Where I run it is very isolated, Very beautiful and enjoyable but I am feeling that maybe its a little too isolated to be safe....or am I being paranoid! I have ordered a 'paint UV' type spray to carry. I live in a small village so there is nowhere that I can run that is populated. I keep my phone handy but is that enough. I have always felt this way but due to recent events it has highlighted it. I have thought of a running buddy but only moved here 1 month ago, not knowing anyone and also I really like to do my own thing.
Any advice would be great!
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Dobbydoodah
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It is awful that we live in a world where you feel like this. I think it is always important to remember that the recent event is rare. Very very rare, hence why it makes such huge news. Same as large airplane crashes. Also we do really have to remember that 99% of people are more likely to help you than hurt you. But at the same time if you are feeling uncomfortable at the moment change your route. Some people drive from rural locations to run in a park which is in a suburban area or around a suburban area. Perhaps that is an option, drive to a suitable location, run and drive home.
That’s a real shame and will probably take away the enjoyment you would normally get from running. I’m guessing that there isn’t a running club nearby that you could join and run with other runners? Hope you can find someone you can run with and stay safe 🤞🏻
Thankfully such things are extremely rare. "Millions of people went out and came home safe today" doesn't make the news.
You'd be surprised what people notice in village situations. You have more privacy in a town. 🤣
Of course, that's not much comfort to you.
We holidayed two summers ago in a village in North Norfolk a little south of Cromer. I did some walking in the area. I'd love to go back there and do some running on the back lanes.
I'm so sorry you are feeling like this, when there is so much on the news about horrible events it does make us more aware of the things that we do and make us think about our own safety. I run and dog walk on my own and personally I feel much safer in the quieter more isolated places, my way of looking at it is that more people equals more danger. Another thing I tend to do is try to run early in the morning I think that again it means less people . But that's just me. I do think its important to vary your routes , carry your phone , tell someone where you are going and how long you'll be and yes carry any type of alarm that makes you feel better.
It is a terrible reflection on our society that we are made to feel like this and sadly something that hasn't changed much during the 50 + years that I've been aware of such things. But as Damien says these events are thankfully very rare.
I do hope that you still feel able to get out there and do the thing that you love x
Difficult isn't it? I run through lanes and small roads between fields. I used to go in the dark, less so now, but you have to be comfortable and aware. I listen to music, but have an ambient sound option on my ear buds, I keep the sound quite low. ( if you don't have this option consider only wearing one ear bud) I also check my surroundings quite often.
I never post my route, ever!
I don't have a public profile on Strava.
I suppose the maximum distance between farm houses is 1 km.
I always have my phone, even though it's not essential to the run, I can get GPS and music through my watch.
I believe there is an SOS facility on iPhone, I don't have one so can't give you any more information on that.
Life has risks, all you can do is assess them and put measures in place to minimise the risks.
Thank you for your helpful reply. It has all made me feel better. I love running so much it was spoiling it a bit but with all this good advice I'm feeling better about it.
oh thats a good point about not posting your route, I live very very rural, and although I do a couple of different routes, my main one is the one I do in the dark, albeit I wear reflective gear and a bright chest light.
I completely understand how you feel, I think a lot of us do. Very good advice by Jell6 and others. I tend to change my running times and route in winter to avoid darker and more isolated places and my other half always knows where I'm going and what time I should be back. My friend runs with a rape whistle and alway lets someone know when she's expected home and where she's likely to be. My Garmin also has an emergency setting, where you can set up an emergency contact so if the watch thinks you've fallen down or there's something wrong, that person will get a text so they can check up on you.
Then there's the usual stuff, carry your keys in your hand, if I'm running where there aren't many people I try to avoid wearing my hair in a long pony tail or plait so it's less easy for someone to grab hold of it and I always carry my phone and I play my music low so I can hear what's going on around me.
some great comments here already. It is difficult and I'm sorry you are feeling this way. I've actually been feeling a little the same. I like exploring new places and trails, but often just see the odd walker, or cyclist
Ive recently added a small whistle (it was with a hydration vest) to my house key chain.
