Ladies-How do you stay safe while jogging alone?
Replies
-
Woah, even law enforcement isn't armed? Definitely completely different cultures lol.
So you're paranoid because you lock your doors at night, try to only do things in populated areas and probably have a planned route if a fire broke out then.I'm not sure how an argument about who has the better laws in their country is relevant.
If you live in a country where concealed carry is legal then I highly recommend doing research before deciding whether or not that is a viable option for you. It's a good option as a last resort if you're stuck in a potentially deadly situation that you can't get out of. Three men try to pull you into their car while you're jogging - will mace really stop all of them? Consider your options.
If you're in a country where it is illegal, it doesn't make you superior in any way and it doesn't mean that people in the US are running around afraid of everybody. I'd be a lot more afraid knowing that only criminals have guns and the law abiding citizens are left unarmed against said criminals, thus giving them the power. Go ahead and take some self defense classes instead though which would be a great option.
Its gone from one potential lone attacker to three and you're not paranoid...what if there's four or five. I am sure you're much braver than me, I can't see myself turning into g i jane if three people attacked me. I would be in shock and they would probably disarm me before i knew what had happened.
Again, you won't be disarmed if you actually train with your weapon and know what you're doing. In the US you're not allowed to buy a gun and immediately begin carrying it. Training is required and you must be taught how to properly shoot/use it. This is why not EVERYBODY should carry. Especially people who are fearful of being disarmed or not using it properly - those are the last people who should be armed.
To me there is a difference between taking sensible precautions and carrying a dangerous weapon. Even the police don't carry guns here. I don't think is good advice for any one particularly in a city to carry a concealed weapon when they are running. If I lived in the middle of nowhere with dangerous animals maybe I would think otherwise (or buy a treadmill
).
Running with a concealed weapon isn't any different than walking with one, you just may need a different type of holster/carry method. There is no circumstance that it could become dangerous for a responsible gun owner/permit holder to carry. As long as you know what you're doing then you're a lot better prepared than going without.
ETA: You keep calling it a "dangerous weapon". ANYTHING is potentially dangerous in the wrong hands. A gun in the right hands is not dangerous.0 -
RoadID.com, awesome service and an excellent idea for staying safe.0
-
I run on a treadmill at my moms most the time, but if I go outside either my husband and kids come and we go to a park that has a trail that goes in a big circle and I run one way and him and the kids walk the other way, and I tell them if they hear a loud scream call 911 and come running lol, if they dont come I bring one of my dogs, I have a lab/rot, and a bichon/poodle. the poodle isnt to scary but he sure hurts when he bites0
-
I've been called rude on this board for not stopping to give directions when asked. Um, no. I'm not taking chances nor am I the town's tour guide. When my son was 8, we were in a large cemetery, and while I was behind a monument, 2 guys in a car pulled up near my kid & asked him directions to something inaudible. He was just taking a step closer to ask them to repeat, when I stepped right in front of him. I told the guys to never, ever approach a child like that and then I turned to my kid and said, "Your Dad's just over here with his buddies. Let's go." They drove off.
I was haunted by that for years, because my kid's been drilled about not talking to strangers, but there he was about to approach their car to as not to appear rude.
When called, approached or whatever, I do not get *****y, I just wave and keep going. I am not out to help lost people (or those pretending). I am out for exercise.
And because it's now the topic, I don't do guns. I don't like 'em. But I defend anyone's lawful right to carry. It's not always the US citizens that you need to be aware of around here. Sometimes the great melting pot brings in a lot of dangerous people who would otherwise be stoned to death (or whatever) in their "civilized" society. They come here because it's awesome. And it is.
Team USA =D0 -
I carry a type of knife with me that fits in my fist, and the blade is kind of in the shape of an arrow and very, VERY sharp. It hooks to the top of my pants or what ever else and I can grab it quickly. Although, my boyfriend wants me to carry a frikkin taser brass knuckles type thing.0
-
I'm surprised at the people who hate on the ones who carry guns/knives or what ever with them. When you're getting raped in a corner of an alley or woods you would probably wish you had a knife or gun with you. Be scared of that, not those who choose to defend themselves.0
-
I'm surprised at the people who hate on the ones who carry guns/knives or what ever with them. When you're getting raped in a corner of an alley or woods you would probably wish you had a knife or gun with you. Be scared of that, not those who choose to defend themselves.
