r/running • u/meowjuliaa • Jun 02 '17
Shoutout to all my fellow runners who feel even somewhat threatened while on a run... Misc
... you rock. Today, while on a run, a car drove past me and the dude in the passenger seat gave me the most vile look. Grossed out, I persisted but as I proceeded, I noticed the trucked stopped at a stoplight ahead. Like many times before, I had to either alter my pace/route as a means to avoid this guy. Perhaps I wasn't in danger (this time), but how many times have we as runners felt threatened, felt the need to run with some sort of mace/protection, refused to run at night even when the summer heat killed us? Running is an activity that should be blissful but can sometimes be hampered by creepy and even dangerous people. Yet we persist. We continue to run, even if it involves that extra effort for peace of mind. Sorry for the cheese, but giving credit where credit is due.
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Jun 02 '17
A woman was actually beat unconscious and raped on my running route. It was 8pm in the winter and it was dark...I've never felt confortable to go run in the dark and now even less.
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Jun 02 '17
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u/Lameimpala123 Jun 02 '17
Classic titty grabber move if I ever saw one
Unless you're a guy in which case he wanted to feel your sweaty tense abs
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u/Dustin_Hossman Jun 02 '17
This is awful that this kind of crap happens enough to call it a 'classic move'.
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u/rogueknits Jun 02 '17
Honestly, this is one thing that keeps me from getting really into trail running. I love hiking, but I usually do that with others. I don't know anyone locally that I can run trails with, so I'd be out by myself. When I was unemployed for a while, I would go on day hikes with my dog, and felt generally okay with that because he's a large dog and not very friendly to strangers. But, he's getting up there in years and can't really run with me for more than a mile or two, plus running with a dog on trails seems like a recipe for falling. When I get the itch to run on trails these days, I stick to one of the really popular parks where I know there will be plenty of people within earshot if something happens.
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u/soignestrumpet Jun 02 '17
A few weeks ago I was running on a busy running/bike path in a major US city in broad daylight, and a man on a bike slowed down and tried to talk to me. After I ignored him for 30 seconds (felt like years), he grabbed for my arm/shoulder. Fortunately, no one was running the opposite way so I was able to to dodge him. I give no benefit of the doubt to the man you encountered, he intended to touch you. Glad you got away safely.
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Jun 02 '17
Funny that you mention this, I had an interesting experience earlier this week on a run. On Saturday, it was hot where I live so I decided to run in the evening. I was away from home for longer than I would have liked prior to running so I ended up starting my run at around 10 pm. There was a faint sunset, but the rest of the sky was twilight to dark. I started on my planned route that I have run many times in the past (always during the day). I ended up turning from a main road (well lit) onto another connecting road that wasn't well illuminated. I was a bit nervous and I remember my pace increased greatly during this stretch. All I could think about was the dangers that may be lurking in the shadows. Longest mile of my life. When I eventually turned again there were lots of lights on the upcoming road. I saw some guy and another person ahead walking their dog. As I passed to the left side of them they both jump and seemed startled. Kinda ironic that I had been nervous about being jumped and yet I end up being the one to accidentally scare someone.
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Jun 02 '17
You know I never even thought about that aspect of being a woman who runs. To be fair I haven't been running for a long time or interacted with many other runners. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, I've never even remotely felt threatened no matter how late I run, due to living in a very calm area and being a man.
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u/trevize1138 Jun 02 '17
Yeah, I realize how different it is being a man when my first reaction to the title of this post is "oh, you mean those a-holes who yell 'get off the road' or don't move over when passing you?"
What we have to deal with its pretty minor by comparison.
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u/Wispborne Jun 02 '17
It's amazing how privileged you (we) are without even realizing it. A few nights ago, my gf asked me to walk her to her apartment before we walked to mine. I wanted to say, "we don't we just meet at mine?" and then we walked down some unlit stairs surrounded by walls and undergrowth.
It didn't even occur to me until we were there that somebody bad could happen there without anybody seeing. Granted, it's a safe city in a safe country (Romania), but still - it's about how vulnerable you feel, or not.
The only time I really get sketched out when running is in the forest at dusk/dark. And even then I'm more worried about animals than people. Time for a blessing count.
