woman running alone

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

Search Cool Running Community

Browse Cool Running

CoolRunning.com > Cool Running Community > Newbie Cafe >

This Question is Possibly Answered

1 "correct" answer available (10 pts) 1 "helpful" answer available (7 pts)

1 2 Previous Next

caramelkisses

18 posts since
Jul 3, 2006

Jun 25, 2008 10:53 AM

woman running alone

Hi there!

I am a 29 year old woman, and I love running! I have recently fallen in love with this gorgeous trail that is surrounded by a rushing river and forest. During season, you can actually see salmon jumping the river. A soft and long gravel trail navigates through the wilderness, and it feels surreal to run through it. Both its positive and negative is, that though it is a widely used trail, you can go several minutes without seeing anyone. My husband insists on running with me (he is also very athletic, and often runs ahead as he is faster, but does loops to check on me). Unfortunately, a woman was killed brutally a few years back in the neighborhood. The thing is, our schedules don't always match up and I love my wilderness run. Shall I proceed with doing it alone occasionally, or should I forfeit the solitude run? I would love to hear from you all.

Cheers Runners!

all4mineagain

47 posts since
Apr 24, 2008

1. Jun 25, 2008 4:53 PM

in response to: caramelkisses

Re: woman running alone

I love to run alone also, but I consider my area fairly safe. It doesn't sound like your area necessarily is. It would make me nervous. What about carrying mace or pepper spray with you?

Beenreborn

8 posts since
Jun 23, 2008

2. Jun 25, 2008 6:31 PM

in response to: caramelkisses

Re: woman running alone

Hi there CK. I know how you feel about this. My husband is a very "indoors" computer geek, while I love the outdoors and being active. It can be very frustrating when you want to do something, but feel nervous about safety. I have decided it just isn't worth the risk (even a very slim one), so I just try to find other things that are in more populated areas, or wait till someone else can join me. (Luckily my friends love the outdoors as well, so we go on hikes every now and then). I am lucky enough to live in a well populated neighborhood, and I feel very safe running along the sidewalk. But oh how I would love to run wilderness trails!

eehee

53 posts since
Jun 4, 2008

3. Jun 25, 2008 6:32 PM

in response to: all4mineagain

Re: woman running alone

I always run my routes by my husband for a safety check before I decide to run them. I don't want him to worry about my safety and I don't want to be worrying about my own safety instead of enjoying the serenity of running alone. So if I were in your situation I probably wouldn't run that trail alone. But it sounds like you really love the trail so do you get cell phone reception there? I would definitely carry my cell phone in that situation. I wouldn't listen to my mp3 player either. Look around constantly so you're aware of your surroundings and so that you don't look like a victim. I would probably also carry a whistle. And if anyone does give you trouble remember to hit below the belt lol.

juststarted

788 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Jun 25, 2008 7:14 PM

in response to: eehee

Re: woman running alone

Don't run there routinely. Make sure you are changing it up. You will need some sort of mace, something that makes a loud noise, a cell phone w/ reception and (although it sounds morbid as heck) a road ID tag. I agree with the poster who advised to not listen to music. Maybe make that trail one of your shorter runs too??? I would get the creeps, but it sounds like an awfully pretty run. Stay safe and ahppy running.

runDAGrun

11 posts since
Jun 14, 2008

5. Jun 25, 2008 8:23 PM

in response to: juststarted

Re: woman running alone

The Road ID tag is good advice. They are cheap less than $20, go to www.RoadID.com I have one on my shoe because I don't want to be out running without some sort of ID.

As far as running the route alone, that is a tough call. Hard to tell what the sicko's are thinking these days, I would just say vary when and what time you go out. Don't always run first thing in the AM, or late at night, but more importantly, make sure someone knows when you leave, and when to expect you back. Perhaps a good running dog might work out as well.

It's a shame that we have to worry about this crazy stuff.

caramelkisses

18 posts since
Jul 3, 2006

6. Jun 25, 2008 9:09 PM

in response to: runDAGrun

Re: woman running alone

Thank you so much for the response. I did run it today on my own for the first time to sess it out. Along my path I came along two bikers, one senior citizen, a lone man and a dog, an elderly couple, and towards the end, a woman with child and a big dog. It is such a gorgeous run but I do feel scared at times to brave it alone. My husband is getting mace for me, (upon your suggestions) and I run the route at peak hours. I did feel at points like I was in the Blaire Witch Project or that someone would jump out at me in chameleon army gear. Its unfair that I feel afraid to run it alone! But I suppose that is life, I just can't be a highway or pavement runner, and the gym seems so confined when we have the great outdoors. Any more tips would be greatly appreciated! (The road I.D. tag sounds morbid, does that mean they can identify me after? Or does it signify where I am at all times? Please explain....if you have one...)

caramelkisses

18 posts since
Jul 3, 2006

7. Jun 25, 2008 9:12 PM

in response to: runDAGrun

Re: woman running alone

RunDaGrun,

Thank you so much, I looked up your link!! And I want to order this. Do you have one? Can you hit HELP right away??? It sounds very helpful. Please tell me more about it.

runDAGrun

11 posts since
Jun 14, 2008

8. Jun 25, 2008 9:27 PM

in response to: caramelkisses

Re: woman running alone

It isn't morbid, all it is, is a small velcro tag you put in your shoe laces that has whatever important information on it you desire. Mine has my name, city, state, Wife's name, and her contact phone number. It can even point to a website for more information. It's so small most people don't even see it on the shoe. But in the event that you get injured while running, either by accident, or by someone else's wrong doing, anyone who finds you will immediatly know who to call and let them know you are ok.

