Safety running alone

[Kathryn1501]

Hiya, does anyone have any tips on how they keep themselves/ feel safe when out on a run alone? I'm trying to find more cross country type running so my ankles don't ache but I do get a bit scared in secluded areas. Tried running with my dog but she was aching the next day as she's nearly 10!

[Hidden]

well if its any comfort, statistically men are more likely to be attacked than women. Take a whistle with you.

[Kathryn1501 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, very simple idea. Not sure I'd have enough breath to blow one though!

[northernmum]

I would be keen on tips too. I sometimes take the dog (a german shepherd/rottweiler cross which is enough to scare anyone) but like to go alone sometimes or sometimes the routes arent suitable. On one of my routes I came across a couple of blokes hanging around and it really freaked me out and i haven't been there since.

I try to vary the times and routes as much as I can, carry my phone and use it for music and timings, only use one ear phone so I am more aware of surroundings. A personal alarm might also be a good idea-Amazon have some decent ones .

Happy running

[Kathryn1501 in reply to northernmum]

Thanks I'll have a look. I've seen a dodgy looking bloke hanging around today & it just put me off a bit.

[Hidden]

You are no more at risk of attack by some lunatic today, than ever before, you are more likely to injure yourself than be injured. You run more a chance of being attacked in the town center at night than on a run. You may get verbal abuse, but so what. Don't let the media put you off doing what is good for you and if you do experience anything, report it immediately to the Police and get the offender apprehended. Now get out doors and enjoy yourself, but of course be alert lol.

[Kathryn1501 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I do know that I am safe really but there have been incidents of flashing in lonely spots around here. Will follow everyone's good advice & keep on running.

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

Some tips...

*be cautious around livestock, don't get between a cow and her calf, don't run through bullocks (too lively!) or horses (maybe they just terrify me, but they're so blooming big and speedy)! Avoid bulls who don't have cows with them at all costs.

*Keep one earphone out or go without so you can hear what's coming (imagined attackers or, more likely and just as deadly, tractors on narrow lanes)

*deliberately don't be interested in someone, or what that someone is doing, if you think they look dodgy (this tip mainly from living and working in some gang-riddled bits of the outskirts of Liverpool before I was lucky enough to live where my safety worries are bulls and tractors - amazing how effective careful ignorance and making yourself so neutral you're invisible can be)

*make sure someone at home knows where you're going, and at what time they should worry about you if you're not back

*bring your phone

*bring bus fare and painkillers (have started doing this since I rolled an ankle in the woods miles from home. Not a comfy jog home!)

*go somewhere familiar so you're confident of an alternative route, or where to find a pub/bus stop/phone if you need one.

[nhs2015 Graduate]

Don't live in fear of what "may" happen. It is unfortunate that we live in a dangerous world but don't let this ruin your life. The_tea_fairy has a good list which may be helpful. Just live for the moment and enjoy your run.

On the other hand : how about a tiny spray bottle with vinegar? It may just gives you a split second edge but I don't know if it is legal

[Kathryn1501 in reply to nhs2015]

Thanks, I know I should just carry on. It's not such a scary world. Saw a poster for a ladies running group so that may be an option when I graduate in 2 weeks.

[carole01 Graduate]

Hi I have been thinking a lot about this too. I run along a canal and can be out for a long time and quite far from home. There have been a couple of flashers reported and and a guy has just been found guilty of performing 'an act on himself' in front of a female dog walker last week, along one of my regular routes. I have started to tell people when I am off running and only keep one earphone in and avoiding eye contact too. It is sad to feel like this as the other 2 flashers have not been caught. It is a beautiful place but I now feel a little apprehensive with each run at the mo and understand how you feel.

[Kathryn1501 in reply to carole01]

Thanks, yes flashers are a pain. I know someone who encountered one on one of my routes. Will keep on though.

[folkieboater Graduate in reply to carole01]

Can you let me know what canal that is please - by PM if you don't want to post it here. Almost all my running is towpath based and in my travels I've never been anywhere I've not felt safe.

[carole01 Graduate in reply to folkieboater]

It is the Grand Western Canal between Waytown bridge and goes all the way to Tiverton. I always felt safe too but with these recent occurrences I am more wary now

[folkieboater Graduate in reply to carole01]

That's one I'm not getting my boat to.....thanks for the info.

[northernmum]

Another thought about routes-pick one,tell someone what it is and don't change it at last minute. I like to go where the mood takes me but my better half has pointed out the pitfall that he wouldnt know where to start looking if I wasnt back at the anticipated time....

[Kathryn1501 in reply to northernmum]

Thanks , I will do that when I start my new job but for the last few weeks have been running when everyone is at work & school. Should text in when I'm home I suppose.

[PrincessStef Graduate in reply to northernmum]

If can use the GPS on your phone to track you and some sites allow someone at home to monitor this - so if you are late home they can see where you are. I am sure someone on here will know where does this.