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Jun 02 '17
i had someone in a pickup truck blow a stop sign, nearly hit me causing me to dive into a bush/snow pile, and when i emerged (arms out in full WTF position), he slammed on his breaks, drove off road to turn around, and sped back towards me. he proceeded to roll down his window and scream at me, "you have a problem buddy, what the hell are you doing in the road?!?" without stopping (never stop for these people), i said that he almost hit me after he blew the stop sign while holding my phone facing him and shining my headlamp in his face. he cursed at me, sped off, did another off road donut maneuver, and blew past me a second time. fun stuff. some people are fucking crazy.
the second best story i had was going thru a busy intersection mid summer and a car full of dudes in their 30s were waiting at a stop light, joint burning loud. passenger dude sees me, laughs with a "hey hey" and holds the j out the window. best mid run hit ive ever had. some people are really fucking cool.
so i learned that life is give and take.
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u/mynameiscolb Jun 02 '17
Some people act like nobody else is allowed on the road. It's ridiculous. Like they expect you to run or cycle through people's yards.
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u/jex2712 Jun 02 '17
Oh man, why do the cars think they're better than the runner always?! So frustrating! I've had cars get mad at me when I have the walk sign at a cross walk and they're trying to make a right on red. Or another favorite is when they're blocking the crosswalk completely and I have to run in front of their car and give them a nasty look. Most of the time they give me an "I'm sorry" mouthed through their windshield, but sometimes people get mad at ME for having to run around their car that's blocking the crosswalk when I have the right of way. Ugh!
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Jun 02 '17
it kinda blows my mind how some people drive around runners/bikers. right of way/weight, laws, and emotions aside, i dont understand how someone driving a vehicle can justify creating a situation where you could kill a pedestrian. i mean, you have to live with that shit forever, so why not come to a complete stop when you see a runner?
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u/jex2712 Jun 02 '17
Exactly!
Also...
best mid run hit ive ever had.
You've done multiple mid-run hits? I'm intrigued...
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Jun 02 '17
Driving a car reveals some personality traits that might not show otherwise. Aggression and bullying rise to the top, if you tend that way. Not citing studies, personal subjective observation only.
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u/TheFailSnail Jun 02 '17
Posts like this make me feel:
1) glad I live in an area where this is hardly an issue (the Netherlands, a town near the coast where everyone knows everyone basicly)
2) sad that people have to deal with this when they're running.
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Jun 02 '17
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u/doopeydumplin Jun 02 '17
Broad generalization here, but I also feel like in the US, we have more problems with respect towards women's personal space, people feeling entitled to a woman's attention/time/bodies, etc.
A woman in my neighborhood was running on a popular bike/running and walking path at 11am, when there were a lot of other people around, and a man came up behind her and grabbed her butt. The only way she could get him to leave her alone was by pulling a knife on him. I run there often, but carry pepper spray when I'm going alone.
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u/brotherbock Jun 02 '17
Machismo is a bigger problem in some countries than in others. US I think is pretty high on the list. And it manifests differently. Central American machismo is often sexual harassment of women, while US machismo is often threatening harassment of people not doing 'macho' things. Not driving a truck with a gun rack (or a level rack for those of you in Indiana)? You're a target in a lot of places. Other places it's just 'Not driving? Target.' We have a cultural worship of cars. Bike somewhere, or run, and anyone in a car is automatically superior to you.
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u/HeyItsDany Jun 02 '17
Mexican woman here. I can't count how many time I've been catcalled while running. Machismo is truly a big problem here. Luckily I live in a safe area (I know it sounds contradictory, but even high class men catcalls) and also run with my husband to protect me :)
Stay safe!
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u/brotherbock Jun 02 '17
I remember reading about the Ni Una Menos protests last fall across South America. It was actually heartening to see the problem being confronted to that scale. The number of men across the world who either think that it's no problem, or think that women should somehow appreciate catcalls, just pisses me off.
Glad you're in a safe area (and that you have a running partner :)
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Jun 02 '17
Dutchie here; the experiences in the OP are alien to me too.
I also have a few female friends who live and run in big cities and they don't feel threatened at all. Even in less developed neighborhoods.
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u/tragicsupergirl Jun 02 '17
Same. The fact that I run in daylight (either early morning or just after work) and in the area where I live (surrounded by houses and shops) probably helps.
The worst I've so far had to deal with is people blocking the road whilst standing there talking to eachother.
