Running alone in the dark

When I switch to morning runs for the summer, I let my husband know how long I'll be gone, run with only one headphone in, and carry a weapon. Pepper spray is probably the easiest option, since it's light and small. Although if you're worried about animals, do some research. I don't know how effective it would be on, say, a bear. I carry a small pistol, but I'm trained and prepared to use it, if necessary. That's not comfortable for most people, I suspect.

I also switch to a route in town instead of my usual trail route. I figure it's more populated, so more chance of someone hearing me scream if something happened.

Your best protection would be to not run alone. If you have the option of finding a jogging buddy, do that. But at least have a check-in buddy. Someone that knows where you've gone and when to expect you back.

Be aware and take precautions, but don't live in fear. Have fun!

So I want to start running in the mornings because of the cooler temperatures vs after work but I'm having a bit of anxiety about it. It'll be around 4:00 am in the pitch black, no street lights and a pretty much deserted roadway. Other than a reflective vest and not having my music up as loud as I'd like is there any other suggestions as to ease my mind for doing this w/o thinking that someone or some animal is going to jump out at me along the entire way?

Welcome to my world. I do this 3-4 days a week. Normally the sun doesn't come up till I'm almost done. There are a couple streetlights near my house but I have a 5 mile stretch of nothing but whatever light is in the sky. I typically wear a headlamp. You can run without one but it isn't as much fun and it helps any cars to see you better. I used to run without one but after I tripped over something unseen once and bit the dirt hard, trashed my phone, and banged up my knee I decided to run with one. I'm using a pretty basic Energizer headlamp that I bought at Wal-Mart.

The headlamp turns out to be a great tool. I run into skunks and coyotes occasionally and you can see their glowing eyes long before you could ever see them even in the day. The headlamp really makes the critters stand out and it gets them to start running away from you long before you get there.

The only other thing I have is a flashing led reflector on the back of my shirt or belt in case a car comes up behind me. Even though I don't run with music I like having them as a back-up safety device for visibility.

http://www.amphipod.com/products/vizlet-led-triangles-2-pack


I've only been "harassed" once in the last 6 months. A car was driving up slowly behind me and gradually pulled along beside me. It turned out to be a Sheriff's Department police car. I guess they were just checking out who was running down an empty road so early in the morning. Once they got even with me they sped up and drove off.

You'll probably see next to no one out if you run this early. It's not like villians wait up till 4:00 am looking for people to mug.

Must be aware of your surroundings and keeping the music down is a good idea to help with that!! If I were to run alone at any time, I'd probably just carry my gun

Pepper spray or other weapon
Head lamp
flasing light
reflective vest
light colored clothes
one ear bud, music low
running partner my favorite

Make sure someone knows that you are going on a run. Give them a map of your route and a time period you should be gone. If you are not back by then, they know they need to start looking for you. Wear reflective clothing/shoes, always have your phone, and bring mace. If you follow these precautions you should be ok.

I also run at night. It's quiet in my neighborhood late at night so I don't worry too much.

I do carry a small can of mace because I've had some big dogs run at me and in the event yelling doesn't scare one away I felt like I needed something extra.

I am licensed to carry a firearm, but so far I haven't felt the need to do that. I haven't been bothered by anyone.
I just keep my music on low so i can hear what's going on around me.

I take a knife with me when I go on walks in the middle of the day! I live on a rural road that runs into a wildlife area. I am terrified that I am going to be attacked by a rabid coyote or raccoon. It is actually a pretty big knife but it does have a case so if I fall hopefully I won't accidentally cut myself.

You should probably get mace or a gun!
I sure wouldn't want to let a rabid animal close enough to be able to use a knife on it.

I'd say pepper spray and a whistle. A whistle would probably scare off an animal, and a lot of humans. Pepper spray will get rid of dogs/people. Plus don't have headphones or just use one/turned down so you can hear people/animals/cars, especially since cars won't be looking out for joggers as much if it's early.

When I'm running early, I don't use headphones. My music isn't loud enough to be heard in a house and there's usually nobody outside to hear it. Even when there is, they might get 3 minutes of Maroon5 before I'm out of hearing range. I don't think that's a sound violation.

Now that we're almost into summer, my early runs are light outside. But all the way from October to March they are pitch black. Headlight, lighted armbands, reflective clothing, pepper spray, phone for emergencies. So far so good! Drivers who don't look where they are going are more of a danger than stalkers or wild animals.

i run in the mornings as well. I came across a coyote one day and now i bring a pocket knife with me. It prob wont help much if i'm attacked but i feel better that i have something.

hahaha, But I've come across a coyote before. But it didn't do anything. Maybe because I was walking my dog which was probably about the same size of the coyote or slightly bigger.

Read ths thread: Embarrassed to go jogging because of pervs.

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No OP don't read that thread.

Just run. Bring a headlight and cell phone.

Let people know where you're going.

Some of these threads must be from posters in Syria the way everyone is going on about how dangerous running is.

I'd suggest running without headphones at all if you can. Besides the fact that you want to be aware of your surroundings, wearing headphones makes you more of a target because it looks like you're not paying attention even if you are. It can be tough to get used to at first if you always run with music, but it gets easier (I used to be addicted to my iPod, but after a couple of runs without it it wasn't so bad).

I run with a fully loaded gun in my hand and my finger on the trigger.

In this town, there's no such thing as safe.