My bluetooth headphones died before the first lockdown and since then I've just stopped wearing any, like to know whats happening around me, (esp during these Covid times ) and hear the sounds. Im thinking of getting some new ones that allow you to still hear your surroundings at some point.
my strava is set private by default, I do share some activities to followers and sometimes public for a medal but I have privacy zones set around my house, work, and other places I often run to and from to.
Hope you feel a bit better about is soon and can carry on running where you want to
Sorry you are feeling like that also, its a tough time for so many. I also run trails, very lonely most of the time. Also only wear one ear bud so I can hear better. My Bluetooth buds died too so use wire & much better reception. Coming across dog walkers are fine, its just the single person I worry about but really shouldn't, some great advice on here thanks.
Mmm.,... yeah I know what you mean. But then I often think it's strange how we mentally assess who we think we should be worried about. ...or not. I guess we just do in unconsciously. I do also try to acknowledge people so they know I have seen them too.
Think I'll try one headphone, missing my playlists.
Yeah, why shouldn't people walk on their own, how dare I think they may be dangerous....any more than I may be to them 🤣. I also dog walk and think every car driving past is going to pinch my dog.....oh what is it coming to....x
Samsung phones also have the sos function. You press the power button 3 times and it sends your location to a chosen set of contacts along with audio clips and photos every few minutes.
Hi, some good advice so far. Don't beat yourself up for feeling like this, it's perfectly normal after such a high profile incident.
I would add, Google maps has a 'share location' option and if I'm running alone I always share where I am with someone (and make sure they know before I set off) as there's always a chance I will fall and hurt myself at much as anything else.
Also they cost a bomb but aftershokz headphones are brilliant to still be able to hear your surroundings. Father Christmas brought mine!
Finally I would say trust your instincts and give yourself permission to change route. There was a man with a large dog on my route the other day, so I turned round and ran back the way I'd come. Wasn't scared of the man, but the way he said, 'Oh now, come on, don't do that,' in a gentle voice as the dog snarled and barked at me didn't inspire me with confidence that I wasn't going to get chewed on the way past! We trust our instincts all the time, don't worry if you change your route, or your mind! ❤️
Unfortunately there will always be the odd monster about. In my view, we have to get this into context, take sensible precautions as you’re doing and not live in constant fear. These cases are tragic, and each life lost is one too many but thankfully they aren’t common. Why should women (and men as it also affects them if they lose a sister/daughter/ mum etc) live in a state of constant ‘what if?’. You could carry a small alarm too if that’d make you feel safer.
Yes, you are so right, get it in context! I must remember that. I have thought of an alarm but dismissed it as I run so rurally that no one would hear! Thank you.
Ah, but would an attacker know that? Attackers don't generally want those who make life awkward by fighting back or potentially drawing attention.
Train yourself to shout, I use my truck for this. Project your voice from the gut. Oi! or No! that kind of thing. The main thing is not to freeze up as many do.
Take a self defence class when you can or watch tips on YouTube. No point in carrying your keys in your hand if you don't know how to use them effectively. And in fact your fingernails, teeth, elbows and feet can be more effective used correctly. 🤪
I've gone through the odd period being nervous but in reality in all the hours I've been out, never had any issues at all, in fact met so many lovely folk. 💖
Yes, and not all monsters are men! The poor elderly gentleman who was beaten and robbed in a neighbouring village by a woman can attest to that sadly. That was a busy area too.
Good point, of course they’re not. Someone commented that the man accused in the recent tragic case referred to doesn’t look like a monster. That’s obvious - but anyone capable of such a despicable act clearly is a monster in my view.
Sadly they do exist. The vast majority don't look any different, it's only with hindsight we could judge the likes of Fred West etc yet without prior knowledge we would have passed in the street non the wiser.
