Ladies-How do you stay safe while jogging alone?
Replies
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I was mugged while jogging in broad daylight in a populated area...for an iPod. Plenty of people saw what was going on, but none had the wherewithal to help until it was too late. Luckily, I was not seriously injured.
I don't keep earphones in when I run and I don't carry anything with me anymore. I just stay aware (which I thought I did before, but I guess not), make sure someone knows where I'm going and how long I expect to be gone, and I have a few different loops that I run at different times of the day. It could easily happen again. I'm under no illusions that it's safe, but I do live in a lower crime community now and enjoy running enough to continue to take the risk.0 -
Deadbeat summer didnt mean to be rude. I just hate wikipedia.Not intending to be rude, just poking a bit of fun, sorry. I think we agree that gun control is not the issue in the US, it's more the mental health system and the punishments for committing a gun crime.
And no, I cannot argue with you about anything having to do with Switzerland--I'd be there myself if it wasn't such a ***** to obtain citizenship!
vickyg + bbegley - :flowerforyou:
:drinker: No worries 
it was fun to have a little morning debate, now I must get back to work no offence intended/taken 0 -
I worry about this two, I live in South East London, England and it can be dodgy at night. Also pepperspray and any other weapon is completely illegal here in the UK.
If I were to carry pepper spray/mace and spray it at an attacker it would be a premeditated attack on my behalf for carrying an illegal weapon or firearm.
But if weapons are completely illegal where you live, then you should have absolutely nothing to worry about....
...right?
(
)
from what i read on here I worry a lot less than people who live in countries with legal gun ownership.0 -
There should be a balance. Of course a person should not live in fear, but you also should not be completely naive either. Obviously those of us that have been raped and/or attacked are going to have moments when we are on alert.0
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I worry about this two, I live in South East London, England and it can be dodgy at night. Also pepperspray and any other weapon is completely illegal here in the UK.
If I were to carry pepper spray/mace and spray it at an attacker it would be a premeditated attack on my behalf for carrying an illegal weapon or firearm.
But if weapons are completely illegal where you live, then you should have absolutely nothing to worry about....
...right?
( )
from what i read on here I worry a lot less than people who live in countries with legal gun ownership.
I have ZERO worries about law abiding citizens carrying around me. However, I can't say the same about criminals.
I was raised with a knowledge and understanding of proper gun use. And to date, none of my guns have killed or injured a single person. Guess I've just been lucky...well, that, or it's because my guns are good guns...not those bad scary guns that many people believe should be made illegal.
I'm also one of those wackos who believe that criminals are the real problem, not their tool of choice. And I don't believe making guns illegal magically means that criminals won't have them. It just means that law abiding citizens won't.
All that said, I don't carry when I run. I have enough problems finding a home for my car/house key that doesn't irritate me. I have yet to find a carry option that works for me while running. If I lived in a part of the world where wild animals were a serious concern, I guess I'd need to revisit that.0 -
You know what... lots of women here in Toronto get cat called but none of us have to carry guns. Pepper spray maybe.. it's very rare where someone has to use that. Just be constantly looking around you, don't flash expensive items, don't run/jog/walk in the poorly lit areas.. common sense. If you are in a tourist area, really watch out.. especially when people "bump" into you0
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I have mace on a key chain that I carry!:sick:0
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lawlz. sure hope nobody reported this.0
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Ruger LCP.380. I have compression shorts shown earlier as well as it fits in my Nathan belt.
I had a guy a few weeks ago, stop WAY out i the middle of no where, no traffic in sight EVER, and ask me directions to the nearest walmart about 10 miles from where I was.
I worry more about animals than I do people.0 -
I run in the neighborhood-- by houses. If I need help, someone will hear me. Or I take the dog.
This, but no dog here. I don't run on the bike path here unless I have a friend with me.0 -
Compression shorts with a holster built in.
Put your favorite .45ACP in that holster.0 -
I worry about this two, I live in South East London, England and it can be dodgy at night. Also pepperspray and any other weapon is completely illegal here in the UK.
If I were to carry pepper spray/mace and spray it at an attacker it would be a premeditated attack on my behalf for carrying an illegal weapon or firearm.
