running solo...

I run solo all the time, I work at a very isolated place and usually run at lunch. I just let my co-workers know where I am heading and they know that if I don't make it back with in an hours something went wrong. There is usually a trail I take where I can run into horses, cows, and people fishing but I am never really worried. I think that pepper spray and changing up your routine (taking different paths) will help with that because IF someone is watcing you and you change up your paths all the time it makes you less of a target cause you are so unpredictable

I mostly run in residential areas or a neighborhood park, with a few trail runs in the woods, where I've never seen another person. Since no one is ever there, I highly doubt some serial killer is lurking behind a tree waiting for me.

Maybe it's a fatalistic view, but the way I figure... if someone crazy wants me dead, I'm gonna be dead. There's a bigger risk of someone following me home from the grocery store than someone targeting me while I'm running. If I let fear of crazies run my life... they won. I'm not going to let them win.

That said, I don't run the same route at the same time or have any predictable schedule. I carry my cellphone all the time. I'm aware of my surroundings. And I run at a fairly easy pace, so I'm never too tired or out of breath to scream or sprint.

I run alone when I run outside.... I like the idea of a dog, but we don't have one. lol. I never run when it's dark and I just make sure I'm always aware of my surroundings. My spouse doesn't like me running outside either, but you know what- I want to run and I'm not going to let anything get in the way!
Besides... I could probably out run any attackers out there anyways!! LOL

I also run outdoors and live in the countryside so it can be very quiet when I go off on small roads etc... I would simply say to run when it's light, make sure you wear clothing that's visible and always look around when you are running to keep an eye on your surroundings. There is nothing better than running outdoors and I often meet other runners/sporty people and always get a wave or a smile which is great!
Go and enjoy it, it's an amazing hobby, not just exercise

I usually run alone. I live in a fairly large town so I just stick to the busier areas (main streets & trails) and I ALWAYS run with my phone.
I agree with LorinaLynn, if something is going to happen all the fear in the world isn't going to stop it. Just be very aware of your surroundings.

I run with my little 20lb terror of a dog who hates strangers, so if someone were to attack me, she'd bite a chunk out of them for me, but is easy to control because she's small. Her spike collar makes her look badass when she's barking at the UPS man...

Also, consider going to your local police station and taking a Rape Aggression Defense program. It is an invaluable lesson on hand to hand self defense in the event you are assaulted when alone, and it is geared toward women.

(I've taken the class twice and I love it)

You can get a tiny little keychain size club called a Kubotan, and carry it with you, thumb pressed against the end and your palm wrapped around the length. If someone tries to attack you, jam the end into their sternum scream at them and run like hell. No seriously, that's how simple it is..it's not regulated, no license required, you can't spray it and risk it blowing back in your own face, it's useable on lots of different pressure points on the body, throat, eyes, nose, chest, jaw, that bone in your forearm that is really close to the skin, and it works. In the event that I don't have my dog with me, that's what I carry... it's about 2 oz for a wooden one (they come in aluminum too), and they're only $5. I am licensed to carry concealed where I live and would rather carry a kubotan than a weapon that could be fired and used against me.

Stay observant of your environment and the people around you, know where you are at all times, carry an ID, make sure someone knows where you're going and how long you'll be gone, and run in well populated areas, oh, and change up your routine/route regularly.

I have a Road ID on my shoe of my address and multiple phone numbers.

I love the roadID's, however, if you get run off the road, like hit by a car, your shoes are likely to come off and get thrown 30-40 feet away. If they are not found by the responders, you likely will go unidentified. I would consider putting somewhere else, like a bracelet or a chest strap, or pocket of your pants. JMO

Road ID's come in several styles. I have a dog tag style necklace as well as an anklet. My mom wears a wrist one that looks sorta like a Live Strong bracelet. My husband has a shoe mounted one and one wrapped on his bikes. I used to carry my phone and think, "well I have ICE clearly marked in there so I'm fine"....and then I realized most phones these days are password protected. So if you're phone is, make sure your homescreen (that is visible when phone is locked) has your In Case of Emergency info on it.