As with the rest of life, balance the risks and do what's right for you. Years ago I would never have believed I'd be out solo for hours on end in the countryside... but I'm not going to give up something I love for fear 🤷♀️
I have the Bone transmition type headphones (aftershocks), they are not cheap but leave your ears free to listen to the other sounds, Bird song etc. although I live in a Town I choose to Run in the Countryside as I feel safer there. As others have said any incident is very rare so the main thing is to vary your route and tell someone even if they are not local where you are going and let them know when you are back, could just be a PM on social media.
I have not used it but a lot of fitness watches have a feature where if they detect a sudden stop or impact they will send an automatic text or email message to someone saying you are in trouble and giving a location unless you press the button to tell it not to. It might be an extra safeguard and if you are running alone in remote places might also be a good idea in case you have an accident and twist an ankle or something. As everyone else has said the risk is very low but anything you can do that helps you feel safer has got to be a good thing.
I have heard of Hollieguard and suggested that for my Daughter but didnt think of for me!! Stupid hey. I have the SOS on my phone now, made me feel much safer. Thanks.
I live on a fairly busy road and choose to run on the pavement along it because I just don't feel safe running in the quiet, more scenic areas near by. It pisses me off and makes me so angry that so many women feel this fear when they are alone in public. The recent horror may be rare but the fact that so many women responded so strongly is a good indication of the extent to which women are fed up with being routinely hassled or abused in public spaces for no reason, except being female. The man charged with Sarah's murder doesn't look like a 'monster' - he looks pretty ordinary and appeared to live an ordinary life. THAT's what's terrifying - and that's why reassurances about most men being 'good humans' etc don't work, imo. I felt so despondent when the news of her murder was confirmed; tried to go for a run but had to turn back back home. It's made me think hard about how I/we raise sons and grandsons.
Best to run where you feel safe, Dobbydoodah - which I guess means having to drive somewhere or nabbing a running buddy (maybe one who agrees to a no-chatter-while-running deal??). With apologies for the long post and any inadvertent flouting of the 'no politics' regs. Needed to vent a bit (clearly!)
Thanks for replying and I am horrified that so many feel the same way. As you say its historic and it really shouldnt be! But we must keep it real and the fact that this incident is so rare doesnt make it any less horrifying. Possibly good to think about it though as that in itself makes us more aware and therefore safer. Hope you feel better for reading all these lovely replies.
Hi, hopefully if you put the word among neighbours and new friends you can find someone to run with. I find its hard to find someone who is at the same running level but you may get lucky.There may be a local running group or Parkrun (both of which might not be happening currently because of Covid). I don't know if the Lonely Goat Running Group helps with helping people buddy up (lonelygoat.com/about)?
Thank you. I have not heard of them but will look it up. I like to run alone as I feel pressured or may pressure others to run fast/slow. I dont like to talk and run either, could be awkward but I suppose safer.
What a sad state of affairs it is that women have to consider their safety before taking simple exercise. It's been a problem since I was young- now I am of mature years I may be less of a sexual target but more of a vulnerable-looking target. But I have to say the locations where I have had problems have been in urban locations. And I think we have an inert sense of people who are eyeing us up in an uncomfortable way.
I love to run by myself and see as few people as possible along the way. My hubby tracks me when I'm out and I have found that other country yokels are more friendly than their urban counterparts.
I do hope you don't let the very rare bad guys win and spoil your enjoyment of running.
I’ve only read one comment; have you thought about running at different times of the day? And as one person stated (referring to the recent sad events) these attacks are rare. I think it’s a good idea to have a Spray or something similar (that’s legal). Tell someone where you’re going (your route) or travel by car to a park or somewhere less isolated that you know well. Enjoy your running and your fitness. Hope that helps.
Thanks, I do run all different times. Honestly only bump into the odd dog walker or tractor so I am just possibly being paranoid. I have now put the SOS on my phone though. Have alerted my contacts that I may press my mistake sometimes 🤪
I’ve been having similar thoughts the last couple of days. I never ran alone after dark last year, always went to the gym instead. Obviously not an option this winter time and I’d become a bit complacent and normalised running alone in the dark and the news this last week has shocked me back to reality. I’m lucky I live in a town so can run along roads that are fairly well lit and built up, so I’m sticking to those over trails until the lighter nights are back!