The most common use if for bicyclist incase they get hit by cars, but as a runner, I keep one on my shoe, because you just never know what might happen. It isn't going to call anyone, or anything like that, but it will give emergency personnel a place to start when trying to contact your family.

I like the shoeID the best, because you always have your shoes, and you never have to remember to bring it with you.

www.RoadID.com

I am in control

118 posts since
Jun 7, 2008

9. Jun 26, 2008 2:02 AM

in response to: runDAGrun

Re: woman running alone

I live on a park where over the past 2-3 years there have been several attacks on women. The police used to patrol the path in cars and on push bikes, in uniform and plain clothes. They have recently scaled back their patrols as there haven't been any attacks for 18months. The police feel he has either moved, committed suicide or died. But they don't know for sure.

Currently I run with my husband but I walk the same track alone. However, I always carry a phone with me and make sure someone knows when I am leaving and when I should return. I also take a dog with me and carry keys. I hold the keys in the palm of my hand with the longest key pointing out through my pointer and middle finger (it makes a good weapon).

I would not under any circumstances listen to an MP3 as in every attack the girls/women were wearing headphones.

Sorry to sound all grim but this is YOU you are talking about and if something ever happened YOU would always be saying "if only".

I pray that nothing ever happens to any of us.

Michelle

eehee

53 posts since
Jun 4, 2008

10. Jun 26, 2008 3:51 PM

in response to: runDAGrun

Re: woman running alone

runDAGrun wrote:. It's so small most people don't even see it on the shoe. But in the event that you get injured while running, either by accident, or by someone else's wrong doing, anyone who finds you will immediatly know who to call and let them know you are ok.

When I first read about the tag I thought that the shoe ID sounded like
a great idea and I almost ordered one immediately. But would emergency
personnel notice the tag on your shoe? It seems like it's so small it might go
unnoticed unless that's something they look for when they find a runner.

runDAGrun

11 posts since
Jun 14, 2008

11. Jun 26, 2008 4:00 PM

in response to: eehee

Re: woman running alone

eehee wrote:

If you are conscious enough, you can direct them to it, if you are not conscious enough they are going to take your shoes off for you to get your vitals and such. Either by cutting the laces, untying them, or taking them off. At that time they will almost certainly notice it. If that is your reason for not getting one, then I'd suggest getting the bracelet too, and wear both, in case your forget the bracelet one time, you have the shoe one as a back up. There is also the military style dog tag which will be sure to draw attention.

With all that said, I'm sure the shoe tag will be noticed but they have other options to suite your own comfort level.

eehee

53 posts since
Jun 4, 2008

12. Jun 26, 2008 4:10 PM

in response to: runDAGrun

Re: woman running alone

Oh how morbid am I??? It never even occurred to me I might be conscious lol. I'm still going to get the shoe ID because it is much better than the ID I carry now (nothing) and because it can't be forgotten. Thank you for making me aware of it.

runDAGrun

11 posts since
Jun 14, 2008

13. Jun 26, 2008 4:17 PM

in response to: eehee

Re: woman running alone

eehee wrote:Oh how morbid am I??? It never even occurred to me I might be conscious lol. I'm still going to get the shoe ID because it is much better than the ID I carry now (nothing) and because it can't be forgotten. Thank you for making me aware of it. !http://community.active.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif!It was juststarted that first mentioned it, I just elaborated. I love mine, basically because like you said, you can't forget it, and before i had it, I took NOTHING on my runs, this was when I was doing 8-10 mile runs early in the morning. Such peace of mind. for such a small price.

www.RoadID.com

Enjoy!

chuck43

683 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

14. Jun 26, 2008 6:53 PM

in response to: runDAGrun

Re: woman running alone

hey, my Marathon book has a little something to say about women running safety.

Choose routes through suburban or high density areas

don?t run after dark

be constantly aware of your surroundings and people in front of you or behind you

if you see a suspect looking person ahead or nearby cross the road or street

carry a protective device such as a whistle or a personal alarm

if you do run in the park, forest or unpopulated area do so only with a companion

if you get in the unfortunate position of being accosted,try to startle your attacker by screaming loudly and if your able to fight back strongly. Try to jab your attacker's vulnerable areas, such as the eyes throat, the solar plexes or the groin with your fingers , elbow or knee.

Hope this helps. Please be safe. We have some very nice trails here on UWF campus, they have put 911 phones up along the route for the simple reason a woman was killed while jogging on those trails. Don't be the reason for them to install phones and be safe. Sorry if it sounds a little harsh but it's reality now a days.

1 2 Previous Next Go to original post

This Question is Possibly Answered

Jun 25, 2008 10:53 AM

woman running alone

New Runners

Training

Competition

Age Groups

Fitness

The Lighter Side

Feedback

Related Links