November 2019 Monthly Running Challenge
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Camaramandy648 wrote: »Gahhh I tried to post this from my phone this morning but it was before coffee so OF COURSE it didn't post....
Can we talk safety gear for running?
I'm female and run alone, both at night and on trails. I'm getting some feedback from loved ones that I need to stop being an idiot and find some measures of protection should anything unfortunate arise - attackers, wildlife, predators, getting hit by a car, falling....... (naturally, I fell asleep last night thinking about getting mauled by a mountain lion)....
I've seen the run angel wristlet, but what about like if I need to actually DEFEND myself? Thoughts? Ideas? What do you all use?
I suggest getting an app with emergency contact. I pay for Strava to get the Beacon and when I start a run it sends a link to my emergency contact so he can track my run. It also sends a notice if I don't move for a while (not sure how long, never tested that part LOL).
Other than that I wear reflective clothes and carry a light. I've been told by police, probation and other LEO that the best defense is being aware. Acknowledge everyone you see. Run with no or one ear bud. Most people want an easy target. If they know you've seen them they will most likely move on. For example the other night an old man on a bike stopped and waited for me and the dog, turned around and started following me. I looked back at him several times while texting a description of him and my location to my BF. The guy realized it and went back the way he was originally going. I take pictures of cars and license plates that slow down and pass me multiple times and text them to my BF. I would rather be safe and look paranoid then have no evidence if something were to happen. SSDGM and F*** Politeness.
Haha super smart! I was looking at these cool bone conduction headphones - they allow you to hear your surroundings while also listening to music. I just told a coworker, "My goal is to be able to effectively gut my opponent should the need arise," which I realize makes me sound insane. What about a stun gun?2 -
The courseThe cool banked curve feature
A bunch of race photos
An interesting outfit choice783 heart points!
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Camaramandy648 wrote: »Gahhh I tried to post this from my phone this morning but it was before coffee so OF COURSE it didn't post....
Can we talk safety gear for running?
I'm female and run alone, both at night and on trails. I'm getting some feedback from loved ones that I need to stop being an idiot and find some measures of protection should anything unfortunate arise - attackers, wildlife, predators, getting hit by a car, falling....... (naturally, I fell asleep last night thinking about getting mauled by a mountain lion)....
I've seen the run angel wristlet, but what about like if I need to actually DEFEND myself? Thoughts? Ideas? What do you all use?
I suggest getting an app with emergency contact. I pay for Strava to get the Beacon and when I start a run it sends a link to my emergency contact so he can track my run. It also sends a notice if I don't move for a while (not sure how long, never tested that part LOL).
Other than that I wear reflective clothes and carry a light. I've been told by police, probation and other LEO that the best defense is being aware. Acknowledge everyone you see. Run with no or one ear bud. Most people want an easy target. If they know you've seen them they will most likely move on. For example the other night an old man on a bike stopped and waited for me and the dog, turned around and started following me. I looked back at him several times while texting a description of him and my location to my BF. The guy realized it and went back the way he was originally going. I take pictures of cars and license plates that slow down and pass me multiple times and text them to my BF. I would rather be safe and look paranoid then have no evidence if something were to happen. SSDGM and F*** Politeness.
@Camaramandy648 - I agree with @RunsOnEspresso. If you have an iPhone you can have a friend or family member (or multiple) set up in Find my Friend without needing a separate app. They don't need to have an iPhone for it to work either. My husband has a Droid phone and he can track me. I also take pictures of cars, license plates and people. I typically run with my dog and that helps too. I make it a point to look at and say hello to everyone I see along the way. Fortunately when I did have a problem and didn't have the pup with me I found other people walking and stayed with them and the guy went the other way. I reported him and he was arrested. Apparently he had accosted another woman on the trail. I often see women walking/running looking down at the ground or at their phones and not really paying attention. It is unsafe for so many reasons even just to know there are bikes and runners come at you or from behind. I have stopped a few that I see frequently to mention that they should look up and be aware of their surroundings.
As far as animals go we had a dog that would get out of its yard and chase people along our trail. The animal control officer recommended noise as the biggest deterrent for dogs and coyotes which we have frequently. I got a small air horn at our local marine shop that I can easily hook on a pack or waist belt when I am running alone. I wouldn't want to use it when I have Hobbes with me though.
ETA - I have the Trekz bone conducting headphones and love them. It took a bit to get used to the other sounds (like the sound of my footfalls) but once I did I won't go back to regular headphones.4 -
I forgot the swag shot
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Camaramandy648 wrote: »Gahhh I tried to post this from my phone this morning but it was before coffee so OF COURSE it didn't post....
Can we talk safety gear for running?
