Ladies-How do you stay safe while jogging alone?
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I imagine this has all been covered but I thought I would add my tuppence worth. As a woman who runs and bikes in the hills on my own (though in Scotland) I always follow a few simple rules for any outdoor activity:
1. Always, ALWAYS let someone know where you are going and when you are going. A note left on your desk or pinboard, a text to your parent, partner, best friend, whatever should include "Going for a run/walk/cycle in X woods. Leaving at X o'clock". It is easy to do, quick and makes sure that others know where to look if you are overdue.
2. Listen to music but keep it low enough to hear noises either cars or people. It is nice to rock out but being aware of your surroundings is vital.
3. Like number two, keep your eyes keen for your surroundings. As it is important to keep an eye on obstructions in your path it is equally important to notice who is in your vicinity. Don't be afraid to look up and really see who is around. Our minds and bodies are quite good at noticing and responding to dangers if we allow them too. Also, a confident person who looks around at their surroundings is less of a target to those who seek to harm us.
4. Choose well lit and busy(ish) places to run if possible, run in groups, dog companions are great and if your state allows mace MAY be useful.
The most important thing of all is to take responsibility for yourself and your safety before you walk out the door and THEN you can really enjoy the freedom that running can provide.
Hope I haven't stepped on any toes but these tips are some of the first things I learned when teaching Outdoor Ed and I wanted to disseminate them. :-)0 -
However do US tourists manage without concealed weapons in this hotbed of crime that is the UK?
I also wonder how the person who went into the school managed to shoot lots of people with only his bare hands. Or was it that he got hold of somebody else's supposedly secure firearms? Which didn't protect her against him getting them in the first place.
Then there's the large number of school, workplace, domestic and accidental shootings in the UK that - oh, we don't have.
There are occasional robberies in homes of usually very wealthy people. However, those few people are on the TV to tell their story soon after; killing them doesn't seem to be part of the plan for criminals in this country. The 'home invasion' scenario just doesnt happen.
Gang stuff, well, that exists everywhere. Seems mostly to be centred around hurting each other though.
If a woman and/or her children are killed over here, it's invariably an ex partner that's done it. We don't need those sort of people to be legally allowed to be carrying firearms.
A couple of nutter on rampage with legally obtained guns incidences in 40 years, one at a school in Scotland (after which point it was decided that perhaps putting gates on entrances to schools might be an idea) doesn't make the UK a third world backwater rife with bandits on every corner.
The fact is, there isn't crime committed with guns to the same extent, because fewer people have them - so can't wave them around to try to win an argument. Because very few people have them, the numbers that can go bat**** mental and go shooting up the place with them is highly unlikely. It's the same reason why in the US there aren't many deaths attributed to medieval maces - if people don't generally have them, they can't go about killing anybody with them.
I actually do know how to use a firearm, from a teeny thing for vermin control to something a lot bigger. The best way to save yourself from a dangerous situation is to not get yourself in it in the first place. Not by relying on the false sense of security having a weapon on you gives. People take more risks, they go places they wouldn't ordinarily go, they ignore their slider sense when they think 'imma got me a gun/knife to protect me'.
When you are out running or walking, your two greatest weapons are your mind and your feet. Use both and you're a lot safer than the person carrying round the armoury.0 -
I haven't read all the replies, but I just run outside, with my cell phone/headphones and nothing else.
I don't think I've ever thought about carrying a weapon or anything else because I run along busy roads, facing traffic, and if someone was to stop and leer or whatever, they would most likely get rear ended and subsequently caught.0 -
So much ignorance here. Just because it is illegal in your country does not make you right.. I'm not sure why so many people feel the need to preach about how wonderful their laws are. That's not the topic here. The topic is how YOU protect yourself. Your views on concealed carry are irrelevant because you've likely never been exposed to guns/proper safety and handling and OF COURSE you will be against it. It's illegal where you live.
For a woman who has become very well versed with her firearm, practices and understands proper IWB (or otherwise concealed) draw and is NOT afraid to use it then there is no real danger factor present. Saying "it won't stop an attacker" is ridiculous. A firearm is the LAST RESORT for when you are in a situation which is physically impossible to escape from without being seriously injured/killed and it should never be pulled unless you're using it and in my opinion nobody should even know you're carrying it.
You're trying to tell me that if you take all of the right precautions nothing will ever happen to you? Criminals don't care about laws and will attack anywhere. If you and I are both attacked by a person who is moments away from inflicting bodily harm on us, what will you do THEN? You're focusing predominantly on avoiding it - but what do you do if it happens?