I don't recall anyone hating those that do but you have to understand the cultural differences. I totally respect the American views on the right to bear arms however the carrying of gun on a regular basis is not something I really "get". Your inclination to want to carry a gun all the time is as odd to me as my desire to not carry a gun is to you.
I don't believe one is right or wrong. I believe it comes down to personal views and culture. I don't like to be told I should have to carry a gun anymore than others don't like to be told they shouldn't carry one.0 -
90+% of self-defense is situational awareness. If you are aware of your surroundings you can take precautionary measures and avoid most threats. However in the event that avoidance is not possible you should have a back up, and a 2nd back up, and a 3rd, and so on. Keep in mind that wearing headphones takes away one of your greatest assets when it comes to situational awareness, your hearing.
For back ups there are LOT"S of choices. You may be limited in your choices by any number of things; time, money, laws (funny how laws are meant to protect US not criminals, but it seldom works out that way). Generally your choices are; learn self-defense, own a large dog, carry a gun, knife, kubaton, taser, pepper spray, tactical flashlight, hand-held alarm, or some other type of self-defense device. Again you may be limited in what you can carry by any number of things. Whatever you decide to do and/or carry, just make sure you get adequate training. There are a number of people out there who think a knife or a similar tool/weapon is a cure all and they don't need training. Then something happens, they freak, and the tool/weapon never gets deployed; or even worse it is used against them.0 -
I'm surprised at the people who hate on the ones who carry guns/knives or what ever with them. When you're getting raped in a corner of an alley or woods you would probably wish you had a knife or gun with you. Be scared of that, not those who choose to defend themselves.
I don't recall anyone hating those that do but you have to understand the cultural differences. I totally respect the American views on the right to bear arms however the carrying of gun on a regular basis is not something I really "get". Your inclination to want to carry a gun all the time is as odd to me as my desire to not carry a gun is to you.
I don't believe one is right or wrong. I believe it comes down to personal views and culture. I don't like to be told I should have to carry a gun anymore than others don't like to be told they shouldn't carry one.
I don't mean hating on as in people hate one another, I meant it like just giving each other grief over it. I do understand that different people live different lives and are taught very different things especially in different countries but from looking through the last few pages, and reading your reply, you people seem to think we Americans are all walking around locked and loaded all the time. Not the case. I don't think it's odd at all that you don't want to carry a gun because *gasp* there are people like that here too. We are not crazy gun people, there are just some people here who carry guns. Big deal. No one is telling you you have to carry a gun. Just with so many different types of people here in the US and different things going on, sometimes it IS safer to have a gun on you in certain parts of the US. That doesn't make us crazy people who ALL carry guns ALL the time.0 -
I'm surprised at the people who hate on the ones who carry guns/knives or what ever with them. When you're getting raped in a corner of an alley or woods you would probably wish you had a knife or gun with you. Be scared of that, not those who choose to defend themselves.
I don't recall anyone hating those that do but you have to understand the cultural differences. I totally respect the American views on the right to bear arms however the carrying of gun on a regular basis is not something I really "get". Your inclination to want to carry a gun all the time is as odd to me as my desire to not carry a gun is to you.
I don't believe one is right or wrong. I believe it comes down to personal views and culture. I don't like to be told I should have to carry a gun anymore than others don't like to be told they shouldn't carry one.
I don't mean hating on as in people hate one another, I meant it like just giving each other grief over it. I do understand that different people live different lives and are taught very different things especially in different countries but from looking through the last few pages, and reading your reply, you people seem to think we Americans are all walking around locked and loaded all the time. Not the case. I don't think it's odd at all that you don't want to carry a gun because *gasp* there are people like that here too. We are not crazy gun people, there are just some people here who carry guns. Big deal. No one is telling you you have to carry a gun. Just with so many different types of people here in the US and different things going on, sometimes it IS safer to have a gun on you in certain parts of the US. That doesn't make us crazy people who ALL carry guns ALL the time.
Which reply? I didn't post anything close to implying that.
And if you read the first or second page one guy did say that all women should carry guns and I responded to him. That was what I was referring to.