I'm female and run alone, both at night and on trails. I'm getting some feedback from loved ones that I need to stop being an idiot and find some measures of protection should anything unfortunate arise - attackers, wildlife, predators, getting hit by a car, falling....... (naturally, I fell asleep last night thinking about getting mauled by a mountain lion)....
I've seen the run angel wristlet, but what about like if I need to actually DEFEND myself? Thoughts? Ideas? What do you all use?
I suggest getting an app with emergency contact. I pay for Strava to get the Beacon and when I start a run it sends a link to my emergency contact so he can track my run. It also sends a notice if I don't move for a while (not sure how long, never tested that part LOL).
Other than that I wear reflective clothes and carry a light. I've been told by police, probation and other LEO that the best defense is being aware. Acknowledge everyone you see. Run with no or one ear bud. Most people want an easy target. If they know you've seen them they will most likely move on. For example the other night an old man on a bike stopped and waited for me and the dog, turned around and started following me. I looked back at him several times while texting a description of him and my location to my BF. The guy realized it and went back the way he was originally going. I take pictures of cars and license plates that slow down and pass me multiple times and text them to my BF. I would rather be safe and look paranoid then have no evidence if something were to happen. SSDGM and F*** Politeness.
@Camaramandy648 - I agree with @RunsOnEspresso. If you have an iPhone you can have a friend or family member (or multiple) set up in Find my Friend without needing a separate app. They don't need to have an iPhone for it to work either. My husband has a Droid phone and he can track me. I also take pictures of cars, license plates and people. I typically run with my dog and that helps too. I make it a point to look at and say hello to everyone I see along the way. Fortunately when I did have a problem and didn't have the pup with me I found other people walking and stayed with them and the guy went the other way. I reported him and he was arrested. Apparently he had accosted another woman on the trail. I often see women walking/running looking down at the ground or at their phones and not really paying attention. It is unsafe for so many reasons even just to know there are bikes and runners come at you or from behind. I have stopped a few that I see frequently to mention that they should look up and be aware of their surroundings.
As far as animals go we had a dog that would get out of its yard and chase people along our trail. The animal control officer recommended noise as the biggest deterrent for dogs and coyotes which we have frequently. I got a small air horn at our local marine shop that I can easily hook on a pack or waist belt when I am running alone. I wouldn't want to use it when I have Hobbes with me though.
ETA - I have the Trekz bone conducting headphones and love them. It took a bit to get used to the other sounds (like the sound of my footfalls) but once I did I won't go back to regular headphones.
I've got the Trekz as well. Definitely worth the money.
One thing I forgot to mention is any weapon you have can be used against you. Especially if someone comes up behind you and you have to try and get a weapon out. Something I've been told is aim for soft spots, be loud and run towards others/busy places.
More than likely injury, cars and animals will be your biggest threat. Random attacks are rare. They just make good news stories. Ratings.2 -
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RunsOnEspresso wrote: »RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Camaramandy648 wrote: »Gahhh I tried to post this from my phone this morning but it was before coffee so OF COURSE it didn't post....
Can we talk safety gear for running?
I'm female and run alone, both at night and on trails. I'm getting some feedback from loved ones that I need to stop being an idiot and find some measures of protection should anything unfortunate arise - attackers, wildlife, predators, getting hit by a car, falling....... (naturally, I fell asleep last night thinking about getting mauled by a mountain lion)....
I've seen the run angel wristlet, but what about like if I need to actually DEFEND myself? Thoughts? Ideas? What do you all use?
I suggest getting an app with emergency contact. I pay for Strava to get the Beacon and when I start a run it sends a link to my emergency contact so he can track my run. It also sends a notice if I don't move for a while (not sure how long, never tested that part LOL).
Other than that I wear reflective clothes and carry a light. I've been told by police, probation and other LEO that the best defense is being aware. Acknowledge everyone you see. Run with no or one ear bud. Most people want an easy target. If they know you've seen them they will most likely move on. For example the other night an old man on a bike stopped and waited for me and the dog, turned around and started following me. I looked back at him several times while texting a description of him and my location to my BF. The guy realized it and went back the way he was originally going. I take pictures of cars and license plates that slow down and pass me multiple times and text them to my BF. I would rather be safe and look paranoid then have no evidence if something were to happen. SSDGM and F*** Politeness.
@Camaramandy648 - I agree with @RunsOnEspresso. If you have an iPhone you can have a friend or family member (or multiple) set up in Find my Friend without needing a separate app. They don't need to have an iPhone for it to work either. My husband has a Droid phone and he can track me. I also take pictures of cars, license plates and people. I typically run with my dog and that helps too. I make it a point to look at and say hello to everyone I see along the way. Fortunately when I did have a problem and didn't have the pup with me I found other people walking and stayed with them and the guy went the other way. I reported him and he was arrested. Apparently he had accosted another woman on the trail. I often see women walking/running looking down at the ground or at their phones and not really paying attention. It is unsafe for so many reasons even just to know there are bikes and runners come at you or from behind. I have stopped a few that I see frequently to mention that they should look up and be aware of their surroundings.
