In the last week or so, 4 different women have been assaulted while out walking/jogging solo in Seattle.
This has got me thinking a lot about safety while running.
I hate the treadmill. So much. I hate it enough that I’d rather risk being raped than run on it. (This is partly because I think the risk of being raped is rather low). I run outside most of the time. I also am typically at work when the sun is out, and therefore must run in the dark. I also live in a terrible neighborhood. As in, my next door neighbor burgled our other neighbor. Yep, it’s ghettofabulous here. I also run alone, as I haven’t yet met anyone who wants to run at 5am in the dark cold rain, stopping to walk every 3 minutes to allow me to recover from my tendinitis.
So let’s review: I am a woman who regularly runs outside alone in the dark in a bad neighborhood.
Some people might call this stupidity.
I certainly don’t want to be stupid, but I also don’t want to be forced out of doing something healthy that I love, out of fear.
Also, for safety reasons, I run with Ada the Dog.
Now, let’s be honest here: Ada the Dog might do well at scaring a potential rapist away, but if someone were to actually attack me, I’m not sure she’d be the greatest defense. I mean, maybe here animalistic protection instincts would kick in and she’d rescue me, but I just imagine that she’d wiggle her tail and lick my attacker.
I mean, who wouldn’t be intimidated by a dog who attacks with such ferocity???
I also have this idea in my head that rapists are sleeping at 5am. This may or may not be accurate.
Because of all this, I’ve been thinking about getting some pepper spray.
But the fact is, I’ve been thinking about pepper spray for several years now, and have still not actually purchased any. Here are the things standing in my way:
- They don’t appear to sell pepper spray at Target. (And if it’s not at Target, I’m kinda confused about where to get it. Where, exactly does one purchase pepper spray?)
- I’m afraid I’ll spray a non-attacker. I can just imagine that I’ll hear someone behind me while I’m out running, will become convinced that they are an attacker, and will spray them in the face, and then realize that it was just a little granny trying to pass me on her motor scooter.
I think I can work through these concerns, but I’d still like your advice/thoughts.
How do you keep safe when out running? Do you own pepper spray/mace? Where can pepper spray be purchased?
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TriGirl
February 12, 2013 at 10:23 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I bet Cabela’s sells pepper spray.
I don’t run alone in the dark. I have learned to ‘sort of’ embrace the treadmill during the week.
Stay safe
runfundone
February 14, 2013 at 7:54 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I used to not run in the dark…but then I moved to Washington, where it is always dark!!!! Ack!
LindsayOnTheGo
February 12, 2013 at 11:43 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Road Runner Sports and/or Fleet Feet Supply should have some. It’s made to be carried by runners instead a big old can of bear spray. I’m going to go buy some this weekend. It is MUCH MUCH MUCH too close to home for me…..
runfundone
February 14, 2013 at 7:54 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I think I’ll get some this weekend as well!
Tasha @ Healthy Diva
February 13, 2013 at 7:00 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
You can buy pepper spray/mace in a lot of stores. REI, Cabelas, & running specialty stores. Just be careful. I too thought that all the creepers are asleep at 5 am and they aren’t. I have had more scary morning runs than I have had at night.
runfundone
February 14, 2013 at 7:55 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Blech! Sorry about all your scary runs! I’ve never had anything scary happen while running.
Ed
February 13, 2013 at 9:23 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I think I saw pepper spray at REI. You may have to ask cause I think it is behind the counter. Stay safe out there! I called my wife and told her about it too when I heard on the news. She rides the bus sometimes and I worry that she will get jumped. Even though I truly think she would beat the living crap out of the slime bag, but still never want to find out if that is true.
runfundone
February 14, 2013 at 7:56 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Ha! That’s funny about your wife! I’m the opposite! I can’t imagine trying to hurt anyone.
Jessica
February 13, 2013 at 10:55 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’ve seen Pepper spray sold at a few outdoor stores so you could probably check for it at one of those in your area. Just be careful and try to find a running buddy!!
runfundone
February 14, 2013 at 7:56 pm (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Thanks for stopping by, Jessica! I’ll look for some pepper spray this weekend!