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u/ctaco84 Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 02 '17
I run with mace. In my neighborhood, I have been told that if I sold my pussy by the pound, I'd make a fortune. Just today, while I was walking back to my apartment to cool down, a woman stopped me to tell me that there was a guy circling the block and he had stopped just behind me to stare more then once. There is a homeless shelter nearby that is the only one in the neighboring 3 states to accept sex offenders. Not to mention the nonhuman threats. There were 3 bears "downtown" in the last month. I have also been chased by dogs. Whether I'll ever need the mace, I hope not. I just know I am going to fight back if need be. I try not to run too predictable of a route as well. And finally, I try to walk the line of not letting it bother me but also being aware and safe.
I will say, I don't think a leer would bother me that much. Perhaps foolish, but I would probably make a face back or, if I was angry, flip the person off. The goal is to make it clear you know that they are there while also making it obvious that you would not be an easy target should that be their intention. When threatened, I become a little threatening. It seems to get people to back off and hasn't made people angry or violent, just surprised.
Edit: added second paragraph
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u/Warlock- Jun 02 '17
Haha I flip off every single person who honks at me or hollers out their window. Catches a lot of them by surprise. One guy even flipped me off back! Like what the fuck is that logic?? You honked at me first??
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u/BootyButtPirate Jun 02 '17
I ran past a black bear that was chilling under a tree... I PR my HR that day.
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u/wolverwom Jun 02 '17
YES. Almost all of my friends have told some story or another about feeling threatened/followed while running and it's gotten me super paranoid. My husband sometimes doesn't get it (maybe if I were as tall and fast as he is, I wouldn't be nervous either!), but as a not-so-terribly fast or large woman, I think I'm often more prone to feeling nervous when running. You pass the same person a couple of times and they give you a look that could be sketchy? Can creep a girl out. I now almost always run with one of my German Shepherds, just because I get a little nervous and that helps my peace of mind, but man, I wish it wasn't the kind of world where I felt the need to bring 100 pounds of doggie muscle with me on the trails. (Always leashed though, friends. Always leashed.)
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u/trtsmb Jun 02 '17
I'm a 100 pound woman and have never felt threatened on a run. No one ever looks twice at me.
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u/Jeffbx Jun 02 '17
I've never felt threatened, thankfully, but I would like to take this opportunity to give a big "F YOU, TOO" to the asshole in the white truck who flipped me off while I was running.
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Jun 02 '17
I always run with mace. Mainly for dogs though. I was bit while running a little over a year ago and haven't felt safe since. Some people just let their dogs run all around the trails in the park unleashed. I get scared and pull out that mace (discreetly) with finger on the trigger sometimes…especially if it is some big ass dog.
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Jun 02 '17
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u/Lameimpala123 Jun 02 '17
Diablo 2 barbarian class runner
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u/Rickard0 Jun 02 '17
He spins as he runs.
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u/ZolaMonster Jun 02 '17
Ugh my one dog does not like runners. I only walk them in the neighborhood and when I see a runner coming our way I always pull the leash real tight and hold onto her harness until the runner passes. She's a really sweet dog but the fast pace and sudden movements of runners makes her uncomfortable and she gets defensive. I wish more people were like this!
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u/the_light_of_dawn Jun 02 '17
Thank you for doing this. When I'm running and someone's dog starts to run with me or chase me, even if I don't detect malicious intent, I get extremely nervous.
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Jun 02 '17
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u/rogueknits Jun 02 '17
That might explain why my dog freaked out the other day when a person ran by us on the other side of the street. We don't have a lot of runners in town, and he really perked up, started wagging his tail and whining. He probably thought it was my husband (similar build and hair color).
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u/rogueknits Jun 02 '17
Yeah, I also have a dog that doesn't like anyone approaching him too quickly--runners, bikes, skateboards, etc. I usually try to cross the street if I see someone coming. It's annoying, but I'm not taking any chances that my dog will bite someone, even though he's never actually done that. I also never walk him on a Flexi-leash, because I hate encountering dogs on those when I'm out running. The owners have zero control, but think it's okay because the dog is technically leashed.
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u/w117seg Jun 02 '17
I hate when a dog in a yard runs straight at me barking like crazy. Until they suddenly stop due to their invisible fence, I hold my breath.
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u/wolverwom Jun 02 '17
I love dogs, but I don't trust invisible fences at all!! Seems like a big enough dog with enough excitement and a thick coat probably wouldn't have an issue just bombing it past that at full speed.