As far as animals go we had a dog that would get out of its yard and chase people along our trail. The animal control officer recommended noise as the biggest deterrent for dogs and coyotes which we have frequently. I got a small air horn at our local marine shop that I can easily hook on a pack or waist belt when I am running alone. I wouldn't want to use it when I have Hobbes with me though.
ETA - I have the Trekz bone conducting headphones and love them. It took a bit to get used to the other sounds (like the sound of my footfalls) but once I did I won't go back to regular headphones.
I've got the Trekz as well. Definitely worth the money.
One thing I forgot to mention is any weapon you have can be used against you. Especially if someone comes up behind you and you have to try and get a weapon out. Something I've been told is aim for soft spots, be loud and run towards others/busy places.
More than likely injury, cars and animals will be your biggest threat. Random attacks are rare. They just make good news stories. Ratings.
I live in a pretty safe place compared to what I hear and read about from many. My husband often nags me about the places I run and I tell him not to be silly, then every now and then I'll see some random guy and get a funny feeling and think "oh *kitten*, if anything happens to me I'll be hearing 'I told you sos' for ever more."
Tbh I'm far more worried about being attacked by a loose dog, which I've encountered a few of on country lanes or trails, than by a person, but I have started to keep the volume very low on my music or only wear one earphone in areas where I could find myself alone with someone and nobody else in sight. I also make a point of making eye contact and saying hello to everyone I come across. If I feel unsafe for any reason, I will pull my doorkey out of my belt and carry it in my hand. As teenagers they taught us at school to get your keys out before you near home or if you think you're being followed so that A) you can use them as weapons and
you won't be standing outside the door fumbling to get them out. Guess that translated to running.
I like the photo idea too, hadn't thought of that one. I would also possibly just phone someone and tell them loudly where I was and that I felt unsafe too if necessary.
It sucks that we have to think about this stuff, but better safe than sorry.6 -
RunsOnEspresso wrote: »Camaramandy648 wrote: »Gahhh I tried to post this from my phone this morning but it was before coffee so OF COURSE it didn't post....
Can we talk safety gear for running?
I'm female and run alone, both at night and on trails. I'm getting some feedback from loved ones that I need to stop being an idiot and find some measures of protection should anything unfortunate arise - attackers, wildlife, predators, getting hit by a car, falling....... (naturally, I fell asleep last night thinking about getting mauled by a mountain lion)....
I've seen the run angel wristlet, but what about like if I need to actually DEFEND myself? Thoughts? Ideas? What do you all use?
I suggest getting an app with emergency contact. I pay for Strava to get the Beacon and when I start a run it sends a link to my emergency contact so he can track my run. It also sends a notice if I don't move for a while (not sure how long, never tested that part LOL).
Other than that I wear reflective clothes and carry a light. I've been told by police, probation and other LEO that the best defense is being aware. Acknowledge everyone you see. Run with no or one ear bud. Most people want an easy target. If they know you've seen them they will most likely move on. For example the other night an old man on a bike stopped and waited for me and the dog, turned around and started following me. I looked back at him several times while texting a description of him and my location to my BF. The guy realized it and went back the way he was originally going. I take pictures of cars and license plates that slow down and pass me multiple times and text them to my BF. I would rather be safe and look paranoid then have no evidence if something were to happen. SSDGM and F*** Politeness.
That is all good advice. I am not sure this is for everyone, nor is it legal for everyone everywhere, but I do carry a concealed handgun on many of my runs when/where it is legal. But I have training and am licensed to carry it. The closest I have come to using it was on a loose dog. There was not enough time or advanced notice to take photos or anything.2 -
Camaramandy648 wrote: »Gahhh I tried to post this from my phone this morning but it was before coffee so OF COURSE it didn't post....
Can we talk safety gear for running?
I'm female and run alone, both at night and on trails. I'm getting some feedback from loved ones that I need to stop being an idiot and find some measures of protection should anything unfortunate arise - attackers, wildlife, predators, getting hit by a car, falling....... (naturally, I fell asleep last night thinking about getting mauled by a mountain lion)....
I've seen the run angel wristlet, but what about like if I need to actually DEFEND myself? Thoughts? Ideas? What do you all use?
I hesitate to answer since, as a large male, I don't have the same concerns that you have but I will anyway.
Live tracking apps are useful but they won't be of any help if you get attacked. They may help in finding you after the fact.
Taking photos of suspicious cars and people is a good idea but they only help find the perpetrator after the fact.
