Afraid to run outdoors solo

JUST GO. It will feel so good once you're out there! I run outside 3x per week and love it! I started in February- walk/jogging 1 mile...2 miles.. now I'm up to 9. Get over your fear and once you're out there, you will feel better. Maybe try going for just 10-15 minutes at first? It WILL be worth it.

Are there places in your city that a lot of runners use? Like, in mine, we have a rail trail and a canal path that are both frequently used by runners, walkers, and cyclists. Except in the very worst weather, there's likely to be other recreational users at any time of the day. It makes the run feel safer to have others around who are doing the same thing.

Another place I run is a big ball field that is a little more than half a mile around. It gets less use (unless there's a game, in which case I avoid it), but since it's circular I can see the whole thing at a glance so it's unlikely I could be surprised by anyone.

I don't have a park near me, but when I visit cities I'm not familiar with, I often hit those--there are almost always people walking, running, or playing with their kids. Some are big enough to get good runs in, others I've had to do laps around whatever paths they have, but it's another fairly safe option.

Also, if you like running with others, check your local running store and see if they have a training group or running club. There are several in my city. A bonus is that in one of my training groups, I met someone who became my running buddy. You could also ask at the store if they have any recommendations for safe places to run. And if it would make you feel more secure, they can probably sell you some pepper spray or a whistle.

You can overcome this--keep trying!

Carry your cell phone. Don't wear earphones, or maybe just one. If you drive to your location, lock your purse in the trunk and carry just your car key and an ID.

Go out for 10 minutes and head back. If you are still comfortable, go for your full run.

What others have said + get some treatment for that anxiety. I don't mean drugs, find someone who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and can help you feel the fear and do it anyway. Will change your life. Oh, and those shows you mentioned aren't helping.

Omg. It is like I am reading my thoughts. I am the same way. I watch the show disappeared so yeah. What I did to make myself feel safe on my walks alone was buy a rape whistle and pepper spray that also supports breast cancer. It puts my mind at ease. Plus to top it of I have this small cute little over the shoulder satchel type purse thing that I put the pepper spray and my phone and keys in and I wear the whistle tucked under the shirt. So you could do the same as me. The pepper spray was $7.50 at my local farm& fleet and the whistle was like $1.89 at the same store. And the purse was just from some old thrift store from back in the day. So it didn't cost very much, if that's what you are also worried about. Hope this helped you. Good luck.

take some pepper spray and face your fear. facing your fear makes you stronger
have fun!

Find a RAD class and take it, then run outside till your heart's content. RAD classes are AMAZING!

I love in Brooklyn. Grew up in new York city. Lived in queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. I've never been mugged, assaulted, or even witnessed a crime.

I find this hilarious.

Just go running.

So far you've been given some great advice but I feel I have to add changing up your route. Don't go the same route everyday or at the same times -if there is a predator, they like predictability on their end- and of course, always tell someone where you are and when you plan to return.

Not to be all doom and gloom, but honestly your bigger concern as a runner is injury, getting hit by a car, or attacked by a dog, not random violence. Don't wear headphones, keep an ID on you (try RoadID.com), follow traffic laws, be visible (with your clothing and your actions), and just be aware of your surroundings.

Do you live in a city that has a Lifetime Fitness? They have a Run Club that you are not required to join the gym to run with them. My club we run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Its great to have a group to run with and I have made so many new friends by joining it.

This exact thing happened to me just last week! The car was about 2 inches from running me over. I gave his car a good smack with my hand and he stopped and rolled down his window and I started yelling "what the F*** is your problem, you didn't even look, I was already IN THE CROSSWALK" and he just kept saying "Excuse me, excuse me." Finally I said "How about 'I'm sorry I almost killed you'?" (Can you tell I've about had it with the drivers in my neighborhood?!)

The biggest danger on my running routes is crossing in front of cars that are turning right, but looking left for a break in traffic to pull into. They do not look right or in front of the car before pulling out, so you absolutely cannot cross in front of them. Wait or run behind them.

Not to be all doom and gloom, but honestly your bigger concern as a runner is injury, getting hit by a car, or attacked by a dog, not random violence. Don't wear headphones, keep an ID on you (try RoadID.com), follow traffic laws, be visible (with your clothing and your actions), and just be aware of your surroundings.

If there's a running store in your area, check to see if they know of any open groups. The store in my town has this running clinic that supports runners of multiple levels. We have a facebook page so that people in the group can meet up in-between runs. It's neat, a nice way to socialize, and a great way to learn new routes.