The main reason for this rant is that someone was mugged at gunpoint right in front of my apartment last weekend. At a totally reasonable hour, that i would potentially be out, running around the neighborhood, by myself. I would like to point out that even though i live in the city, it is not a bad neighborhood. I know most of my neighbors, and it's a lot of very nice families. We specifically chose to live in this neighborhood because it was safe and quiet.
Just because our neighborhood seemed safe, doesn't mean we shouldn't be careful. Obviously in a perfect world, we would just run with a posse at all times. Or at very least, a body guard. But, some of us just can't swing that. So here are a few reminders, because you never know.
1. Always be super diligent of your surroundings. Whether you are on a city street, suburban neighborhood, lakefront path, or a remote trail. If something seems out of place - trust your instincts.
2. Know how to defend yourself. I will be carrying pepper-spray from now on - even to walk the dog. We also had a mandatory "anti-rape" class in high school where we were taught to gouge an attackers eyes with our car keys. Just be ready.
3. Don't argue. If they want money, just give it to them. It's just money.
4. If they try to force you into a car or building, run for your god damn life. Even if they shoot you, it will most likely not be a fatal shot. If they get you into their murder van though, you are not coming back out.
5. Never just sneak out for a run. Always make sure that someone knows when you are running, how long you are running, and where you run. That way if anything does happen, people will know immediately if something isn't right.
So be safe and diligent out there, kiddos! Even the safest neighborhoods have muggers and crazies.
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| Safe and stylish. And so much more compact than the machete. |
I do want to get some pepper spray to run with! You never know what crazies you will find, like you said!
ReplyDeleteSo sad but true! I am thankful for you writing this post...I always run alone especially now that I moved to a new area. Definitely going to always let someone know when I leave and when I return from a run!
ReplyDeleteDislike...Man I hate hearing about weird, rude, and simply mean people out there doing stuff like that...having to be careful even when out on a run during "normal business hours". If that's not a first world problem I don't know what is!!
ReplyDeleteSo sad for sure.
Good thing you are prepared. ;-)
That sucks about the mugging. Glad to hear that you have your pink sprayer and you are also taking steps to keep safe. Tip #4 is when speedwork pays off. I'd like to see how surprised the mugger would be as you take off in a full sprint that he can't match!
ReplyDeleteThat's so scary! I like to think my neighborhood is pretty safe too, but I suppose nowhere is totally safe. My husband was mugged in Lakeview a couple years ago, and the whole experience was just awful and terrifying. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteYour tips are all great - I remember learning all of those in a couple different women's self-defense classes. The keys-in-the eye trick is especially important. Never try and knee someone in the groin first, because apparently that's what attackers expect (heard that tip from a cop). And if someone wants your wallet/purse, throw it and run like hell in the other direction.
I got spray I carry with me every now and then but I really should be doing it more often (you never know what is going to happen and where) and keeping it more accessable then in my back camelbak pocket.
ReplyDeleteI got pepper spray for myself & sisters after there was a runner attack near my sister's apartment. I haven't taken it out yet, since I'm on early AM running hiatus.
ReplyDeleteI ran alone tonight, and it was scary....may need to invest in some of this...
ReplyDeleteSuper scary to hear about the gunpoint mugging in front of your building! I do tend to take my personal safety for granted and have done some things that, in retrospect, were not a good idea. To this day, I still often go running without carrying ID, which I really need to change. These are terrific tips to keep in mind and a very valuable reminder!
ReplyDeleteThat is so scary! This might sound creepy but my husband has an iPhone tracker app that he will use time and again to track me on my runs. I'm also sticking to the treadmill this winter because I am a total baby about running in the dark. Oy!
ReplyDeleteYikes- that is really scary!!!!! I don't like running by myself at all and mostly for that reason. No neighborhood is ever really safe. When I do run alone outside I never listen to music because if some mother effer is going to pounce on me I at least want to hear him so I can bring the pea shooters out!
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of not being that precautious.. I usually run with my headphones at 6am when its still dark.. with no cell phone or pepper spray. Def need to invest in one. Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! It's really easy to fall into a "comfortable" routine that feels safe because it's so familiar. But I think it's important to remain fairly paranoid, especially as a female. I found that I became incredibly paranoid in college and the quality passed on to my running, but not 100%. Stay safe out there!
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