Walking in the dark

I think you're perfectly safe from people in the country at 4:30 in the morning. Let's be honest, the farmer who's awake that early is going to look at you as a silly city girl who moved to the country and isn't getting exercise on her farm. The thing(s) you need to be afraid of are animals. At that time, I would carry a stick, not pepper spray. The only animals that would hurt you would be ones that you surprised. But if you had a stick, you could push them out of the way, smack them once, etc., not temporarily blind them (which could result in car accidents/injuries all around) with pepper spray.

Take it from a country girl, you're safe out there. Really, really safe.

I run early in a heavily populated urban area. Getting hit by a car is a much bigger concern to me than being attacked. (Not that being attacked hasn't crossed my mind--I'm thinking in terms of probability.) I wear a flashing light, carry a cell phone, have a reflective band around my ankle (a road ID), and select a route that I know has a minimum of folks camping out on the sidewalk or on bus benches. I also make sure my husband knows about what time I left and the route I took. Since I tell him the night before, I make darn sure I follow the plan I shared with him.

In the end, you've got to do what you're comfortable with.

hmmm, I used to all the time...but I had my huge German Shepard with me dont think I would be out there without her. I am paranoid too...LOL

I'm with you walking alone in the country can be a problem. If you want to do it tell someone what time you'll be back, which way your walking, where all the bright color clothes. But I would be happier doing an hour of step at home, and I find I burn more calories that way too. During the winter here it get dark at 4:30 and unless I have to I walk with someone. You just don't know what nut cases are out there.

I have just started running in the early morning and I don't feel unsafe. I've considered bringing a flashlight with me, but as another poster said, I would be more worried about animals than people. However, do what feels safest for you. I think mace/cell phone is an excellent idea.

Ah you're not paranoid! I live in the country too. I usually go walking late in the evening after the heat of the day is gone. Sometimes it's after sunset before I get out. Recently I had an experience. I was walking down a side road...no homes just woods on either side and a car turned down that road saw me and turned around. That was scary. I would just say stay alert but you can't let fear rule your life. Have your cell on you and whatever makes you more comfortable. :flowerforyou:

Ah you're not paranoid! I live in the country too. I usually go walking late in the evening after the heat of the day is gone. Sometimes it's after sunset before I get out. Recently I had an experience. I was walking down a side road...no homes just woods on either side and a car turned down that road saw me and turned around. That was scary. I would just say stay alert but you can't let fear rule your life. Have your cell on you and whatever makes you more comfortable. :flowerforyou:

I have been accosted while out walking and I don't consider myself to be the typical victim profile.

In the cities you have stabbings and shootings and gangs. In the country you have wierdos and meth lab junkies.

Well all the above happens everywhere, the good, the bad and the uggie neighborhood alike, the places you least suspect it happening is where it likely is, it may just be more hidden from view. There's meth labs in cars, shacks, you name it, they're pretty portable so if someone really wants to get away with something they likely will. Plus there is no typical 'weirdo', most would never recogonize a 'child molester' on the street, or a purse snatcher etc. Not everyone fits the sterotype.

I personally would walk, but I'm a risk taker (yes, I'm working on it), would I suggest it for another? NO, I'm with Vallandingham's advice, there's no reason to put yourself at risk in the dark late at night or very early in the a.m as a woman, not in this day and time!

Most especially since you're already concerned you're going to spook yourself silly and I sure don't mean that in a mean way. But if you're already concerned every single noise you hear your heart rate is going to fly through the roof and while you do want your heart rate to go up while excercising, you want it to go up naturally.

I remember living in the country and when you're raised in it, it's far different than when you move there. Every sound means something scary to you if you're not from there.

Hope you can workout another plan for excercise where you get a good workout in and feel safe doing it.:flowerforyou:

I did during the winter. I get off work at 6:30 and it would be dark by 6 so I would just try to stay within the most lit areas, carried a flashlight and always have my cell phone. I just ordered a RoadID bracelet and plan on wearing it anytime I leave the house. It's just a strip of fabric that you either tie on your shoelaces that has your emergency contacts' information, any allergies you may have, whether you're a donor, etc. or you can get a wristband (which is what I ordered since I don't always wear the same shoes when I go out). It's $20 and there are so many instances it would come in handy. Maybe this would put your mind at ease a little...if something WERE to happen, your family or whoever would be contacted right away.