As @RunsOnEspresso talked about, your best defense is situational awareness and trusting your gut instinct. Make it a point to notice every single person and every car around you. Don't just look where you're running, keep looking around you. What looks suspicious and what doesn't? If something doesn't feel right, don't think you're being paranoid, act on it and avoid it the situation. Turn around, duck into a store or restaurant, cross the street, whatever you need to do to make yourself feel more comfortable about the situation.
There's a book I recommend, not just for running, but for everyday safety called "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker about this very subject. I think it was @ddmom0811 who bought this on my recommendation. Maybe she'll chime in with her thoughts on the book.
Your local police department may have a class for personal safety, and if it's geared towards women, even better. If they don't have one, they may be able to tell you were you can find one.
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One point I forgot to mention in my race report.
Since the beginning of April, I've only had ONE training run over 15 miles. Just one. Yet I'm feeling strong and recovering well. I really do not know I'm able to do run these ultras like I have been.@7lenny7 - you are a beast! Love the race report and what a gorgeous place to run! How are you feeling today?
Thanks, @shanaber ! I'm feeling great today, like I could run another ultra this weekend! I was sore the rest of the night Saturday. Sunday I woke up with sore feet and stiff everywhere else but after moving around for a few minutes I was fine. The only time I feel it is when I get up after sitting or laying down for a while. Once I get moving, it's all good.@7lenny7 - you the official king of race reports! That sounds like an awesome race. Very nice pictures. That wooden banked curve looks so cool, if not terrifying
. Congrats on a fantastic race!
Thanks, @scott6255 ! The curve was actually easy to run down but on loop 4 when I walked it I dang near fell off. For loop 5 I took the bypass trail on the inside.
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I was going to run yesterday, but after spending the day with family for a birthday, my hubby wanted to go for a walk together. We walked for an hour so I had no time left and didn't really feel like running after that anyway. I have wanted my husband to walk with me for YEARS and literally could not even get him halfway down our street for a walk of under a mile, so I don't dare turn him down since he's finally for the first time in our 15 years of marriage exercising
Priorities! I'm fine running 2 days consecutive so I'll do a little something after work today and tomorrow. Not sure yet if I'll get outside or treadmill. 12 -
@Avidkeo - your race looks like a lot of fun and a beautiful location. Well done on your times, amazing!
@PastorVincent great jacket from your race, and we'll done on three PRs!
@emmamcgarity Great time, well done! And glad your kids enjoyed it. I wish there were more 5k races near me, I'm hovering just over 30mins for a 5k and a hit of impetus in a race would really help, I think.
@RunsOnEspresso I hope your ankle gets better soon. The plogging sounds like a useful public service, I might give it a go in the first where I run. It's often filthy.
@rheddmobile looks like you did a great night run, and well done you for saving the bird!
@kirstymn great race, well done! And cute of your mum to surprise you by turning up to watch.
@katharmonic that Spartan race looks intense, I'm so impressed!
@Camaramandy648 looks like a beautiful place to run! I love running downhill, it's just the uphill I can't stand!
@eleanorhawkins great race and really nice of you to help the other runner out. Glad she finished!
@martaindale Disney race sounds amazing, congratulations to you and your husband!
@Dory_42 so cool that you're lping with protecting the elephant seal.
@T1DCarnivoreRunner amazing race, especially overcoming those cramps.
@7lenny7 amazing race, you're a machine. Although my boyfriend was reading over my shoulder and is now sniggering at your description of lubing your crotch... gross!
@greenolivetree glad your husband stepped up and went for a walk with you.
@shanaber thank you for the lovely description of Mobycarp. He sounds like an inspiring man.
Had a lovely time reading everyone's race reports, so I hope I haven't missed anyone out. This afternoon I ran 9.14km, longer than I've run in a long time. Feeling very smug with myself.
I had a look at aftershokz yesterday in the airport. Wow they're expensive though!
Runs this week: 9.14km.
Runs last week: 11.26km.
Total so far: 20.4km.
Target: 100km.5 -
@7lenny7 amazing race, you're a machine. Although my boyfriend was reading over my shoulder and is now sniggering at your description of lubing your crotch... gross!
Thanks, @JMNagain ! Unfortunately it's a necessary evil for long runs. Chafing can be QUITE painful.
Pro tip: Never shake hands with an ultra runner.
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@7lenny7 Great race, report, and congratulations on your age group finish!
@Tramboman thanks! Either I read it wrong or they revised the results but I'm now listed as
22nd out of 100 male
4th out of 21 AG
Still 28th OA though.3 -
@7lenny7 amazing race, you're a machine. Although my boyfriend was reading over my shoulder and is now sniggering at your description of lubing your crotch... gross!
Thanks, @JMNagain ! Unfortunately it's a necessary evil for long runs. Chafing can be QUITE painful.
Pro tip: Never shake hands with an ultra runner.
@7lenny7 hahahaha! Great tip!0
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