Runners (especially females): Do you carry anything to protect yourself when you're running alone?

Question

I'm pretty sure I could outrun anyone who attacks me, but what precautions would you suggest that I take while I run alone? (I don't run in the dark.)

Answer 1

Don't make the 'outrun' assumption. It might cause you to start running into or thru areas you shouldn't be running into or thru.

A pocket knife is by definition a folding knife. That is a silly idea. If you want a knife, there are better alternatives to folding knives.

Sprays are good because they don't require as close a range as a knife...but it can't be windy when used.

A whistle is interesting...but I doubt its effectiveness.

http://www.safetyenforcement.com/kubotans.html

a kubotan is very very effective, weighs nothing, but depends upon close range and physical contact. It is a 4in or so aluminum or wood "peg" or stick. It can focus a suprising amount of power into a small area like the shin, a cheekbone, temple, eye, etc. It also strengthens the hand in a punch, and it can be used to "hook" a mouth or ear for tearing. Used properly, it is deadly. It can literally be a keychain, and weighs next to nothing.

There are some tremendously powerful martial arts that exist that don't depend upon strength or weight. Check into Gracie style Jiu Jitsu if you really want an incredibly powerful system. I would imagine they teach "self defense" or "street fighting" techniques along with their regular stuff.

Above all...prevention. Run "heads up", run smart, run confident, know your route, don't hesitate to stop into a business if you feel threatened, etc.

I used to run w a stick...and it was because of this damn dog that would come out and bite me. Everytime i had the stick...he wouldn't be there. And, EVERY time I forgot the stick...he would chase me down and usually bite me. Ahhhhhh running. So much fun.....

Answer 2

think everybody else hit on the hot items.. pepper spray, a whistle.. (I'd go w/the first..) Don't run after dark, in extremely isolated areas.. (hard to find 'somebody to run with..') I know I think I can 'outrun an attacker' but think again.. you can't outrun somebody driving a car at ya, man.. (that'd kinda suck.) I'm glad UR a runner.. I run 5 miles daily, 365 and been doing it 5 years. I tend to run in predictable routes but I run at different times. I run around town.. I know everybody.. It's weird as they kind of look out 'watching for me to go by' some of 'em tell me.. lol. I've got like 35 tattoos so I'm 'easy to i.d.' right? I'd not recommend taking a knife.. I heard this at some college dorm thing.. that an attacker might 'use it against you.' It's hard (for me) to carry anything in my hands when I run... it breaks my concentration/stride. keep up the runnin, hon

Answer 3

The only things I would suggest are a whistle (AROUND YOUR WRIST) and pepper spray. A pocket knife and keys get you too close to the person. Besides, if you actually DO cut them, do you really want their blood all over you? You don't know what they might be carrying.

I suggest a whistle around the wrist because you don't want it to turn into THEIR weapon. Pepper Spray is a good bet too. There are a few people who aren't bothered by it, but most people are.

Also, DON'T take a walkman with you. Makes it easier to attack you without you seeing it coming.

Just a few ideas. :)

Answer 4

Pepper spray or a Stun Gun (check your local law of course). Where I live it's legal to carry a Stun Gun. Obviously you want to keep at a distance but more than likely will end up hand to hand, so it's best to have either. If you can get pepper spray that shoots at a good distance and has a good amount that can fit into the palm of your hand -- thats the best, best way to go!

Answer 5

i used to carry pepper spray w/ me when i'd go running alone. i carry my cell phone, but i don't really see what good that's gonna do me. when i go running in the mornings, i see lots of people out alone that are also walking or jogging, or what not, so that kind of makes me feel safer to know that there's people around me. sounds strange.
i also see a lot of people walking with their dogs or walking with friend.
now i go running with my sister in the mornings so that i'm not much of a target.

Answer 6

run an a group in places where people are around that are public. Don't have a weapon if you can't use it and use it very well- otherwise you attacker will take it from you and use it against you.

Answer 7

you're not outruning any1 darling if u r just fininshing up your 3rd mile , now r u. if u dont run in the dark u have no worries.
but if u run in the night or dark, which is the best time to run according to the doctors, because ur body is at an optimized condition, then u should carry a pocket knife, if anything. i'm a male and i dont carry anything.I run in the dark all the time (midnight) and mosquitos are the worst of my worries.

Answer 8

Absolutely! A friend of mine was raped and killed while out running one morning. You're never safe. Women constantly have to be on the look out!

Answer 9

I carry pepper spray, my cell phone, and drivers license. I also workout my arms quite extensively so I could really whale on anyone. please don;t count on being able to outrun anyone, they may attack you first, disabling you. There are other running questions in OTHER SPORTS if you are interested...
If you get yourself some spray, spray it outside every once in a while to make sure it still works and to see how far it sprays so you;ll know how close they have to be.

Answer 10

depends on where you are running, but a pocket knife and/or pepper spray would help. And if you are tired from running and someone attacks you and you dont have listed items knowing some sort of fighting like karate or tae kwan do