But if weapons are completely illegal where you live, then you should have absolutely nothing to worry about....
...right?
( )
from what i read on here I worry a lot less than people who live in countries with legal gun ownership.
Like in Mexico where guns are illegal and everyone is completely safe.0 -
personal opinions and cultural differences aside...I would probably end up accidentally shooting my butt off if I had a gun packed in my pants. Maybe some serious self defense training?0
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I would:
1) run on a well lit path
2) tell someone that I'm going for a run and what time to expect me back at.
3) keep a cell phone, a whistle, a pocket knife, a small flash light, in a fanny pack/key chain
4) keep my music down low or off so I could hear (preds are looking for women who are distracted)
5) remember to look around at my surroundings often
6) know your surroundings well in the day, so you won't be running anywhere unfamiliar. And so you can identify where your nearest safety zone would be.
In a self defense demonstration, I was told not to strike an assailant with my keys, because after they will most likely fall to the ground and you don't want to waste precious moments picking them back up when you can be getting away. If you leave them on the ground than you won't have your keys.
Hope this helps 0 -
I worry about this two, I live in South East London, England and it can be dodgy at night. Also pepperspray and any other weapon is completely illegal here in the UK.
If I were to carry pepper spray/mace and spray it at an attacker it would be a premeditated attack on my behalf for carrying an illegal weapon or firearm.
But if weapons are completely illegal where you live, then you should have absolutely nothing to worry about....
...right?
( )
from what i read on here I worry a lot less than people who live in countries with legal gun ownership.
I have ZERO worries about law abiding citizens carrying around me. However, I can't say the same about criminals.
I was raised with a knowledge and understanding of proper gun use. And to date, none of my guns have killed or injured a single person. Guess I've just been lucky...well, that, or it's because my guns are good guns...not those bad scary guns that many people believe should be made illegal.
I'm also one of those wackos who believe that criminals are the real problem, not their tool of choice. And I don't believe making guns illegal magically means that criminals won't have them. It just means that law abiding citizens won't.
All that said, I don't carry when I run. I have enough problems finding a home for my car/house key that doesn't irritate me. I have yet to find a carry option that works for me while running. If I lived in a part of the world where wild animals were a serious concern, I guess I'd need to revisit that.
If I was brought up in your culture I guess I would feel different. I am not saying your wrong by any means it just annoys me when people make ill thought comments about the uk and lack of guns. The majority are very happy with the gun laws here. When someone is shot here it usually makes national news, I am sure thats not the case in the US unless its a mass shooting.
I would feel majorly uncomfortable carrying a lethal weapon let alone knowing other people around me were. Your law abiding citizens can turn in a moment of madness, would I want them to have a gun in their pocket?
To me putting a gun in my bag would mean I would be living with a kind of paranoia I couldn't cope with. I live near a busy city, I worry about mugging and pickpockets, these things don't require a gun to protect myself. If I was attacked I think any weapon would be likely to be turned on me. I am sure a lot of people imagine themselves turning into bruce willis in die hard in a dangerous situation but this is not the case in most situations.0 -
A lot of people have been suggesting guns, knives, pepper spray, tazers, and dogs.
The problem with guns is that you need to know how to handle one, which requires range time.
The problem with knives is that unless you are awesome with them, the attacker might be able to get it away from you and use it on you.
The problem with pepper spray, as others have mention, can have to many variables.
Tazers are ok, but can also get wrestled away.
I like the dog option =P
Also, if you live near a university, some of them have indoor tracks, and are open to the public.
Self defense classes I think are one of your best options, besides you'll get a workout =P0 -
I always run near houses. I also carry pepper spray... Its really old so it probably doesnt work anymore, but i feel safe 0
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I ALWAYS have a knife on me. I keep the music volume down low enough so I can hear everything around me. I pay close attention to my surroundings, and I keep my ***** face on.0
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personal opinions and cultural differences aside...I would probably end up accidentally shooting my butt off if I had a gun packed in my pants. Maybe some serious self defense training?
