Thursday, May 29, 2014

Running While Female

You're probably heard or read the news - another tragic mass killing occurred last week.  Among the discussion of gun violence has been an underlying conversation about fear, and the fact that "all women" fear that they'll be physically assaulted.  (#yesallwomen)

It got me to thinking about the precautions women can - and should - take while running.  There are, of course, precautions that men should take, too, but let's face it.  The brutal truth is that women are more susceptible to violent attack, and we need to take steps in order to protect ourselves as much as we can.





Let's start with general safety:


  • Carry ID - a driver's license fits easily in the pocket of most running shorts, or you can purchase a Road ID like the one I have (love!).  They're inexpensive, easy to wear, and come in plenty of colors if you feel the need to match. 
  • Run Against the Flow of Traffic - even if you're running on the sidewalk, it's a good idea to be able to see the cars coming towards you.  You never know if someone is texting while driving, or driving drunk.  It's your life, don't take for granted the idiot in the speeding metal box sees you. 
  • Wear Reflective Gear - this one's pretty simple.  If they can see you, it's less likely they'll hit you.  Wear bright colors and items with reflective strips.  
  • Don't Run with Music - With the advent of the itsy bitsy teensy weensy music players, more and more runners are running with music.  If you're one of those runners, make sure you can CLEARLY hear sounds over your music.  The goal is to avoid accidents, not cause them.  Be aware. 

There are other "rules" that women should follow, in addition to the  basics.  

  • Tell Someone - Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.  
  • Alter Your Route - Don't run the same route every day.  If there is some sicko out there watching you, you don't want him to know which bush to hide behind at 3:12 on a Tuesday. 
  • Get A Running Buddy - If you can, run with a friend.  
  • Trust Your Instincts - If you're paying attention, more than likely your "gut" will tell you who or what to stay away from.  If something feels sketchy, run in a different direction.  Slow to a walk.  Speed up.  Trust your instincts.
  • Carry Mace - Consider something like this if you run at night or in remote areas. 
  • Learn Self Defense - Knowing how to fight off an attacker could save your life.  But even if you have never taken a self defense class, there are things you can do to help yourself.  Yell, kick, bite, do anything you can not to be taken anywhere.  Scream as loudly as you can.  




Running, for many of us, is an outlet for our stress.  I didn't write this post intending to add more stress, just as a reminder to be aware.  Be safe.  Be well.  


10 comments:

  1. The idea that women need to fear being attacked while running makes me cringe and I agree that women should be both vigilant and ready to react. Even though I'm male and have a black belt in Uechi-ryu karate, I still take every safety precaution I can. In terms of smart running, everything you listed in your post should be followed, regardless of gender.

    I used to warn people while on a run, but I've actually stopped suggesting that they walk or run on the left side of the road. They don't want to hear it and I can't figure out why. The things people have said back to me (and I'm always polite) make me wonder about their intelligence.

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    1. It is amazing the amount of stupidity that's out there. But it's kind of you to try to help!

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  2. Great tips - actually I'm bad about a lot of them but do encourage my boys to do these things when they are running alone!!

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    1. Do as I say, not as I do, right? I only do some of them, myself.

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  3. Great tips! I'm not good at doing all of them either.

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  4. great reminder!

    i just got my roadID and it is safely attached to both of my running shoes :)

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  5. I'm not sure that these are really just things women should do...men should do most of them too.

    I do try to take precautions, but also realize I can't live life being afraid. Though I think I need to sign up for a self defense class as that would definitely increase confidence if something ever happened.

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    1. You're right, anyone could benefit from these tips!

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