Welcome back to All Things Running with Sonja & Jen. Today Sonja is going to discuss some personal safety strategies for women.
Running for fitness or training is a beautiful expression of physical freedom. Unfortunately, there have been several recent incidents in the news of females being assaulted and/or abducted while out running. We should not have to restrict our movement or stay inside on a treadmill to feel safe. However, with the reality of present day circumstances, it is necessary to protect ourselves. I reviewed several resources for tips on safety considerations while running alone and I also consulted with my husband who has been in law enforcement for the past 25+ years. Here are the safety strategies I think are the most helpful and least restrictive to our personal autonomy:
1. **Be Aware of Your Surroundings**: Stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings while running. Notice any suspicious individuals or activities. If you are listening to music use only one earbud or use it at a low enough volume so that you can hear what’s going on around you.
2. **Carry Identification**: Always carry some form of identification with you, such as an ID card or a driver's license, in case you need to identify yourself to law enforcement.
3. **Inform Someone About Your Running Route**: Let a friend or family member know your intended running route and estimated return time. This way, someone will be aware of your whereabouts in case of an emergency. My family uses the Life 360 App to access each other’s location if/when needed.
4. **Stay Visible**: Wear bright and reflective clothing, especially if running in low-light conditions.
5. **Follow Traffic Rules**: Obey traffic laws and use designated pedestrian crossings when crossing roads. This will help you stay safe from moving vehicles, and also keep you in view of any public safety cameras in the area.
6. **Trust Your Instincts**: If you feel uncomfortable or sense danger while running, trust your instincts and take necessary precautions. It's okay to change your route or seek help from law enforcement if needed.
7. **Use Safety Apps**: Consider using safety apps on your phone that allow you to quickly contact law enforcement or send an alert to designated contacts in case of an emergency.
8. **Take a personal safety self defense course** or join a local Jiu Jitsu dojo. My youngest daughter belongs to a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu dojo and just going once a week has taught her extremely helpful self defense tactics as well as improved her overall confidence as a young female.
9. **Carry pepper spray**. There are a wide variety of small pepper spray canisters you can purchase online that are easy to carry. Make sure you understand how to use it properly. This is obviously for a worse case scenario but it could give you the precious extra minute you may need to get away from an attacker if it should ever come to that.
Remember, these are general tips, and it's essential to be proactive about your safety while running. If you have specific concerns or need more personalized advice, consider reaching out to local law enforcement agencies or running groups for additional guidance.
Sonja and Jennifer are sharing their personal experiences. This is being provided for informational purposes only. We are not giving medical advice and you should always consult your own doctor for advice related to your own health.