Night Runs And Mace

RoseVernon
RoseVernon Posts: 88
in Fitness and Exercise
If I'm running at night, should I be carrying mace? The only time I have available to run is after work, around midnight. My neighborhood is fairly safe but am I asking for trouble? I'm not sure if it's worth dragging around. What do you think?

Replies

  • Shock_Wave
    Shock_Wave Posts: 1,573 Member
    Take this for those night runs.............

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    Works like a charm! :wink:

    Oh you meant like jogging at night.. :laugh: Hey its better to be than sorry.
  • i_am_losing_it
    i_am_losing_it Posts: 310 Member
    I def would and do, although tonight I left the mace at home and brought a stun gun. It is not worth the risk a woman alone at night is like bait for some of the freaks out there.
  • Ziggyzambo
    Ziggyzambo Posts: 46 Member
    The only one who can really answer that is you - do what you have to do to feel safe. I walk at night without worry, but I'm a big guy, so our concerns are understandably different.
  • cakeums
    cakeums Posts: 228 Member
    Read this blog post, and the comments. I found it to be very helpful.

    http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/06/another-running-tragedy-how-to-stay.html
  • dennisgp
    dennisgp Posts: 4 Member
    I also work the late shift as a Detective, but fortunately I get to carry a weapon so when I work out late at night I bring along my Glock. I definitely recommend pepper spray or a personal alarm that if you can carry with you or keep in your pocket. The personal alarm works by pulling a pen which then gives off a 130 db high pitch alarm. I would also recommend finding a friend or co-worker, who would like to run or walk with you that late at night. Another suggestion I would also check to see if there are any colleges nearby where you live that will let you use their track after hours. Good luck and stay safe.
  • RoseVernon
    RoseVernon Posts: 88
    Read this blog post, and the comments. I found it to be very helpful.

    http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/06/another-running-tragedy-how-to-stay.html

    Great article! Thanks for sharing.
  • RoseVernon
    RoseVernon Posts: 88
    I also work the late shift as a Detective, but fortunately I get to carry a weapon so when I work out late at night I bring along my Glock. I definitely recommend pepper spray or a personal alarm that if you can carry with you or keep in your pocket. The personal alarm works by pulling a pen which then gives off a 130 db high pitch alarm. I would also recommend finding a friend or co-worker, who would like to run or walk with you that late at night. Another suggestion I would also check to see if there are any colleges nearby where you live that will let you use their track after hours. Good luck and stay safe.

    Thanks!
  • StevenDial
    StevenDial Posts: 25 Member
    I just got back from my first late night run (11:15p). I'm in Arizona so I loved that it was cool outside (low 90's) but it was kind of weird. In the neighborhood all the dogs barked as I ran past people's houses. I got to the green belt and noticed it was not lit. I did fine on the main roads but had a constant thought in the back of my head about getting robbed. Even with mace I don't think I will be a night runner.
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    I walk at night and I carry mace. Not so much because of muggings, but there are really big dogs running loose at night around here. I've had a couple of them come at me.
  • moonlightturk
    moonlightturk Posts: 398
    What about early morning? Can you run around 5/6am?
  • xlolitabandita
    xlolitabandita Posts: 242
    The only time I ever run is at night, and I only carry my cell phone. I also make sure not to listen to music so i can stay alert. Before i did it the first time I went around and picked out some well lit and very nice neighborhoods near by to run in. However, I live right by a college and there are lots of other runners out at the same time. I feel totally safe, but it's really up to you and what you comfortable with. If it weren't the fact that there were 10+ other joggers outside with me, I might not feel so comfortable. Just use your best judgement.
  • Strong_Fit_Able
    Strong_Fit_Able Posts: 16
    I run in the morning by myself, I live alone and none of my friends are into fitness like me, let alone want to get up at 4:30-5am and run with me. I heard running in my early morning is safer than at night. Plus, I prefer to do cardio in the morning, get's me pumped for the day and puts me in a really good mood :smile:

    I do listen to music, but have the volume low so I can still hear traffic and other things, I also stay alert of my surroundings and if anything looks suss, I run faster to pass/avoid it :tongue:
  • sozzell
    sozzell Posts: 166
    I just read that blog post - how tragic :-(

    If I were running at night or early morning I would probably take a little running pouch with something like a personal alarm in it - and maybe a spray or something if it makes you feel more safe.
  • shadow3829
    shadow3829 Posts: 103 Member
    A Sig P238 carries nicely. :)
  • akj_25
    akj_25 Posts: 244 Member
    i would. but i dont run after dark - not because of scary people, but because of the bears and wolves and i don't think mace will fend them off and my hand gun is too heavy to comfortably run with.

    but assess your running route and your comfort level. if at all possible let someone know when you leave for the run and when you return.
  • ALISHAWILLIAMSON
    ALISHAWILLIAMSON Posts: 57 Member
    http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/06/another-running-tragedy-how-to-stay.html

    All I can say is wow! I'd not heard this story. I love to run outside, in the evening, by myself. This should be read by everyone visiting this site!!!!
  • blair_bear
    blair_bear Posts: 165
    I carry bear mace in my running belt (works on people and bad dogs too). I think it sprays 30 feet so I can have a spray-off with a skunk.

    ETA: I also wear the state trooper ball cap my cousin gave me, he swears it makes people think twice, haha.

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