I could bore you with the details of my “fun runs” or I could talk about something very important – running safely. I’m not talking about injuries; I’m talking about ways to be safe when running alone. My intention is not to scare…just to make you think.
So you’re thinking I’m completely paranoid and crazy?! You may be right but I feel preparation is your best weapon. Let me explain where I’m coming from. My dad is retired cop so I grew up thinking about “what ifs” and how I would handle tricky situations. It’s engrained in me.
- Carry mace. Or at least carry your cell phone. I find mace to be more effective
I found one online that you can attach to your shorts and I never know it’s there. Call me crazy (again) but I feel so much more at ease carrying it. And no, I thankfully never had to use it. - Mix up your routine. If you always run the same route on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, change things up a bit. You don’t want to be too predictable.
- Run with a friend or a dog. Or if you run alone, make sure someone knows where you are running just in case something happens.
- Don’t wear your iPod. I only wear my iPod on weekends, when there are usually lots of runners out.
- Be aware. This is so hard to do when you are zoning out on a run. I’m always looking around and listening to what’s going on around me.
- Don’t second guess. If you feel that someone is suspicious, DON’T think you are being paranoid. Turn around. I have done this before. It’s better to just avoid the suspicious person all together.
Sorry for the frightening post but this is so important!
Do you have any other tips? Does anyone else think about this stuff?
Good tips and reminders!
I am always extra alert, use a headlamp, no music and stay in the neighborhood (until it’s light out) because of the ultra-early hour that I do my workouts.
Pepper spray is actually pretty hard to use, so if you’re depending on that, consider practicing with it so you know the range of the spray. Also, those things expire, so make sure you’re not running with an old one that might not spray.
Run with your cell phone is a good tip. Yeah, it’s annoying to carry, but it could be a lifesaver.
Trust your gut. If you’re creeped out by a car that’s passed by you twice or a group of guys, don’t ignore your gut feelings.
Also, Road ID! Make sure you have some sort of ID on you, especially if you’re allergic to any meds.
Great post!
Good point Kara! I tested my pepper spray before but never even looked at the expiration date. Road ID is another good one. I do have one on my shoe.
At this point in my journey, I can’t run without my headphones–one because I need to hear the indications to run/walk/turn around, and two because it distracts me from the pain and “I don’t really want to do this”-itis. Probably not the best practice, but I need the cues and prefer to run outside (treadmills aren’t good for me–no rhythm. 🙁 )
I only go out when it’s still light out, there are plenty of others about, and only use the paved, monitored (by camera) trails through the nice areas with plenty of subdivisions, etc. The unpaved trail I’ve used is in a park where soccer, football and tennis teams are out as well as runners and walkers. If I’m feeling iffy about the area that day, I take my muscle bound bf or make it a cross-train day at the gym.
Good tips!
I think you’re right to be careful – I probably should take on board some of your tips – thanks.
I’ve put a link to your blog from mine as I’ve just started blogging about running and the olympics and stuff and I really like your blog!
Very necessary post. Thanks. Glad someone mentioned RoadID as well. Hopefully, it will never be needed, but if (God forbid) it is, at least you won’t be a Jane Doe! Sorry for that morbid thought.
PS- Just emailed about free “Extreme” local workout. 🙂
I try to run only during well-lit times of the day, and only in safe areas around my house. There is a beautiful trail, but it’s too quiet for me in the mornings, so I skip it.
These are really great points and should be considered by every runner! I would even add that you should use serious caution when running in extreme cold or heat, because they could both affect your health! I know this is not related to a person as a threat, but the weather can be quite dangerous too sometimes…eek!
It appears that I am a candidate for getting harassed or mugged. I’m the girl that has the same running route, at the same time, with my iPod on and looking all clueless…
All jokes aside, I am pretty cautious. I’m one of those paranoid people — like, if there’s a parked van on the same side of the street that I’m running on, I cross the street to the other side (even if it’s going the same direction as traffic… hmm, probably not the safest, but I always fear someone is going to jump out of the van and abduct me).
Also, I’m now meeting more running friends, so that’s a plus. ;o) Great points.