The WhatsApp live tracker is a very good way a friend can keep an eye on you while you run. My wife uses it for when she goes on an evening run.
Recent events have brought safety, particularly of women when out on their own to the front of a lot of peoples minds.
I have recently been reacquainted with a friend from my childhood and she has very different experiences to my own. She has spent a lot of time travelling with her husband on business to various parts of the world sometimes for months at a time. She has said it is not as glamourous as it sounds as the trips are not always to the nicest areas of the countries. In the really bad areas her and her husband are assigned body guards.
In some, it is best not to leave the hotel complex at all as if you do leave you WILL be attacked and robbed, or you have a high chance of being kidnaped and held for ransom. In less risky areas, she is only allowed out with one or two of the security team. Before going out, she was taught techniques that aim to make it more difficult for someone to get you into a car against your will. She was told that even a few seconds delay can aid the security detail in "reducing the threat level" if she was grabbed.
When stuck in a hotel for months on end, there is only so much pool time and card playing she could take and asked for more self defence techniques from her body guards to pass the time which they were only too willing to do. Since then she has taken up Krav Maga which after a quick Google I discovered is a self defence martial art.
On a recent call, I had mentioned that I was now using audio books when running rather than music as that appears to improve my consistency. She said that there are not many countries where woman would feel safe enough to do that as it effectively renders one of their main senses useless and listening to a book absorbs your concentration and so less aware of your surroundings. Her experiences have taught her to be on guard all of the time when out.
Apparently, the British, according to her body guards, are the worst to protect as they are so unaware of dangers (her husband is British and she is French). She believes that it is because it is so safe in this country that we are complacent.
Last year our running group were temporarily joined by the young neighbour of one of our group as she had been advised not to run on her own while the police looked into a possible stalker. Although we did not know the details at the time, I was impressed with how seriously it was taken and how quickly and efficiently it was dealt with. In this case the man was genuinely devastated that he had caused upset and had been following publicly available run data to try to find running buddies. The police suggested he joined a running club!!
This did, as mentioned by Jell6 in a reply above, prompt us to ensure any data recorded by apps on our phones was in fact private as the default setting is sometime public. The police did stress that this type of incident is very rare but to keep alert and report ANYTHING suspicious. They would prefer to investigate 100 cases that came to nothing than, deal with the alternative.
Personally, I have felt quite safe running in the area where I live. I have not personally experienced any incidents or at any time felt vulnerable. I feel I am more at risk of falling or injuring myself than being attacked. I may just be naïve, or have been lucky in the past but am not going to let recent events affect my running routines. When I run with our running group, it is for the company and the laughs we have, not for safety. I know different areas of the country are going to have different levels of risk but if you live in an area you should have a feel for what is necessary to be aware of. Nothing has changed in the last few weeks, only more people are aware of incidents that have happened, if you have been happy running in the past then you should be no more worried now.
I must admit, I would think more than twice about going and would be petrified about letting my husband go too. If I did go, I would not be leaving the hotel compound that's for sure.My friend seems to have quite a lot of confidence in the body guards. I asked her what do they actually do and she told me she asked them that very question and the reply was "whatever is necessary to keep you safe". They said that the fact they are willing to do whatever it takes is usually enough of a deterrent.
I'm sorry you're feeling unsafe @Dobbydoodah. I live in (very) rural France and quite honestly feel safer running alone here than I would somewhere more populated.
I don't have fixed run days or times, and I run lots of different routes. For me it would be completely illogical to consider safety as a reason to go and run somewhere where there are more people. I see it as only increasing the chances of my meeting someone with malevolent intentions! Also, having to plod on pavements and roads would take away most of the enjoyment I get from running - I'm all about the fields, hills and my beloved forest.