If the screaming fails, martial arts fails, secondary weapons fail and you're completely stuck then a firearm will absolutely save your life and maybe others around you as well. Great for you that your country doesn't allow it.. it doesn't matter. In the US it's legal just about everywhere and it can be used safely and effectively.0 -
women should carry guns period. preferably in .45 or 9mm, and preferably glock. There would be a lot less rapes and harassing if every man knew every woman was packing. Your pepper sprays and dogs are worthless and false sense of security. A reasonably strong man can headlock a dog with one arm, and snap its neck. And pepper spray runs the risk of blowing back into your own eyes, or missing altogether. Also most people stop with a gun to their face. Pepper spray wont stop anyone determined.
RE: the dog- if the bad guy is spending time to grab your dog and fight with it, the dog has done his job as a deterrant. While he's worrying about the dog, you are making your escape. I have a German Shepherd, who, while not the best protection dog, has been trained on how and when to bite, including having the trainer decoy "bad guy" banging on him with a whip or stick to try to get him off, so he's used to being in a physical confrontation with men. Anyone trying to go after my wife or daughter while he's around would not go unscathed. Maybe the bad guy gets him in the end, but by then, my wife or daughter is gone. That's what a protection dog is supposed to do. Not necessarily incapacitate the bad guy, but give you time to get away or take other action.0 -
Boy did I post on the wrong thread. I thought this was about safety precautions for runners and not a debate about gun ownership. Never mind, live and learn....0
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I have never been the type of person to be overly cautious while running alone. During the summer months I like to outside and enjoy a nice night run, usually with my head phones on just doing my thing. I do, after all, live in a small town, and bad things don’t happen in small towns….Right? (please note the sarcasm) I have been honked at, whistled at and even yelled at by passing motorists before and it doesn't normaly bother me, I usually just ignore them.
Earlier today however, as I was running, a gentlemen actually pulled his car over in front of me to tell me that I was “looking good, girl” and grinned and watched me pass….This totally freaked me out!! Who does that?? Now, I am starting to rethink this whole “not being overly cautious” thing.
What do you ladies do to protect yourself while running alone? I wish I had a dog, but I don't, and in this particular case I was running on my lunch break. Thanks for your advice in advance!
wow very scrary!
i live in a small town as well. i bring my cell phone with regardless of where i'm running and i always tell someone (coworker during the week, hubby if i go to the park and run trails on the weekend) where i'm going and for approximately how long i will be there. i even do this in my very safe, very into everyone's business neighborhood.
i never wear headphones and i always stay very aware of my surroundings.
edited to add: i just started reading some of the posts to the OPs question. damn. now don't i feel silly for actually answering the OPs question instead of spewing my beliefs on gun control, violence and our laws in the US.0 -
I have never been the type of person to be overly cautious while running alone. During the summer months I like to outside and enjoy a nice night run, usually with my head phones on just doing my thing. I do, after all, live in a small town, and bad things don’t happen in small towns….Right? (please note the sarcasm) I have been honked at, whistled at and even yelled at by passing motorists before and it doesn't normaly bother me, I usually just ignore them.
Earlier today however, as I was running, a gentlemen actually pulled his car over in front of me to tell me that I was “looking good, girl” and grinned and watched me pass….This totally freaked me out!! Who does that?? Now, I am starting to rethink this whole “not being overly cautious” thing.
What do you ladies do to protect yourself while running alone? I wish I had a dog, but I don't, and in this particular case I was running on my lunch break. Thanks for your advice in advance!
wow very scrary!
i live in a small town as well. i bring my cell phone with regardless of where i'm running and i always tell someone (coworker during the week, hubby if i go to the park and run trails on the weekend) where i'm going and for approximately how long i will be there. i even do this in my very safe, very into everyone's business neighborhood.
i never wear headphones and i always stay very aware of my surroundings.
edited to add: i just started reading some of the posts to the OPs question. damn. now don't i feel silly for actually answering the OPs question instead of spewing my beliefs on gun control, violence and our laws in the US.
Glad I wasn't the only one who actually wanted to help.0 -
There are 16 pages of people giving advice with others randomly interjecting to shame gun owners. All of the advice being given now is a repeat of what has already been stated, so a topic change doesn't really matter much.i just started reading some of the posts to the OPs question. damn. now don't i feel silly for actually answering the OPs question instead of spewing my beliefs on gun control, violence and our laws in the US.
Glad I wasn't the only one who actually wanted to help.0 -
There are 16 pages of people giving advice with others randomly interjecting to shame gun owners. All of the advice being given now is a repeat of what has already been stated, so a topic change doesn't really matter much.i just started reading some of the posts to the OPs question. damn. now don't i feel silly for actually answering the OPs question instead of spewing my beliefs on gun control, violence and our laws in the US.
