Could not run yesterday and was happy for it, because I was really not in the mood to run. Unfortunately I did not find much more 'mood' to run today either. But nevertheless I set up everything and started. And look and behold, after just 2 minutes of running I was enjoying myself again! It was 29 minutes and I ran/walked 2,63 km in that time.
Nice running scenery on YouTube, Spotify in my ears and some cheering on from the instructor on the app definately helped. The weather was nice and I opened the window to let the air in. And something I would never dare do when running outside, I ditched my shirt and ran in my sports top. I know there are women running like that outdoors, but I would never dare.
This brings to mind a news article I read today. A woman was brutally raped when out running a few years ago (she was not clothed 'daringly' by the way) and her son now wrote an open letter to the press to tell how his / his mother's life has been since then. The woman can't live with it anymore and she has started up the procedure for euthenasia. It again confirmed to me that I am much safer on my treadmill than outside.
That said, I do miss the outdoors. Especially now in this beautiful weather with spring in the air and the flowers popping up everywhere. But no, sorry. I do not dare run outside anymore...
The story is so sad BlackScorpian, and tragic for her family. Something like that affects so many. What is crucial for us to remember is that incidents happening to runners are relatively so very few and, as long as we take reasonable care, we can continue to run in and enjoy the great outdoors. I'm glad you are running and have got used to your treadmill but I do hope you haven't totally ruled out running outside because of 1 very sad incident.
It is not because of 1 incident, I read too much of these stories. Apparently about 80% or more of female runners get harassed at least once in their life. Meaning I just was lucky all those months that I ran outside. Maybe I look at things too negative, but I can't lie. I do am scared to run outside.
Maybe I will run outside at the coast where I can run on busy roads. But I don't think I will run again on the roads between the fields where I have loved it so much to run...
One thing, though, that I’m very aware of is that the safest routes are ones were there are plenty of women running. The less we go out in public, the more dangerous it is for the remaining few who do run outside.
So I don’t know what the solution is, but the safest places I’ve been to are ones were it’s busy and lively, and where individuals don’t even have to think of he risks of going out.
So let’s hope that we get there at some point in the future.
True, unfortunately I don't have places like that in my neighborhood. It is either running in the busy shopping center or running where there is nobody. There is no middle place where I can run. So I prefer at the moment to run indoors.
Have you thought about joining a running group? That could be a way for you to feel safe and still run outside.
I’ve personally decided that the benefits to my mental health from being outside are much greater than the tiny, tiny risk of me being attacked out on a run. The biggest risk to me is from traffic not seeing me. I realise that I’m privileged to live in a generally safe area though.
I am too slow for running groups + I Jeff and Jeffing is not known here in Belgium. And all the running groups that I know of and have passed in the past, are MUCH faster than me. I could not keep up with them and end up running alone after all.
And as said here above to CDBD, there are also no safe places to run around where I live. And I don't plan on driving for half an hour or more to find a spot more safe, plus I wouldn't know any to be honest.
Great that you are getting your runs in Evy , well done, but it's also sad to hear you don't feel safe to run outside !That's such a shame is there no one else you could run with or choose different routes perhaps ?
Unfortunately I don't have places like that in my neighborhood. It is either running in the busy shopping center or running where there is nobody. There is no middle place where I can run. And I don't plan on driving for half an hour or more to find a spot more safe, plus I wouldn't know any to be honest.
As for running with someone, everyone I have already seen running in my neighborhood are MUCH faster than me. So either I would hold them back (which can only lead to frustrations) or I end up running alone after all.
The only thing I can think of to try is to find someone to join me on a weekly base on the athletics track for running eg. an hour. It is also deserted in the middle of nowhere, but maybe if we're with 2 or 3 we feel safe enough. That way we can all run at our own speed and we see each other running on the track. It is boring though (running literally in circles), but that is the only idea I can think of. Only, I first want to boost up my condition again to be able to run for an hour (on the treadmill then) before I go look for people.
What a sad story. I’m properly fortunate that I live in a safe area as well and when I go out is early morning. I prefer mornings as nobody really going about compared to evening , and feel safer then. I hope one day you’ll get outside and run but can understand your feelings. Keep it up on your treadmill. Your still getting exercise .
Thanks and indeed, I don't run as fast on my treadmill as outdoors (never knew a snail can go slower haha), but I run. And in the meanwhile I try to build up my condition again.
Good to hear even though you didn’t feel like running, you ran! Re running outside, are you going to your family cabin/holiday home this year? There are some nice routes there if I remember? All the best Evy 😊😊😊.
Yes, we will go regularly to the coast this year. Unfortunately the most gorgeous route is also one which is completely deserted and in the midst between fields. So I don't think of that route as safe anymore. But I can run next to the busy traffic road from 1 town to the other and over a dune path back which is also rather busy. I will then miss the nice scenery of the fields and sheep and all and the quiet of it, but I will at least be able to run outside.
A man in a white van tooted his horn when I was out the other day! He looked out his window and gave me a thumbs up! It’s not necessary and makes you feel vulnerable.
I think if we follow rules to stay safe we should stay safe and not feel vulnerable.
True, I just have a quickly scared mind and I always run outdoor in desolate and deserted places. So not really safe places and with all those scary stories in my mind and my mind already being anxious, I think it best to keep to the treadmill for the time being. But I will go out someday again!!
I'm lucky that I have safe routes nearby with plenty of other runners (many of them women), cyclists etc but there are some routes I will not do very early in the morning or late in the evening. It's good that you can use your treadmill and as you say, in the summer you'll be able to enjoy running outdoors when you visit the coast. Take care 🤗
Thanks and who knows, matbe I can fulfill my plan to look for 1 or 2 women who will join me once a week on an athletics track once I can run 60 minutes again.
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S2R - W2L3
Cold, fresh 10
Decision made😳😳😳