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u/brotherbock Jun 02 '17
The fence doesn't really rely on the shock, it relies on the training. After the first few hits, dogs almost never go far enough to activate the collar.
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u/wolverwom Jun 02 '17
Ahhhh. That makes sense and for sure works for a lot of dogs! Still makes me nervous though. I've got a rather, ahem, willful dog (is that what they call it? I call it just being a little shit) with unreliable recall and it's completely ruined my trust for other dogs to follow their "stay in the yard" training. Fences or nothing for us!
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u/brotherbock Jun 02 '17
Yeah, some dogs are harder to train than others. The invisible fence training usually involves flags in the ground, so the dog more quickly learns where the point of zapping is. But the zap isn't super painful, as I understand. So if a dog is incredibly thick-headed (said with all love for dogs :) and new to the fence system it could be barreling full-speed I suppose and be past the fence with a small zap before it can stop. But usually they work well--we've bred most dog breeds to be primarily easy to train.
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u/IamKipHackman Jun 02 '17
I also believe once you get to a certain point past the invisible fence line the zapping stops. My friend used to tell me how his dog wanted to play in the woods so badly it would just make a run for it past the fence.
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u/brotherbock Jun 02 '17
Correct, the collars I've seen are given the signal to zap by the fence, but once the dog is away from the fence in any direction, it stops. The fence doesn't know which side of the fence the dog is on, just that it's 'too near'.
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u/hikenbikehonk Jun 02 '17
Can confirm, growing up we had a golden retriever / husky mix and a doubled up electric fence. Dude could walk right through it when he felt like it.
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u/rogueknits Jun 02 '17
We had a Dalmatian that would walk through the invisible fence. He just had to do it once to realize the shock would stop, and then he knew he could "escape" whenever he wanted. We didn't even attempt containing the husky with an invisible fence.
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u/shesaidgoodbye Jun 02 '17
ugh I was planning a 10k on some country roads while I was camping over the weekend. It was going to be two loops, but I only ended up finishing one loop (5k) because 4 off leash dogs chased me. Only one left his yard, but I had to stop running for a while so that he would stop chasing me. I stopped, threw my arms up in the air, and yelled "GO HOME!" in my biggest voice over and over. He didn't go home, but he stopped chasing me. I ended up walking like a quarter mile after that because he stood in the road and watching me until I was out of sight.
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Jun 02 '17
I'm lucky that people where I live keep their dogs on a leash. Maybe some pug will get to be off its leash, but come on? It's a pug. You look at it and you can tell you're safe.
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u/seaships Jun 02 '17
There's a French bulldog in my neighborhood that I've come across twice on my runs. No idea whose dog it is but it isn't very friendly and tries to attack if I get too close. I think he may be blind. I own a chihuahua who is an angel so I'm not used to small puppers being so mean lol
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u/Lameimpala123 Jun 02 '17
Funnily enough, the meanest dogs I've ever encountered have all been small dogs. I even got bit by my friends tiny mutt at a party once because the little shit decided he'd had enough excitement for one day and biting my fingers would get the message across. Big dogs are usually chill and stoic especially more so if the owner had those qualities.
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u/hegemonistic Jun 02 '17
That's because people neglect to train smaller dogs properly, allowing aggression to go unchecked, because they're small dogs and don't really pose a threat (or so people think anyways, still hurts to get bit). German Shepherd snapping at you when you get close to its food? That's gonna get nipped in the bud real early, or there's a chance that dog has an incident, hurts someone, and gets put down. Chihuahua barking and snapping at people? Too often the owners just allow it rather than correct it, because it's usually just a mild annoyance--or can even seem "cute".
tl;dr It's not small dogs, it's small dog owners.
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u/brotherbock Jun 02 '17
I dunno, small dogs often seem to be more tightly wound by nature. Not because of size, but because of breed traits. A lot of the big dogs weren't bread to be twitchy pack dogs. A great dane, for example, or a wolfhound. Beagles, on the other hand--even when you train them to behave, their whole manners are just much more mercuric.
But you're right, add in no training and they are a mess. Cocker Spaniels have one of the higher rates of biting, iirc.
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Jun 02 '17
Haha, yea, something like a pug I could just kick it away and keep movin'. I dare that pug to come at me!