Glad I wasn't the only one who actually wanted to help.
Actually the original answer was keep out of risky situations. Which was answering the original question. Compared to others who need full swat backup to leave their front porch. And as over here we don't, despite assumptions, tend to get murdered so frequently, perhaps we're actually rather good at keeping out of trouble and protecting ourselves without having to go for attack dogs and firearms to go buy a pint of milk and a paper.0 -
There are 16 pages of people giving advice with others randomly interjecting to shame gun owners. All of the advice being given now is a repeat of what has already been stated, so a topic change doesn't really matter much.i just started reading some of the posts to the OPs question. damn. now don't i feel silly for actually answering the OPs question instead of spewing my beliefs on gun control, violence and our laws in the US.
Glad I wasn't the only one who actually wanted to help.
Actually the original answer was keep out of risky situations. Which was answering the original question. Compared to others who need full swat backup to leave their front porch. And as over here we don't, despite assumptions, tend to get murdered so frequently, perhaps we're actually rather good at keeping out of trouble and protecting ourselves without having to go for attack dogs and firearms to go buy a pint of milk and a paper.
Your exaggerated generalizations...sorry, generalisations...are a refreshing bit of distracting entertainment from the pages of actually helpful information.
So thank you for that.
:flowerforyou:0 -
Wow, soooo many oppinions. I'm not sure if the OP will even read my response given the enthusiastic/numerous preceding posts. But, I live in a medium sized city. I run all the time by myself. I carry a cell phone, sometimes I carry pepper spray. I sometimes spit or do something equally unattractive if I feel like someone is 'checking me out.' I choose not to live with fear and paranoia, I am smart and capable and any time I leave the apt someone could do me harm, or I could suffer an aneurysm, or get hit by a bus... The point is, be sensible but don't live in the fear and don't stop doing something that's good for you and you love.0
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Conceal Carry licsense and a compact LC9 does the trick for me.0
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I live in a semi-rural community and fortunately don't have to worry too much about safety, however, I am naturally a cautious person so I rarely run without my 80 pound German Shepherd. Even with my music on, I can tell when a car is coming up behind me because she will start turning around and alerting me when the car is still about a 1/4 mile back. Most strangers on foot keep a safe distance - little do they know that she would just bark ferociously and then smother them with kisses! If you are going alone, I would definitely recommend some mace or something - way to many weirdos out there.0
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I've been trained to kick the nuts just in case! hahah0
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Ok, you wanna be safe? How I do it is 1, no jogging at night whatsoever, things happen in small towns all the time. 2, jog where there is slight traffic so youre not alone, and where houses and buisnesses are nearby in case trouble comes your way. 3, pepper spray.
Good luck.0 -
I have a CCW Concealed carry license. I do not run with a firearm because I am more focused on the specific goal of running and I know that my already defunct stride will be off even worst with weight distributed to a certain side. I think a small 1-3 inch knife is light enough and versatile enough of a tool to use and run in. I like pepper spray as a defense tool but as a corrections officer I must share my experience with this tool. I was trained to fight through the pain and many long time inmates are not affected by it because they are used to it. Wind direction and fatigue from running will make using it in the open difficult. I actually rarely carry anything except my road id and keys. I stay in well lit areas and try to be in populated areas. Stay safe and have fun.0
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Sometimes, I carry tear gas when I'm out and about. It comes in a container very similar to a pepper spray container but has certain advantages.
It is harder to wash off and instead of just hurting it basically makes all fluid evacuate your face and respiratory system. When I was in the Navy we were gassed and aside from coughing up anything in your lungs/chest (including a lung possibly) it is extremely difficult to breath, your eyes will water uncontrollably and nose will run, etc... It makes some people vomit. Similar disadvantage as pepper spray when it comes to things like wind etc... but a better product overall, IMO.0 -
Compression shorts with a holster built in.
THIS! And I run with my pitbull. :happy:0 -
I'm about to start walking/running and have no choice other than in the dark if I don't want to stick to a treadmill, though I'll probably go early morning and not late night. I'm planning to bring my dog, stay away from areas where I know joggers have been attacked before, and stick to areas where my neighbors are also likely to be out and about at that time. I always carry a small utility knife, but I'm not interested in letting an attacker get close enough for me to use it. I've trained in self-defense, but I am far from an expert so I'll concealed carry as well.
Sorry, but anyone who thinks concealed carry is paranoid or overboard should be grateful that they have the luxury of feeling that way. Survivors of such attacks certainly don't.0 -
I stay safe by using familiar paths close to the road and only going out during the day. I have had someone honk from a distance, but nothing more. A few cars slow down, perhaps in fear that they'll run me over, lol. None of those things bother me, as I love to run and live in a safe area.