ETA - I meant hating in the same way you did. Giving grief.
I am aware that not all Americans choose to carry guns. There have been several in This thread.0 -
Stun gun that has a clip on it so I can hook it to myself. I'd take my dog but pretty sure a mini doxie isn't threatening.0
-
LOL @ all the gun freaks in here
If you need to carry a gun to go for a jog, then I think it's time to stay indoors. LOL @ all the brainless nitwits in this country who think the answer to every societal problem is carrying a gun. Yeah, dude, you're so much more American now. That's really cool the Constitution is your guide to living. Oh, did you want a beer?
Just be cautious in life, period. That's all you can do. If you have to start loading one in the chamber before you set out to do your stupid little 3 mile loop, then no one really wants you apart of our civilization. Stay home, meditate, and get your chakras in order.
Ok, fine, you can have your opinion about guns but the rest of what yuo have to say is pure idiocy. No one said they only jog 3 miles. I know plenty of women who run half and full marathons! Stop being sexist and making assumptions that just because we're women that we're cardio bunnies. And when you know what it's like to be raped, or ogled simply because you have breasts, we can talk. Otherwise keep your damn condescending comments to yourself. Jerk...
Back to the OP. I skipped the last 8 pages since this thread is blowing up but here's what I do:
- no music
- pay attention! This is not just about other people but about cars as well. Have you see the statistics on distracted driving lately? More and more people are paying too much attention to their phones and not enough attention to the road.
- make eye contact with everyone passing by me
- carry cell and wear Road ID with contact info, allergy info and insurance info (not a protectant but good to have in case something happens and easier than worrying about having pockets to carry my driver's license and insurance card.
- if someone talks to me, I try to be somewhat polite and say hi back but I don't break stride
- no running after dark
- only run in high traffic (cars and/or people) areas
I thought about buying a taser or stun gun, especially when we were having some issues last year and got a restraining order to protect ourselves from a neighbors crazy friend. But I'm so clumsy, I'd be afriad that I'd hurt myself instead of hurt the other guy. LOL! And yeah, I've been in buildings where pepper spary has gone off and that stuff is horrendous! You're just as likely to debilitate yourself as the other guy if your aim is off and/or the wind blows just right.0 -
I run on heavily travelled roads...make eye contact with people passing by. If you look down, you seem meek, if you look them in the eye you seem assertive. That's creepy with the guy stopping. I'd take a different route for awhile (another safet tip, don't create predicatible routines).0
-
Have a safe, well-lit route and only go in daytime or early evening. Also, you could always take a martial arts class just in case! I heard of this one woman who was attacked by two men whilst jogging, however unluckily for them she was a black belt in kung fu - one of them pulled a knife on her but she managed to make him drop it. She didn't have a scratch on her!0
-
So basically long story short: take all precautions that are possible to take (take a safe route, well lit, populated, etc) and avoid stopping to speak with anybody.
Back up methods would include a small blade, taser, mace and other various secondary weapons depending on what's legal for you to carry (some require CWP, check local law beforehand)
If your country allows it then you should research potentially carrying concealed as a final backup. Especially in the US, most men do arm themselves and so many women out there are afraid to even touch a gun because they have never been properly trained how to use one. Youtube videos help, there are many classes that help & when you get your CWP there is a lot of training there as well. It's not as scary as many think, and if you're facing somebody else who is armed then it's one of the few viable options.
Ultimately go with whatever you're comfortable with and is legal, but please don't just carry a whistle and rely on others to help you. Learn how to defend yourself in any scenario and have a plan otherwise if something DOES happen you will not even have time to regret your lack of preparations.0 -
Carry a knife and look as unattractive as possible. It works for me. ;-)0
-
So basically long story short: take all precautions that are possible to take (take a safe route, well lit, populated, etc) and avoid stopping to speak with anybody.
Back up methods would include a small blade, taser, mace and other various secondary weapons depending on what's legal for you to carry (some require CWP, check local law beforehand)
If your country allows it then you should research potentially carrying concealed as a final backup. Especially in the US, most men do arm themselves and so many women out there are afraid to even touch a gun because they have never been properly trained how to use one. Youtube videos help, there are many classes that help & when you get your CWP there is a lot of training there as well. It's not as scary as many think, and if you're facing somebody else who is armed then it's one of the few viable options.