I get more concerned about what might happen if I got injured, and so I tell my husband roughly where I'm planning to go and how long I think I might be out, and I always take my phone with me.
Thank you for raising such an important issue. I can truly empathise with your concerns, having only in this past year started to pluck up courage to walk and run alone. There have been some useful tips here, many of which I was unaware of, but am now looking in to. I do hope they help to give you some peace of mind.
I think it would also be helpful to start a discussion with the men runners out there - how can they help women to feel less threatened? I mention this having recently discussed this with hubby - sometimes men can inadvertently spook women alone without realising it. For example, I can feel very anxious if my path crosses that of a man on a remote path, but I feel reassured if they make eye contact and acknowledge me, if only with a simple hello/wave.
I'd be interested to hear others' thoughts - I'm sure there is so much that all you decent men folk can do to help us to feel safer
Woollyweaver , I agree re not spooking people, and I mentioned it in my reply to the safety post that roseabi has recently created and pinned. However, I think we all have a responsibility not to spook people, it's not just men.
I've also seen a number of thoughtful posts from guys on here, who've made it clear they do take extra care not to make women feel threatened, and I for one really appreciate that.
Hi, I also live very rural and most of my long runs have to be at night because I don't finish work until 5.45pm. Its then very dark but I need to get out as I find running is my stress release. I have never worried about it before, but I am more aware now because of a number of female runners in the county have reported being verbally abused and because of recent events both regionally and nationally. So, I still run, but I wear reflective clothing ,a chest light, which is really bright and I always tuck my long hair under a hat so I don't look female. I always have my phone in a zipped running belt worn at the front so I can get it if I need to, and although I run with earphones and music, I do so so I am still aware of traffic both approaching and behind me. My other half says I should run with a personal alarm, but even if I did, no one would hear it. I think its just a combination of being careful and being sensible. Hope that helps? 😄🏃♀️
There is a lot of sensible advice in here from other women who run and walk on their own. I have walked on my own for 40 years and I would rather be in a rural area than in a built up area. I rely on my instincts and if ever I feel a bit funny, I would just turn around and head back. I've had some scary moments! Once I was walking on the coast in thick fog and I hadn't seen a soul until a man loomed out of the mist. I got such a shock and my heart started pounding, but he was just walking past and he hadn't a clue he'd frightened me.
I love running on my own through the local country park and woodlands. Sometimes there are very few people about and I am more cautious if I see a man alone without a dog. I have sometimes turned around and changed direction, even though I tell myself he is just someone out for a walk.
We must not let fear rule our lives. There are many more people out running these days thanks to C25k, and lots more people out walking in the countryside because of the lockdown rules. Just be sensible, be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Thank you to everyone who replied, it seems a lot of you have similar worries and concerns. Is such a shame but the one thing I have noticed is that we will not stop running...just be aware and be as safe as possible. I have taken everyones advice which has been amazing. Today I had a fab run with my new uv spray and SOS alert on phone, felt much safer without the need for an AK47 😂😂. Happy running everyone.
Thank you very much for this post, it gave me the idea to make a pinned post for this forum and for Couch to 5K to share ideas to keep safe and well while running.
I really happy to see that you are feeling better about things and enjoying your running!!!
It's shocking you should have to think like that, the freedom to run where and when you want should be everybody's! Please do remember though there are only a tiny portion of these scum bags around and the vast majority are good law abiding folk who wouldn't even have those thoughts cross our minds. There are modes on your phone which will show people where you are if your feeling a little nervous (WhatsApp has a setting that's easily turned on and off if your not an iPhone person). These incidents are thankfully rare and I think I'd try to just run and enjoy it, be safe but don't let fear control you. Happy running 💪🏻
Thanks, I feel the responses I received just show how many of us feel the same sadly. Feel the fear and do it anyway.....so just be aware! good anthem.
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but I have privacy zones set around my house, work, and other places I often run to and from to. 
week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