What bothers me, a lot, is that there is a convicted sex offender on my street. He has the creepiest bugged out eyes, and just got out of prison for two counts of sexual battery with force / weapon against a minor. He goes out walking with his dog all the time, and has stared at me a couple of times as I run. He is hideous. I loathe the fact that he is out of prison and lives anywhere near decent people.
I keep my jog strictly during the day and turn around if I see him walking outside.0 -
I'm about to start walking/running and have no choice other than in the dark if I don't want to stick to a treadmill, though I'll probably go early morning and not late night. I'm planning to bring my dog, stay away from areas where I know joggers have been attacked before, and stick to areas where my neighbors are also likely to be out and about at that time. I always carry a small utility knife, but I'm not interested in letting an attacker get close enough for me to use it. I've trained in self-defense, but I am far from an expert so I'll concealed carry as well.
Sorry, but anyone who thinks concealed carry is paranoid or overboard should be grateful that they have the luxury of feeling that way. Survivors of such attacks certainly don't.
I prefer the belly/chest holster for doing anything more physical than casual walking around.0 -
Good to know. I'll look into those.0
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So much ignorance here. Just because it is illegal in your country does not make you right.. I'm not sure why so many people feel the need to preach about how wonderful their laws are. That's not the topic here. The topic is how YOU protect yourself. Your views on concealed carry are irrelevant because you've likely never been exposed to guns/proper safety and handling and OF COURSE you will be against it. It's illegal where you live.
For a woman who has become very well versed with her firearm, practices and understands proper IWB (or otherwise concealed) draw and is NOT afraid to use it then there is no real danger factor present. Saying "it won't stop an attacker" is ridiculous.
You are assuming those who oppose it dont. I am trained in handling a firearm and quite comfortable with them. There are some circumstances where CC is legal however not as common as in the states. I still have a different view. I am not arguing and have not argued against your views, or said that we are right. I have been through these conversations before and accept our different point of views. I'm simply pointing out that that is not necessarily the case.
"It won't stop an attacker" is a bit of a stretch but so is the certainty that it will.There are 16 pages of people giving advice with others randomly interjecting to shame gun owners. All of the advice being given now is a repeat of what has already been stated, so a topic change doesn't really matter much.
To be fair it went both ways, people shaming those who don't want to carry guns and those who do.0 -
I now run in the dark, alone, not carrying any weaponry except my wits and awareness of my surroundings.
I sometimes think about what would happen if there was a creeper, but I feel really confident in my ability to defend myself to not really carry any "concealed" weapons.
I also run by highways (not in the middle of nowhere).
Running alone has never been a problem (so I guess this is a luxury).
I get honks from cars all the time and it is usually honks of support.
I also live in an active town and I think most the people in my town know me as the runner chick.
Marathon is hosted there, no matter at what time there always seems to be a biker.
So runners are not a new thing in my town.
Going on a different discussion entirely,
In my honest opinion, dogs are the scariest thing ever.
Rottweiler's, German Shepard's, Some black lab.
If they're off-leash and bounding towards me growling I am terrified and WISHING I had a concealed weapon.
Even when the owners have their dog on a leash and are walking them I am wary.
This is because I have been bitten, been growled, and been jumped on.
I think the hardest part of being a runner isn't really the people but the animals *in my area of living at least*.0 -
Very interesting discussion about gun ownership (not sarcasm, the views of those in the US are completely foreign to us British, really interesting to read).
I have a follow-on question to the original one though: Many people on here saying make sure you carry a cell phone. Many others saying don't carry valuables. This I wonder about, as the two times I have got into trouble on runs it was people who wanted to mug me for my phone. (Note- both times were within 50m of my front door on returning from a run, so it hasn't put me off running at all).
What do you think then? Carry a phone (and make yourself a target for muggers), or not carry a phone (but be unable to call for help if necessary in an isolated area)?0 -
I am not a runner but if I were I would sign up for self-defense classes - the local police department gives them for free in my town.0
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I've just started walking recently and have done it at 11pm twice. I walk around an unlit football ground. I felt uneasy. It made the walk unpleasant. And I am a 6' tall male.0
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Wow. Usually the US/UK divide on MFP is more subtle than this (random brands, using lbs not stone etc).
It's extremely disturbing how many of you thing it is normal to own/carry a gun! Violence breeds violence.
Anyway, preaching over. My non-gunslinging advice would be:
- Run during daylight hours in populated areas
- Have music on low volume
- Keep your wits about you
- Vary your time/routes
- Join a running club
- Find a running friend
- Borrow a dog (there must be some old folks who want their dogs walking?)0
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