Afraid to run outdoors solo
skinny_bre
Posts: 18 Member
Let me start off by saying my city is in the top 100 for safest cities in america 2012. Nothing bad ever happens, ever. No murders no kidnappings no shootings ect the absolute worst that happens is a GPS gets stolen from a car sometimes. But I am still terrified to go running on my own, in broad daylight. Here it is a beautiful day and I am DYING to go on a run but no one will go with me. I do suffer from anxiety and I am a bit paranoid (I think I watch too much tv aka law and order svu) I don't have a dog I could run with and getting a new dog isn't an option and buying a treadmill isn't an option either. Should I just try to force myself to conquer my fear and just go? I mean its almost guaranteed nothing would happen to me but I still just have that "what if". I do do other workouts too but I just really love to run so it isn't like i'm completely missing out on a workout. Does anyone have any advice?
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Replies
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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.0
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just do it! If you are fearful, maybe stay in more crowded areas, don't go running on secluded back country roads (even though those are the best places to run IMO
Or maybe you have a neighbor who has a dog you can borrower0 -
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!0 -
Run in an open, well populated area. Take a whistle along to have a sense of security. You are far more likely to be the victim of a crime in the parking lot of a grocery store or chopping center--do you go to those?0
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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.0 -
- Do you walk outdoors or do you take your car everywhere?
- Do you have a specific fear?
- Is there somebody that you could walk or run together with for the first little while, to help you feel better?
- Do you feel you need to be better equipped to run outside? Is there something other than a dog or a friend that would make you feel safe?
- Have you considered getting a prescription for an anti-anxiety med, or trying an alternative solution like valerian, magnesium, guided imagery, meditation, or... running?0 -
Thank you all! I am not close enough with my neighbors to just randomly be like "can I borrow your dog?" like it would just be sooo awkward. There are 2 trails fairly close to me (one I have never been to though) but they aren't close enough to walk/run to and my whole idea is if i'm getting in the car and driving to go running I might as well just go to the gym. But the street I live on is actually somewhat popular with runners, in nice weather I see maybe 3 or 4 people a day. But my city is so small we don't even have a running store or any exercise store, the closest one is maybe a half hour away. I do actually have a whistle but it honestly never even occurred to me to bring that haha! So thank you for that!
Also how does everyone carry all their stuff on runs (cell phone, id ect) when I go with other people I never take anything because we figure if something happens we have the other one to help.0 -
Just do it! When I run, I always let my husband know what route I am taking and what my estimated return time is. That way if I get hurt, or something worse, he can come look for me. If you don't live with someone, text a friend and let them know what your plans are. Run in the day time in areas where there are lots of people...a city park, heavily traveled road (with a safe place to run, so you don't get hit by a vehicle), etc. If you see someone on the street, make eye contact. That way they will remember you (if God forbid something does happen) or you look confident, if they want to "mess" with you. If you are really worried, carry pepper spray (it may help with those loose aggressive dogs if you should encounter one). Run without headphones so you can hear what is going on around you. Like you said, you should be fine - but being aware and safe is always a good thing to think about! Good luck!0
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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.0
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I feel you on this one, i only usually run with a friend but i want to run outdoors along so i'm starting brisk walking first - the only thing for me is im self conscious mostly because i am not really a runner (yet) so i want to ease into it till i feel confident enough to run alone. i live in a small town in Ireland so that might have something to do it.0
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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.0
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Go for a run....the exercise is going to help your anxiety. Not just because you're conquering your fear of running alone, but because exercise is great for any sort of anxiety disorder.
I have anxiety disorder and I've conquered it. If you need any tips just send me a message and I'll share everything that has worked for me.0 -
take some pepper spray and face your fear. facing your fear makes you stronger
have fun!0 -
I got a Spibelt to carry my cell phone and ID for when I go for long runs but I have also done plenty of runs where I just carry my cell phone the whole time. If you need a group to run you may have to drive the 30 minutes to that running store for a run. It may seem silly but running outside is much more pleasant than the dreadmill.
I know a lot of women worry when they run; I see the startled look I sometimes get if I don't say "on your right" from sufficiently far away.0 -
Find a RAD class and take it, then run outside till your heart's content. RAD classes are AMAZING!0
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Also how does everyone carry all their stuff on runs (cell phone, id ect) when I go with other people I never take anything because we figure if something happens we have the other one to help.
http://www.spibelt.com/0 -
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.0 -
I know a lot of women worry when they run; I see the startled look I sometimes get if I don't say "on your right" from sufficiently far away.
I am one of those girls haha! One time me and my cousin were on a fairly secluded path and this guy came up from behind soooooo quietly he didn't say anything at all and wasn't even breathing hard and we had no idea he was there until he passed infront of us and kept running and because he quite frankly snuck up on us it scared the **** out of me and I started screaming. And then I was pretty embarrassed haha.0 -
Just go running.0
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I live in a ok area, not the best, I am not afraid. I just go. It takes some getting used to.0
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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.0
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Let me start off by saying my city is in the top 100 for safest cities in america 2012. Nothing bad ever happens, ever. No murders no kidnappings no shootings ect the absolute worst that happens is a GPS gets stolen from a car sometimes. But I am still terrified to go running on my own, in broad daylight.
:noway:
Get some therapy, and take medication!
:flowerforyou:0 -
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.0
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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.
I did have to deal with a man who was stalking/harassing me. Carry your phone so you can call the police or call for help if you hurt yourself or have another worry. Wear Road ID or another form of ID with emergency contact information. Carry pepper spray/bear spray to deal with dogs or other threatening creatures. I almost had to spray a big burnese mountain dog one time - he had to weigh at least as much as I did! I have also run into coyotes, foxes, skunks, etc. on my runs. No bears or cougars!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.0 -
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.0
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I live in Shreveport, LA (which was voted 12th most dangerous metro area in the country) and I go running along the river and sometimes on the bike trail in the woods. I think that you are just letting your fears take control of you life. dont live in fear take baby steps and beat it!!0
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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.0
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A friend of mine was out riding her bike earlier this week and was attacked by a dog. She had to go to the ER for stitches. It has made me afraid to run outside now as well, so I totally get what you're saying.0
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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.0
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I think an air horn would be better than a whistle. You'd already have it in your hand and wouldn't have to fumble to get it to your mouth and blow, and it's a heck of a lot loader than a whistle!0
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