Ultimately go with whatever you're comfortable with and is legal, but please don't just carry a whistle and rely on others to help you. Learn how to defend yourself in any scenario and have a plan otherwise if something DOES happen you will not even have time to regret your lack of preparations.
Exactly.
I would only add train on any weapon you take. Know how it works, what to expect, the weaknesses and how you will access it/use it.0 -
Find a jogging buddy, only run during daylight hours, get a can of pepper spray, or find an indoor jogging track.0
-
I can't tell you how many women I've seen carrying a knife that they can barely open :laugh: training is definitely key!So basically long story short: take all precautions that are possible to take (take a safe route, well lit, populated, etc) and avoid stopping to speak with anybody.
Back up methods would include a small blade, taser, mace and other various secondary weapons depending on what's legal for you to carry (some require CWP, check local law beforehand)
If your country allows it then you should research potentially carrying concealed as a final backup. Especially in the US, most men do arm themselves and so many women out there are afraid to even touch a gun because they have never been properly trained how to use one. Youtube videos help, there are many classes that help & when you get your CWP there is a lot of training there as well. It's not as scary as many think, and if you're facing somebody else who is armed then it's one of the few viable options.
Ultimately go with whatever you're comfortable with and is legal, but please don't just carry a whistle and rely on others to help you. Learn how to defend yourself in any scenario and have a plan otherwise if something DOES happen you will not even have time to regret your lack of preparations.
Exactly.
I would only add train on any weapon you take. Know how it works, what to expect, the weaknesses and how you will access it/use it.0 -
I haven't been able to read everyone's answer but here is mine. First of all, stop running with your headphones on if your going to run outside. It is much harder to be aware of your surroundings if you can't hear anything. I noticed a lot of people recommended weapons. Just make sure you know how to use them properly and you aren't afraid to actually use them. Practice, including pepper spray.0
-
Get a dog.0
-
I open carry when at home.
No one is going to mess with me with my .45 on my hip.
At school, I jog in a safe area of a gated community during the day.0 -
I carry pepper spray with me and run where there are houses, no woods or anything. Also, if I am running alone I dont listen to my music so I can hear everything around me. I also try to bring my phone as well.0
-
Compression shorts with a holster built in.
Most definitely this!0 -
I have a dog and a 2 million volt taser/falsh light. I got the taser on Amazon.com for about $30.0
-
if anyone attacks you, just kick their *kitten*.0
-
I just don't jog alone. I take one or both of my dogs. No one knows they are big sweet harmless babies.... one is 120 pounds, the other is 140 pounds so they seem to be pretty intimidating.
I bet if someone tried to harm you, they would not be so sweet. Dogs mean business if someone tries to hurt the people they love.0 -
I would carry a whistle around my neck, and carry a can of Mace. Take a friend with you, and maybe take a self defense class. I think every women should take a self defense class now-a-days.
Also, you might want to consider getting a dog, awesome companion all the way around, not just a running companion.0 -
I would run with my dog but he wouldn't scare anyone! The three dogs in my house (see my profile picture) would not deter anyone.
I carry a can of dog spray... only because pepper spray is illegal here in Canada... guns are also illegal to carry here as well so that's not an option for me. I also carry a small pocket knife on my keys. When I run outside I am either with my husband or I run with only one headphone being worn if at all. Wearing headphones can make you more of a target and less aware... especially with loud music. If I am alone I always make sure I have my cell phone with me as well just in case. I don't go out after dark (there is a not so great neighbourhood not too far from where I live) alone.
A weird, but great little bit of protection is keeping your keys between your fingers. They can be used as a weapon if you have to and don't have anything else with you. One key between each finger... kind of like brass knuckles but pointy keys.
I also always make sure I tell someone where I am running and what time I should be back. I have never had any issues even in my old neighbourhood where I would run past drug deals and shady people quite often. You can never be too careful though.
Get a dog if you can.... a big dog. It will make you feel a bit safer. A scary looking dog will deter people even if you know the dog wouldn't hurt a fly.0 -
Jog with your car key poking out between your fingers, in a fist. I do that when I'm walking to my car in a deserted area. Then you can just punch the guy in the eye with the key and it'll give you time to run away.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions