Anxiety over WALKING?!

JessesGirl05
JessesGirl05 Posts: 253
edited September 28 in Health and Weight Loss
I used to live in the big city, in a bad neighborhood, where you would NEVER even think about going for a nice walk outside after dinner with your family, much less alone. Now (2 years later) we live in a small country town. Population: 800. And I am still scared to walk outside alone! It's after 6pm already and dinner isn't done yet, no one has eaten, and bedtime is usually around 7:30. So If I want to go for a walk tonight (which I have to, I already logged it), it will just be myself. I feel so much anxiety over it!

I mapped my walk on "Mapymywalk.com" and instead of the 1 mile my family usually does together, it's about 2.5miles. (our 1 mile walk used to take us an hour, now it takes us 30-45 minutes so I had to up the miles).

Anyways. No real point to my post other then if you all don't see me around tomorrow...I may have been snatched up! (joking)!!!

Does anyone else go for their walk ALONE at night?
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Replies

  • gusto80
    gusto80 Posts: 28
    I live in a small community and I do walk at night, but I also go to the gym after I get off from work at midnight. If it is too scary for you, I wouldn't do it though. You may be so distracted looking over your shoulder every few seconds that you won't get the full benefit of your workout.
  • SammyPacks
    SammyPacks Posts: 697 Member
    Like you use to... I don't live in the best area :( so sadly I can't walk alone at night anywhere (I don't feel comfortable doing so)

    I usually go running right after school or earlier in the morning :)
  • melodyg
    melodyg Posts: 1,423 Member
    I do. However, I (now) live in a fairly nice residential neighborhood and I just walk around the neighborhood for a mile or so. I still get nervous if it is getting close to twilight, and I keep my cell phone on me. I've lived in other parts of my city where I wouldn't dream of walking alone at night (or during the day, for that matter) so I can understand being anxious about it! Would it help your nerves if someone walked with you for a few times before you tried it on your own?
  • light_shimmer
    light_shimmer Posts: 118 Member
    During the day I'm fine ( I think the pop of my "town" is like 20 lol) At night? I don't step foot outside my front door alone. There's wolves and things!

    Honestly, I'd be perfectly fine no matter where I went around here but I don't like the dark. 25 and afraid of the dark, go figure!:blushing:
  • skinnyhopes
    skinnyhopes Posts: 402 Member
    Walk around your house briskly, that's what I do.
    Or go in your backyard.
  • irunwithscissors
    irunwithscissors Posts: 89 Member
    I sometimes feel this way and live in the country! I just don't wear my head phones when I get bugged out. Good luck to you, I know the struggle! Just think positive thoughts and try to keep your mind off of it!
  • Heather75
    Heather75 Posts: 3,386 Member
    I walk everywhere. I'm pretty careful about not walking alone after dark, though, but I even do that sometimes. I'm pretty tough. ;)
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    I live in a small town...compared to big huge cities (I grew up in Seattle and now live in Montana where the whole state population is smaller than Seattle). I will walk alone at night, and I mean like 10pm-midnight). In college, I didn't get off work until 11pm or midnight. Going at night doesn't bother me, I still plug in headphones. The only difference is when I walk at night I talk my phone and I don't do that during the day. While I don't necessarily tell people exactly what my route is, I do tell them I'm going.
  • sharleengc
    sharleengc Posts: 792 Member
    I live in a small town...compared to big huge cities (I grew up in Seattle and now live in Montana where the whole state population is smaller than Seattle). I will walk alone at night, and I mean like 10pm-midnight). In college, I didn't get off work until 11pm or midnight. Going at night doesn't bother me, I still plug in headphones. The only difference is when I walk at night I talk my phone and I don't do that during the day. While I don't necessarily tell people exactly what my route is, I do tell them I'm going.
  • biznurse
    biznurse Posts: 81 Member
    If I stay on my 10 acres I will walk when it's dark, but I won't walk out on the street after dark. I live in a safe area, but man, just kind of scary to me.... Linda/RN
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    Can't you get maybe your hubby or a friend to go with you? I live in a city population 400,000 and would never walk alone unless in the public park. I don't think its a good idea after dark... be careful.
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    I think you should just get some video's or just walk during the day. STAY HOME TONIGHT!!
  • caterpillar2Butterfly
    caterpillar2Butterfly Posts: 134
    If you have a dvd player you can get walking dvds at target that you can do from the safety of your own living room at any time, thats what i do...
  • srp2011
    srp2011 Posts: 1,829 Member
    I go running in a local park, but only when it's light and there will be lots of other people out. I live in a bigger city and play it safe. Otherwise, I hit the gym, or run with a group - maybe you can find some friends or neighbors who want to start a walking club? There's safety in numbers :-)
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    I live in a fair big city and my neighborhood is safe for the most part. I walk everywhere. I hate the public transportation so, I opt to walk, even late at night alone. No one has ever bothered me when I would walk home. I make sure I project an air of confidence and that I won't take any bull. If you look scared and act all nervous, someone may prey upon that because they know you are an easy target.

    Just make sure you are aware of your surrounds, know the area so that you won't get lost and make sure you have your cell phone with you. Be strong!!! You will be fine.
  • sammys1girly
    sammys1girly Posts: 1,045 Member
    I walk alone all the time in my little town but don't venture to the wooded end of the local rails to trails by myself or I get creeped out. A dog is a good walking companion, esp a big one :wink:
  • JessesGirl05
    JessesGirl05 Posts: 253
    If hubby goes, kids have to go. Which is what I was trying to avoid since its almost their bedtime, and they get cranky if they stay up late
  • Losing2Live69
    Losing2Live69 Posts: 743 Member
    I will walk at night after it has cooled down, but not after dark.
  • bloodbank
    bloodbank Posts: 468 Member
    Walk around your house briskly, that's what I do.
    Or go in your backyard.

    This. I often jog in place in 15-30 minute bursts (usually infront of the tv, hah) when I've got time constraints/whatever else might be keeping me from a real workout... easily applies to not wanting to go outside! :)
  • Crooks0204
    Crooks0204 Posts: 189
    I get paranoid walking in the daytime:huh: So I would never make it at night alone!!!! I hope you at least have some pepper spray with you!
  • Sweetpea472
    Sweetpea472 Posts: 229 Member
    If you decide to go it alone, be sure to bring a "weapon" like a golf club, bat, or even a sturdy tree branch... you could use it against a person or an animal! Actually, not a bad idea even when you're not alone... :)
  • bex481
    bex481 Posts: 70 Member
    I walk at night sometimes. I live in a safe neighborhood and I bring my dog. Even though he doesn't know how to be aggressive in any way I figure no one else knows that!! lol. Good luck!
  • Sweetpea472
    Sweetpea472 Posts: 229 Member
    I hope you at least have some pepper spray with you!

    I totally forgot about pepper spray! (I accidentally sprayed it in my face once, so I won't go near the stuff anymore!) :blushing:
  • PattyCake123
    PattyCake123 Posts: 156 Member
    I live in a city area and it is not the best part of town, but my apartment complex all the way around is exactly half a mile so I typically stay in there in the evenings. But, if I do venture to the near by bike path, which is frequented by the community I live in, by myself for a walk/run, I usually have a little fanny pack that I strap on and take with me. Not exactly the most fashionable thing in the world but when it comes to my safety I don't mess around. I keep my driver's license, phone, key, a kubaton (self defense stick thing) and a little thing of mace in there. I carry a very hard plastic water bottle as well which doubles as a weight for my arms. I also have taken a few self defense classes which have helped me feel more at ease and more confident in myself, and I would suggest trying one if you can find it. Most important be aware of your surroundings, keep your eyes open, and don't let yourself get too distracted by music :-)
  • DJ_Moira
    DJ_Moira Posts: 1
    that depend if there is light or not. its day out side and after i get done with my schooling and im anty from sitting in a dest all day a lovely jog walk is amazing. and u can up the speed or down when you want to when your going by urself. i can understand the change from big city to tiny town... it took me FOREVER to get used to it. but some times you just have to do it...

    =^-^= mew
  • ajpequin
    ajpequin Posts: 10 Member
    Get a dog!
  • shelby_smithhisler
    shelby_smithhisler Posts: 9
    i live in a big city and my boy works at night so it's just me and my little pom puppy that do the walking!
  • kanonxbou47
    kanonxbou47 Posts: 265 Member
    Don't feel bad about having that anxiety. It's actually completely rational.

    I do walk around late at night... I don't live in the best neighborhood either, but

    1) I do kickboxing videos, and I lift weights. Taking a self-defense course will also help.

    2) My dog. He will bite anyone not in my family, and he barks whenever he sees anyone approaching. (not so nice)

    I feel more safe because of that.
    Also, follow those safety precautions, like, if you're going to listen to music, only keep it in one ear, so you can hear anyone approaching. Walk with confidence, like you're not afraid. Vulnerable women are more likely to be targets.
    Bring your cell phone, but don't text walk, you'll be distracted.
    Walk somewhere well lit, and you can always bring a sort of weapon, such as a stick or bat. If you're worried about looking stupid, take a walking stick. And you could always conceal a knife somewhere, though that might not be most effective in the case that you are actually attacked.
    You can smack someone with a purse.
    Though perhaps I'm overthinking it.
    Good luck on your walk~
  • withchaco
    withchaco Posts: 1,026 Member
    I have a large dog (115lbs) and I have walked her plenty of times past midnight. Just recently, I tried taking late night walks without the dog, and it is kind of eerie. Where I live, I'm more concerned about black bears or crazy deer than about people.

    Ask if your husband will go with you? Or start out by walking around the house. Always take your cell phone if you're alone, even during daytime; you never know what could happen (like if you fall and sprain your ankle).
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    You should stay home and maybe think about walking during the day or getting video's... Leslie Sansone's Walk away the pounds is fun an inexpensive. Better to be safe then sorry!!
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