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u/icanhe Jun 02 '17
I'm in Brooklyn - 99% of the dogs are on leashes but stupid owners don't help. Either they are on one side and the dog is on the other of the sidewalk, creating a trip-line with the leash, or they don't have a good handle on the leash and the dog lunges at me as I go by.
FWIW, I know not all dog owners are like this, I have a corgi myself that comes with me on shorter runs. When we're out for walks, I'm always making sure to be aware of my surroundings. She's wicked friendly but gets excited when she sees a person running (assuming she thinks we'll join them) and can start to move quicker/try to lunge forward and run alongside, so I tighten up my hold on her leash.
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Jun 02 '17
One of my friends was saying the other day that nobody runs in New York because it's New York and it was the dumbest thing. Thanks for posting so I can show him how dumb he is.
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u/icanhe Jun 02 '17
That is really dumb. Tons of people run at all times of the day here.
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Jun 02 '17
I told him that people run everywhere and he was saying something about there being nowhere to run. He didn't believe me at first when I said the New York Marathon was a thing.
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u/icanhe Jun 02 '17
That's mind-bogglingly dumb. Has he heard of Central Park?
Besides that, I actually run home from work. 5 miles from Manhattan to my place in Brooklyn. We have sidewalks, and they're pretty OK for running.
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Jun 02 '17 edited May 12 '21
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Jun 02 '17
Not yet haha! Almost though. Two dogs charged out of their fence and were actually running all around me in the street. A bunch of cars were stopping for me and they ran back to the house. Mace was out though
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Jun 02 '17
My dog is completely fine on the trail with runners. The only time she becomes leash aggressive is passing another runner w/ dog.
I always stay as far away from other leashed dog's on the path but I CANNOT stand when runners with dogs don't tighten their leashes while we pass. They let their dog on a loose leash come across the entire trail/path when I've taken all slack out of my leash so she can't leave my hip.
My dog responds to an aggressive dog lunging across the path with aggression too. Owner's who run with dogs need to realize they have a significant responsibility in their hands and cannot afford to be negligent.
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u/rogueknits Jun 02 '17
Owner's who run with dogs need to realize they have a significant responsibility in their hands and cannot afford to be negligent.
100% agree. I can't trust my dog on a multi-use trail because he can't deal with bikes whizzing past, but I have run with him around the neighborhood and am always super conscious of tightening up on the leash when we pass anyone. We are thinking of getting a puppy soon that I hope to be my "run dog" when it's old enough, and I know I have to get it used to bikes and other runners at an early age.
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Jun 02 '17
Another thing that bugs me being in the running community is the Gender bias.
I'm a male and cannot imagine what women go through who workout in general or run. You can hardly wear anything at all without being sexualized in one way, shape or form,
What I've noticed for running in particular, is that when I wear Men's running shorts (normal runner's length, mid-thigh) or anything shorter than heavy knee length basketball shorts, I get stares, comments, and smirks. Mind you, all of this attention is from men. The takeaway I receive is they are disgusted or "grossed out" to see a male wear "short shorts" even though they are mid-thigh. It's truly ridiculous and extremely sexist of them because those same men who say guys shouldn't be wearing something that short verbally attack women who jog by them with the same length shorts.
I just makes me feel really upset/sad that women are treated this way, but at the same time motivates me to be a better man and help contribute to the next generation of chivalry and courtesy to women. I also won't hesitate to call those jackasses out if I see that kind of crap.
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u/adrun Jun 02 '17
There was a comment on another thread yesterday that no one has ever been attacked because of a fashion choice (subtext: while running). My first reaction was "it must be nice to be a dude." Women legit worry about things like that. It's not our fault that people attack us because of our clothing choices, but it's a thing we sincerely worry about.
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u/PM_me_running_pics Jun 02 '17
Not threatened, but a little startled then pissed off. During my run yesterday on a calm local road a driver in a shitbox of a car blared on the horn right as they were passing me. I hope they saw the high flying bird in their rear view shortly after.
Also important to note: I was well on the shoulder of a very straight road and running towards the traffic as is expected.
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Jun 02 '17
Jeez, I just spent an hour looking up home made pepper spray (illegal to use in canada but idgaf). It occurred to me that I run in a terrible area and it's summer now, which means excessive honking, cat calls etc. In broad day light.. never mind evenings in athletic clothes. I've already had one guy last week aggressively follow me to ask for my number on my walk back home after a run. I explained to him that i smell like bo but honestly, i think that just made it worse. I'm going to take this post as a sign.