I run alone. I do carry a runner's pepper spray (it fits around my hand) when it is dark out in the morning. I try to make sure I am always aware of my surroundings when running. I refuse to let other people's fears get to me. They state the worst case scenario as to what might happen to you. If your husband is so worried, then he should get out there with you and you should tell him so instead of making your a fearful person.

Just get out there. I rarely take advice from people who don't know where I run.

I run alone also.....
I let my hubby know what route I am taking, carry my cellphone with me along with my ID.
If its dark out use reflecive clothing, reflective braclets or flashlights / head lamp & always be aware of your surroundings.
If you or your hubby/family is realy paranoid take along some pepper spray or have them run w/you

So i've always hated running but reading different posts, blogs, comments whatever and going off of my own topic i posted a while back I'm giving it a shot (c25k)

and i actually did my first day and really kinda enjoyed it. Until.:frown:

Until my friends at work started talking about how i needed to be careful running by myself with stories of why...:frown:

until my family warned me to be careful running by myself...:frown:

until my husband said i don't like the thought of you out there by yourself (but still he didn't come with me go figure:grumble: )

I had so many warnings about being careful that by the time i got home i was jumping at every shadow.
I took my pepper spray with me, which TBH was more in case there was a loose doggy that didn't want me running there. but i was a bit freaked out by the time i got home. so now i'm a bit bugged.

whats a girl to do? I don't live in a bad neighborhood but it's not among the best either. It's off of a very busy street with lots of 'unique' looking people. Yes i know i'm judging but seriously can you blame me?

You can "run" into trouble even in a "good" neighborhood. I found a local running store that sponsors several running groups. I run with them one night and one weekend morning per week. The rest of the time I run on a treadmill at the gym because I work out at night and I choose to not run by myself at night. However, I know many women who do.

If you run by yourself, wear a Road ID, bring your cell phone, tell someone where you're going, go during the day whenever possible, stay in lighted and populated areas, don't wear headphones, and be aware of your surroundings.

I've been running alone for 10 years with no problems. I live in the middle of DC--not the safest place, maybe, but I've never felt threatened. I never run with music anymore, though, because there have been way too many muggings around here for iPods. And it's much easier to pay attention to your surroundings when you can hear footsteps.

Don't be afraid. Running makes us stronger. And faster!

I know exactly how you feel. I'm scared to just walk out to my car at night in my own driveway, even though I live in a safe neighborhood (where nothing shady has happened since I've lived here... to my knowledge). I get a little weirded out when I run sometimes. I always tell my husband the route I'll be taking and when to expect me back. That way he knows when something is wrong. Unfortunately if I run in the mornings, he's already left for work, so I don't have that option. Regardless, I always have my phone on me (in my hand, actually, not in an armband) because that's what I use for tracking my distance/speed and my music player. I could probably dial an emergency number pretty quickly if I ever had to. Also, if you listen to music, make sure you keep it pretty low so that you can hear what's going on around you -- cars, people, animals, etc. If anything shady happens (ie. a car slowing down close to you, seeing the same car looping the neighborhood several times), just cut off through some driveways, make a sharp turn, or something that will help you make it back home quickly. Don't ever look like you're scared, though.

I run by myself all the time. Have a high-vis vest on me, my mobile is on hand and I can run fast if I need to!!!!!!!!

At least it is getting brighter out. I run only where there are street lights.

It can be a bit daunting alright and my French DH says that I woulnd't be able to do it in France if we lived there. Just as well we don't then!

Edited to day, I change my route every time I run also so if anyone was to be watching me, they wouldn't see me go the same route all the time.

I would never want to encourage anyone to turn off common sense and expose themselves unnecessarily to dangers but here's an interesting article on perceived vs real risk:

http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2006/11/perceived_risk_2.html

Interestingly, intellectually I understand this article but still worry when my daughter goes for a run by herself.