Yeah really0 -
Forgot my knife once, so I picked up a palm sized rock to carry with me. I'm more concerned about the cougars and coyote in the area. People not so much.0
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I worry about this two, I live in South East London, England and it can be dodgy at night. Also pepperspray and any other weapon is completely illegal here in the UK.
If I were to carry pepper spray/mace and spray it at an attacker it would be a premeditated attack on my behalf for carrying an illegal weapon or firearm.
But if weapons are completely illegal where you live, then you should have absolutely nothing to worry about....
...right?
( )
from what i read on here I worry a lot less than people who live in countries with legal gun ownership.
I have ZERO worries about law abiding citizens carrying around me. However, I can't say the same about criminals.
I was raised with a knowledge and understanding of proper gun use. And to date, none of my guns have killed or injured a single person. Guess I've just been lucky...well, that, or it's because my guns are good guns...not those bad scary guns that many people believe should be made illegal.
I'm also one of those wackos who believe that criminals are the real problem, not their tool of choice. And I don't believe making guns illegal magically means that criminals won't have them. It just means that law abiding citizens won't.
All that said, I don't carry when I run. I have enough problems finding a home for my car/house key that doesn't irritate me. I have yet to find a carry option that works for me while running. If I lived in a part of the world where wild animals were a serious concern, I guess I'd need to revisit that.
If I was brought up in your culture I guess I would feel different. I am not saying your wrong by any means it just annoys me when people make ill thought comments about the uk and lack of guns. The majority are very happy with the gun laws here. When someone is shot here it usually makes national news, I am sure thats not the case in the US unless its a mass shooting.
I would feel majorly uncomfortable carrying a lethal weapon let alone knowing other people around me were. Your law abiding citizens can turn in a moment of madness, would I want them to have a gun in their pocket?
To me putting a gun in my bag would mean I would be living with a kind of paranoia I couldn't cope with. I live near a busy city, I worry about mugging and pickpockets, these things don't require a gun to protect myself. If I was attacked I think any weapon would be likely to be turned on me. I am sure a lot of people imagine themselves turning into bruce willis in die hard in a dangerous situation but this is not the case in most situations.
Exactly how I feel, thanks for being able to express that in a clearer way than I could
I think that pretty much sums up the majority of the UK's attitude towards guns, I just can't see how anyone could be so casual about something so deadly.0 -
If anyone wants more up to date statistics then they are available from reliable sources online.
2010 stats (Per 100,000)
Japan 506 (0.4) - only 2009 available
UK 722 (1.2)
Switzerland 52 (0.7)
Canada 554 (1.6)
Israel 158 (2.1)
Germany 690 (0.8)
Sweden 92 (1.0)
US 14748 (4.8)0 -
Since this is not a post about gun ownership and legality..... I wear my "ugly' baggy workout t shirts, butt coverage is a plus. I kind of revel in the grossness and save cute workout clothes for indoor workouts. As a woman it totally sucks to feel like I have to cover myself up to keep a guy from acting creepy, but "the principle of the thing" unfortunately is lost on those idiots. Oddly enough, I experimented while living in Latin America and got repeated results on the following: If I kept my ponytail out of my hat instead of rolling it up into a bun, more comments (may be place-specific, this identified me as a foreigner). If my midriff was exposed at all, more comments. If I wore baggier t-shirts on top, fewer comments. If I wore sunglasses, fewer comments (although I noticed that without them I tend to make eye contact unintentionally). I also wear an "I might be crazy" kind of glare whenever I feel it's necessary. I can't really explain it, but I've perfected it so I can turn it on whenever there's a creeper around, I kind of glare and stick my jaw out a bit. Also, I run where and when there are other runners and walkers out, sometimes it's worth driving to a park or track, and/or modifying the time of day you run. And for non-creepy fellow exercisers, I always smile or say hello, you start to get to know them and they'll be more likely to step in if a situation ever arises. If toting a gun on your runs isn't your plan, these are little ideas that might help. If these don't seem enough for you, you could join (or start!) a running group so you're not alone, buy a dog, or get a treadmill.0
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Forgot my knife once, so I picked up a palm sized rock to carry with me. I'm more concerned about the cougars and coyote in the area. People not so much.
