Women Running Alone

Try to find a running buddy

I remember a paper a while back that showed the majority of rapists were deterred by women that carried themselves well and were strong individuals (not necessarily physical strength), and we're more likely to target reserved / shy individuals.

Something to keep in mind when outside alone. If you look like you'll scream or fight back they probably won't target you.

I'm glad the one in your neighborhood was caught, and it seems like he may have been an exception.

Edit: I found the study I was thinking of. It was by Betty Grayson and Morris I. Stein. Not sure if you can find a free version of the paper or not, but that's the one if you're interested.

Unfortunately I too have this fear. I know it is unreasonable but I cannot get past it. It is what made me stop running until I got a running buddy.

She is too fast for me though so now I have paid to join a field and track club so that I can run on a secure track. I mostly have it to myself due to the time of day I go. I love it! Its not as exciting as running in wild nature but its outside.

The thought of safety other than my visibility in the dark and the correct shoes for the terrain had never entered my head before reading this.

Could you get a personal attack alarm? They aren't heavy but are very, very loud. Maybe talk to your community Police officer also so that they can put your mind at ease.

Busy park- where I run after work has a lot of other runners and walkers so there is always a lot of people around. Or go to the pound and get another running buddy....

When I started running we didn't own a dog, so I kept a small hand gun and my hunting knife strapped to my hip during my runs. Because there is really no "good" neighborhood to run in in my town I wanted to be extra careful. I'm not sure how your gun laws are though for your city or state, but I would highly consider it or at least carrying a knife or pepper spray. After my husband rescued our dog and got him used to running with me around the yard, I only carry my knife on my runs.

You can do that or you could invest in a treadmill, or join a gym and run there until your dog gets better.

I keep on running in solitaire places because I rather like running without nasty guys shouting nasty things at my bouncing butt every 5 minutes. But I had a few problematic encounters in the past while running or cycling alone wich I solved by comfronting them and making them run away scared of me . Fortunately I´m tall and not shy at all. Carrying a gun or a knife is not an option here in Europe (we´re not so fond of weapons as Americans). I seriously advice you taking up self defence classes. And never, never go without your cell phone and without telling someone where you´ll be running.

rabbitjb wrote: »

AllanMisner wrote: »

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

I'm not sure I like this advice

But then I live in a country where we don't carry arms so I just think the concept exacerbates the dangers. In stranger attacks it is more likely that you will be grabbed and wrestled with, risking arming your assailant

Men attack women because they are in a power position (stronger and/or already armed). If you’re properly trained and aware of your surroundings, he won’t get the drop on you and you won’t be losing your weapon.

I did take a self defense class, it was a full day of training, and very physically challenging. About using leverage and body parts for defense, I learned a lot, but mostly I learned that I am not a person who could do this effectively. I also have a concealed carry permit, and feel that maybe I could use a gun for defense, but for the most part, criminals PLAN to grab someone, and they do it fast. I doubt I could get my gun ready that quickly.

In the end, running where there are others, not late at night or very early in the morning is best. I used to go to a track by my house with friends, we were together, but every one could do their own speed.

AllanMisner wrote: »

Buy a handgun, take a course, practice using it (especially when winded from a run), use a shoulder harness when you run. Unfortunately, we live in a world that allows people to prey on those who won’t take measures to protect themselves.

First off- full disclosure. I am getting a Judge for my birthday. I've got nothing against handguns.


But I won't even wear my Fitbit Surge to go running (I go back to my trusty One). When I'm running, there's no way I'm carrying any handgun that would big enough to stop someone who was really determined to hurt. It's too much weight. Also, I dislike the marks my running bra leaves on me already and get heat rash sometimes from lightweight running clothes. I am not wearing anything extra that makes me sweat and weighs me down.

There are much, much better alternatives out there for a female runner, IMHO.

Take a good self-defense course and learn how to beat the crap out of a guy. You will carry yourself with more self-confidence. Women who look like they will fight back don't tend to get chosen by predators for attack. If someone ever tries to abduct or hurt me, my plan is to seriously eff them up.

Know your surroundings. Look around you, see whose there, what's there. If you see a stranger, look directly at him/her, smile, wave, say "Hi! How you doing? I haven't seen you before. Do you need any help?" Believe it or not, being friendly, looking people in the face and being assertive with your friendliness tends to decrease your chances of being attacked. If the person isn't a bad guy, you've got a new friend on the trail and that might come in handy one day. (Or you've got a delivery person who is completely lost and is really happy to ask where XYZ street is - that has happened to me more than once as there are 3 streets in my neighborhood with very similar names) If the person is a bad actor, you've established yourself as a competent person who is notprey. The kind of woman who probably took a self-defense class and plans to eff you up if you attack her.

I run/walk/bike alone a lot...I just make sure I stay on well lit busy areas...no trails, no bushes etc.

My family (husband and son) know my route, I have my phone and if anyone tried anything there are always people around or at least close.

Best that can be done sometimes.

Personally, I am more afraid of cars not seeing me and running me over than someone attacking me. I do carry pepper spray, stay on busy streets and just wear one ear bud so I can hear my surroundings. I refuse to be afraid to run outside. I have been lunged at by dogs, but never people. Every once in a blue moon I see someone who sets off my alarms, but I don't let it deter me from future runs. I make it a point to be as aware as I can about my surroundings. That is all you can do. You either get out there or you don't.

I also live in a state where you can't carry concealed weapons. Not everyone has that option or wants to go to that extreme.