Safety while running

kylamaries
kylamaries Posts: 291
in Chit-Chat
This isn't exactly "chit-chat, fun, and games" but let's be serious for a second. I'm very paranoid (on top of my already severe anxiety) and I run my neighborhood everyday. I don't carry pepper-spray, a gun, etc. because I personally don't feel comfortable with that. I do, however, pre-dial 911 and hold my phone my right hand, so it can be seen and all I have to do is press call if there is an emergency. When I pass strangers, I look right into their eyes and smile but I keep moving regardless of whether he/she has begun talking to me. I even know a few self-defense moves, but my question is: What do you -- male or female -- do or not do to protect yourself if you're out on a run/walk?
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Replies

  • Stump_Likker
    Stump_Likker Posts: 2,059 Member
    I do carry pepper spray, but I mainly try to stay in busy areas where there is a lot of car and/or foot traffic.
  • elgray26
    elgray26 Posts: 212 Member
    I just stay aware of my surroundings. I don't listen to music or wear headphones for any other reason. I run by areas that have reflective surfaces. I also do not stop to talk normally.
  • StarChanger
    StarChanger Posts: 605 Member
    I go out with my dogs...and usually my 6'2", 245lb military hubby. I feel pretty safe. :bigsmile:

    That being said, I probably would not feel comfortable solo. Hell, I wake up in the middle of the night CONVINCED someone is in the house on a fairly regular basis (like last night). My neighborhood is really nice (historic district), but it gets pretty shady just a few blocks away.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    i'm 6' 3" and 230 lbs. i'm good.
  • weevil66
    weevil66 Posts: 600 Member
    I run in the neighborhood park. It's really safe and loads of people are there, including sometimes (if I am lucky) some firemen from the station down the road. Hey, a little eye candy never hurts. Maybe one of these days I will catch one of them too, damned if they don't run fast.
  • kylamaries
    kylamaries Posts: 291
    You all seem to have a plan! I have a dog but running two miles everyday with a 14-year old Jack Russell doesn't sound like too much fun :laugh:
  • TheSwoleMinister_deleted
    TheSwoleMinister_deleted Posts: 540 Member
    You gotta get one of these:

    http://youtu.be/uEaKZLTCWmo
  • jocybee83
    jocybee83 Posts: 155 Member
    Act like a victim, become a victim. Just be aware of your surroundings. It sounds like you are already taking precautions to be safe. Go out and enjoy your run!

    ETA: Run with a friend if you can. Join a runners club.
  • CkepiJinx
    CkepiJinx Posts: 613 Member
    I never wear headphones when I run on the road.

    I vary when I run day and time,that is for safety and because for me I exercise when it fits into my day.

    I always bring my phone but I keep it in my bra,no pockets. For me if it is on me but not visible if I get thrown in a trunk or knocked out they may not realize I have it and take it, so maybe I could use it before they found it.
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    I run on a very crowded beach. I have to dodge a lot of people, but running along the water's edge with several hundred people staring in the general direction of the water goes a long way toward making me feel safer.

    When we move away from here, I'm going to have to figure it out again. The last place I lived in the US besides here had a big lake I ran around (5K loop) and it always had runners there at the time of day I was there. Hoping I can find something similar again.
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    OP, just be aware of your surroundings. Unless you live in a truly dangerous place, the chances of being attacked are slim and living in fear can destroy your life. If you do live in a truly dangerous place, then do everything you can to move. That's not living.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    It must be awful being in constant fear like that.
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    I'm aware of my surroundings, and I choose routes that are high-traffic. I mostly run on a bicycle path that is literally down the centre of a divided street. There are a lot of people around, doing the same thing.
  • Purpleflipflops
    Purpleflipflops Posts: 563 Member
    I wear a LifeID, less for kidnappings, but more for injuries. It has my name and an emergency contact, plus it notes my (lack) of allergies and health issues. I recommend getting one, they're not too expensive ($20-$25 USD) and pretty small. Mine is a bracelet, but they have shoe tags. It's one of those thing where I'll never have to use it, unless I don't wear it.

    I 100% recommend having one for running
  • PetulantOne
    PetulantOne Posts: 2,131 Member
    I live in a pretty bad part of town. I run with a knife on me, pay attention to everything and everyone, and keep a not so inviting look on my face. But I do all of that when I'm not running too.
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    I live in an area I feel safe running on. It's mostly rich retirees and I don't feel threatened by old men in their walkers. Mostly they wave and tell me cute dog. That being said I also try to run on a well lit street that has busy traffic. There is no stopping/parking on it so a car pulling over to abduct me would be extremely noticeable.
  • UnwrappingCandy
    UnwrappingCandy Posts: 418 Member
    I am a rape survivor and now I don't go anywhere without my taser and pepper spray. Having your emergency number ready is a good idea, but it's not going to deter someone from attacking you. With a taser in one hand and pepper spray in the other there is at least some chance the attacker will think twice and leave you alone. A mobile in your hand or in your pocket is just not enough. Also, always run/walk without ear buds in. Having music playing in your ears makes you vulnerable because you can't hear what's going on around you. Listen to everything around you when you are out, and watch everything around you. Look all around you frequently and take note of your surroundings. I also suggest finding one or more people to walk/run with. Most would-be rapists and other such types tend to leave groups alone. :flowerforyou:
  • sasu27
    sasu27 Posts: 51
    I have a knife that has a 3" blade that folds up with a clip on the back that I carry on my waist band and I take my phone with as well.
  • tehboxingkitteh
    tehboxingkitteh Posts: 1,574 Member
    You gotta get one of these:

    http://youtu.be/uEaKZLTCWmo
    Your dog is adorable!