Rocks are very good for dogs too (maybe even moreso than knives for animals)0 -
Bump.I need to read this thread later....0
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What a creeper. I am in DC and there are always a ton of people around. I will not run at night. I prefer running on a track so I don't have to worry about cars and I can lose myself in my music. Otherwise, I run with my husband.
Some people have mace, but I never understood that.
My opinion - pepper spray or mace is less than ideal for running. It requires you to hit a very specific place (the eyes obviously) in order to be effective and there are a few things that can interfere, wind/rain, etc. It is problematic in many situations as you may not have the chance to be face to face or to have the distance to do it without cross contamination. It also isn't effective on everyone. Plus the whole risk of cross contamination. It happens fairly often when using it. It is going to be a big problem if you incapacitate yourself in the process.
It is not useless, but like any weapon you may use, you need to train and understand how it works. And have a back up plan if it doesn't. A false sense of security is dangerous.
For me, I would choose other options.
I'm not saying you're wrong but I work with officers and this is what they've said: They have to be tazed and maced in order to carry a tazer and mace.. They all agree that they would rather be tazed 10 times than have the mace. The mace causes after effects and is hard to over come.. So I don't think Mace is a bad idea.. It's some pretty powerful stuff.0 -
If I'm alone, which is a last resort, I carry my 38.0
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Bring along bear/dog spray, run in well-traveled areas and if you are unable to defend yourself effectively - do not yell "HELP!" As most will typically not want to help if this is exclaimed because well...Each man - or woman for themselves, right? Instead yell "Fire!" and you're most likely to get some help - even if not for a fire.
I was taught this when younger and lucky/unlucky for me I cannot run alone but when running close to dark my guide and I will eitehr run in well-li and /or populated areas0 -
What a creeper. I am in DC and there are always a ton of people around. I will not run at night. I prefer running on a track so I don't have to worry about cars and I can lose myself in my music. Otherwise, I run with my husband.
Some people have mace, but I never understood that.
My opinion - pepper spray or mace is less than ideal for running. It requires you to hit a very specific place (the eyes obviously) in order to be effective and there are a few things that can interfere, wind/rain, etc. It is problematic in many situations as you may not have the chance to be face to face or to have the distance to do it without cross contamination. It also isn't effective on everyone. Plus the whole risk of cross contamination. It happens fairly often when using it. It is going to be a big problem if you incapacitate yourself in the process.
It is not useless, but like any weapon you may use, you need to train and understand how it works. And have a back up plan if it doesn't. A false sense of security is dangerous.
For me, I would choose other options.
I'm not saying you're wrong but I work with officers and this is what they've said: They have to be tazed and maced in order to carry a tazer and mace.. They all agree that they would rather be tazed 10 times than have the mace. The mace causes after effects and is hard to over come.. So I don't think Mace is a bad idea.. It's some pretty powerful stuff.
People often confuse mace and OC spray (pepper spray). I have already said I haven't experienced mace but I have with pepper spray. From what I understand pepper is the better of the two.
In no uncertain terms I. hate. getting. pepper sprayed. It tends to be worse for those who are fair and burn easily. That's me. It affects me. Its not fun. I would also rather be tasered but I still don't recommend pepper spray for self defence in this type of situation. As bad as pepper is I can, and have, been able to continue on fighting. It wasn't fun, but I did it.
I would rather be tasered because it is over after 5 seconds with no real lasting effects most of the time. But if done properly it is incapacitating and there is no way to fight it.
Pepper spray is more pain compliance. It takes awhile for all the effects to wear off and it is not fun. at all. However, the effects are not totally impossible to overcome. It does not stop everyone. And that is in an ideal situation where the spray was used in the ideal way, i.e. directly in the eyes which many times while running isn't going to be possible.
All things considered, I still would not recommend OC spray but that is just my opinion.0 -
The dog/bear spray is a good idea. I see A LOT of people walk their dogs off leash on the trails. I HATE it. I'm not scared of all dogs, but keep your giant doberman on a god damn leash. I don't want to have to pretend it's okay he stuck his nose in my girl parts so I don't get attacked LOL0
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