Afraid to run outdoors solo

Living a "what if life", isn't living at all. Get some headsets and your favorite music, and lose yourself in the music while you move your body. If your anxiety is still high, run in very public places. Avoid those areas where you will end up alone. You will be fine.

I do not run, I walk but a couple a weeks ago a pack of pit bulls attacked and kill a 63 year old women that was just out for a walk.
It was very close to the area I always walk. We live near open desert.
Very scary!

Why would you post this? How is this helpful?

The only thing to fear is fear itself! That's one of my favorites.... Fear holds so many people back from so many things, it's nothing to be afraid of. Thing of the joys, the rewards and the accomplishments which far are more beneficial than any fear.

I live in a very rural community, with a major gang and drug problem. There were 6 murders in 5 months within a 10 mile radius of me, and i never feared one. I personally run with a gun, because of dogs on rural areas, or cougars, coyotes, bobcats, wolves, rattlesnakes, etc. I've had near misses with cars, but more people are cautious and safe than the ones that aren't. I've been offered water out in the middle of no where, bananas from farm workers lunches, rides when it got hot and I was walking. I plan routes by peoples houses I know and always let someone know where I"m going, when to expect me back and I text mid-route on runs longer than 10 miles. I've ran a couple thousand miles over the past three years I've been running, and never run in fear.

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.

Agreed. In the US, at least, you're far more likely to be assaulted by someone you know in a situation you felt was safe, than to be grabbed by a stranger on a running path. Of the reported sexual assaults on female victims in the US, more than 2/3 are committed by someone you know. And you still spend time alone with male friends right? (Not that all assaults are committed by men, right?) This is not say you shouldn't carry your pepper spray or be aware of your surroundings, but statistically you are far more likely to be harmed in your own home by someone you know (stats show that the vast majority of sexual assaults happen in the victim's home or the home of someone they know, at the hands of someone they know) than you are out in public.

I know that's not exactly comforting information -- as someone who researches and teaches this stuff for a living, it freaks me the *kitten* out -- but it does put our fear of being in public spaces into perspective.

(If you want to see the stats I'm talking about, go to http://http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/sv-datasheet-a.pdf)

Pack heat!

I carry pepper spray with me because of a few unruly dogs that have nipped me, so maybe try that if it makes you feel safer. I used to be afraid of running in the dark, but after getting out there and realizing I am fine it doesn't bother me at all. I do seriously second carrying a cell phone though

Sounds like you live in Menomonee Falls, WI. Safest city in america...also the most boring. but just go running

If it wasn't for Madison and Milwaukee, I think WI would be the safest state in the country. LOL, and the most boring.

From Appleton, and although its a big area, it is pretty safe.

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.

You're also a pretty big man, from what I can tell by your picture. Last time I checked big men weren't exactly a primary target for muggers and rapists. I definitely encourage the OP to overcome her fear, but the last thing anyone needs is some huge guy laughing at them for being afraid of something he doesn't ever have to be afraid of.

OP: I totally understand how you feel. I used to be much more afraid to walk alone and I can tell you, facing that fear is one of the most satisfying and fulfilling achievements of my life. Just go for it! You'll be so proud of yourself when you do.

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.

You're also a pretty big man, from what I can tell by your picture. Last time I checked big men weren't exactly a primary target for muggers and rapists. I definitely encourage the OP to overcome her fear, but the last thing anyone needs is some huge guy laughing at them for being afraid of something he doesn't ever have to be afraid of.

OP: I totally understand how you feel. I used to be much more afraid to walk alone and I can tell you, facing that fear is one of the most satisfying and fulfilling achievements of my life. Just go for it! You'll be so proud of yourself when you do.

Who says I'm not afraid? I've actually been jumped once. In Spain of all places. And let me tell you, doesn't matter how big you are when three guys get the drop on you.

OP, I'm laughing with you, not at you.