    When I work out in my yard, I always keep a knife in my pocket (or bra if I have on a tank top and no pockets)... it's smaller than my gun. But my neighbors have dogs that get out and have attacked passerbys. I'm not afraid to be outside; I just want to be prepared.
  • kristamcclugage
    kristamcclugage Posts: 4 Member
    I run with a knife attached to my jeans and keys in my pocket for a weapon in case I need. I also run on the main road with lots of traffic and if I see someone (cuz I usually run at night) then I try to be on the opposite side or avoid them at all costs. If I have to pass by them then I make sure my knife is in my hand.
  • michellechawner
    michellechawner Posts: 892
    My town just had it's first murder victim in the 17 years it's been a town, so i'm not worries - i do however go walking with my mom and just earlier took the dog for a jog. Now, the dog is 20 pounds, but he's a barker. He'll draw all sorts of attention if someone comes too close or if he doesn't like someone. I never have earbuds in, and i never go in the dark. When i have to walk him late at night sometimes, I call my boyfriend and we'll chat on my walk. Usually my brother takes him at night, or my dad (brother is 5'10, 275 and dad is 5'10, 220, so no one is messing with them). I also have an Kubaton/pepper spray combo on my key set when I bring all my keys with me (I worked security a few years ago).
  • PlayerHatinDogooder
    PlayerHatinDogooder Posts: 1,018 Member
    I carry a gun, dog, pepper spray, pre dial 911, hire a body guard, and wear a bullet proof vest before I go on a run.

    I also dip my feet in fluorescent orange paint so I leave a clearly Identifiable trail so people can come and find me.
  • honeysprinkles
    honeysprinkles Posts: 1,757 Member
    I just walk (not really a runner but I love taking walks) during the day and try to stay aware of my surroundings! I also make sure I have my phone with me, but that's about it.
  • RoamingDuck
    RoamingDuck Posts: 74
    I try to stay alert of my surroundings and otherwise don't worry about it. No point living in fear.
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    Let's face it, you could be in a gated community and if your time is up, it's up. Running is supposed to be relaxing not anxiety producing. I try to run in relatively "safe" places and I watch out for dogs but other than that, I crank up the tunes and run my *kitten* off!
  • honeysprinkles
    honeysprinkles Posts: 1,757 Member
    It must be awful being in constant fear like that.
    I think its harder for men to understand, I can't tell if you're being serious or not, but it actually does suck. If you've never been out walking and had a car full of guys slow down and try to talk to you or have people shout inappropriate things at you as they pass then maybe it's hard to understand, but for most women it's very common. Not to mention the statistics aren't exactly in our favor when it comes to safety and sexual assault.
  • nf1982
    nf1982 Posts: 38 Member
    I run in a safe environment and keep aware of my surrounding. Try to enjoy your run!
  • scrapjen
    scrapjen Posts: 387 Member
    I can't imagine jogging without music blaring in my ears, it's what keeps me going. I feel like we are in a fairly safe area, I'm not so much afraid of getting attacked by a person ... but I do have a hefty fear of DOGS. In my own little neighborhood, there are some people that just let their dogs run, and while I'm fairly sure they aren't going to take a bite out of me, when they come rushing at me barking and snapping at my heels, my hear-rate goes through the roof. I had to stop going past that house (which is the only way out of the neighborhood) as my anxiety was so high, even when the dogs weren't in sight. I do have a complete home gym, and I'm good working out out indoors (and watching a show while on the elliptical or treadmill). I do occationally jog elsewhere ... tonight I was going to jog around the park, but ended up jogging at the gym in the track above the basketball court where my boys were practicing. I need my music though!
  • healthyandfitgirl14
    healthyandfitgirl14 Posts: 413 Member
    I just run. I don't choose to live my life in fear. I don't bring my phone because it's nice to be away from it. I don't always want to be tied down to my phone. I also listen to music while I'm running because like another girl said, it really keeps me going. I don't choose to live my life in fear. I live in a safe city, and I jog in the daylight and I always see other people around. I also jog on a busy street or by a busy street so there's lots of people, but really I just run, with my i-pod and nothing else.
  • JusticeGirl25
    JusticeGirl25 Posts: 703 Member
    I do wear white shoes and a white t-shirt when I'm out running during dusk and dawn.

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