hubby is a retired police officer and he's comfortable with my running habits, I just wish I could convince my mother. LOL I also always let him know my planned route, and how long I expect to be gone.

Cgirlish

I run thru the park near my house during the day not well lit at night... my only problem so far and been kids on the path not wanting to move over and share the path... also saw a cop car driving thru there the other day which made me feel safer and he move more off the path than the kids did ... lol