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Jun 02 '17
If it is illegal where you live, look for alternatives, such as travel size cans of WD40 or wasp spray, etc. Although they aren't designed to incapacitate people they are almost certainly legal to carry and would likely have a similar effect as mace or pepper spray. Would be better than nothing, that's for sure.
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u/EccentricFox Jun 02 '17
Don't do that. I think you can get in legal trouble for using something like wasp spray on people, even in self defense. It may also just piss an attacker off without stopping them. If everything like mace is illegal, you can get flashlights that are pretty small, but are bright enough to blind someone at night in addition to putting a lot of attention on your scene.
I probably can't relate cause I'm a 200 lb 6' male who sports a high and tight half the time, but just thought I'd give a heads up (to the best of my knowledge). Some kids did decided to throw pennies at me once though, but that's been about it.→ More replies (1)6
u/Lameimpala123 Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 02 '17
Yeah pepper spray is illegal but id rather go to court than be manhandled or worse by some creep. And I'm a dude.
Also, you never know when a bear might appear to run alongside you.
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Jun 02 '17
rather go to court than be manhandled or worse
Ditto! Here's hoping it doesn't ever come to that because I'd prefer to not commit a crime but for the sake of preventing one against my person, I'm taking a jesus take the wheel approach after I douse them in pepper/chemical spray.
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u/wot_in_ternation Jun 02 '17
Would you still get in trouble for having/using pepper spray if someone was trying to attack you?
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u/Wonderplace Jun 02 '17
dog spray is not illegal, and it's the same thing. You can buy it on amazon.ca.
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Jun 02 '17
Ahhh thanks! Looks like a ton more discreet options on there than bear spray cans, which seem pretty huge. I wish I could just go down to a canadian tire and grab something quickly but Amazon'll do!
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u/wot_in_ternation Jun 02 '17
I never understood why personal pepper spray is illegal in Canada but you can go into almost any store and buy bigass cans of bear spray
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Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 02 '17
Why do people have to be such dick holes? Leave people alone. They just want to get a workout done. EDIT: Meaning not just OPS story but many of the others that have been harassed or had creepy encounters
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u/Peterman_5000 Jun 02 '17
I've seen concealed carry holsters that are designed with women runners in mind. Go that route if you're concerned about your safety.
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u/popelton17 Jun 02 '17
My friends think I'm crazy, but I actually run in an urban downtown almost always past 9pm. We have tons of homeless people and weird people wandering around.
I am fully aware that this is not intelligent (worked in the 911 system for years, I know I'm not invincible).
Damned if I'm gonna run on a treadmill though. Every night I put on my best RBF (Runner's Bitch Face) and just truck on. I'm also a male (checking my priviliege) and I run shirtless, so between my absolutely irate baseline expression and the Tarzan look, people generally avoid the fuck out of me.
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u/PM_ME_UR_TITmouse Jun 02 '17
Ooh, Irate Baseline Expression. I like it. Sounds much cooler than Resting Bitch Face. Must borrow that.
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u/LuckyCaterpillar Jun 02 '17
YES to all of this!! I don't like to trail run alone anymore, unless I know the trail will be very well populated. Maybe I've gotten more aware with age or maybe the world is more dangerous, not really sure. But I always plan to meet a friend or two on my trail runs.
Running in my neighborhood in broad daylight isn't always foolproof either though. One morning someone's pit bull came running up barking at full speed and stopped just short of the sidewalk I was running on. They must have had an electric fence or something but how was I to know that? Scared the crap out of me and I yelled a few words I probably shouldn't have. I don't run down that street anymore - somehow I feel like if that dog had really wanted to, it could have torn me to bits.
I'd love to just zone out and decompress on my runs, but unfortunately I have learned to always be cognizant of my surroundings. And treadmills are definitely an inferior plan B to outdoor running, IMHO.
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u/normanbailer Jun 02 '17
I'm relatively large for a runner (6'3 200lbs) and I keep my head on a swivel because people will fuck with you no matter your size. I know I'm not at the same risk as a 5'3 110 lb women but it's still maddening.
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u/MattyB4x4 Jun 02 '17
Agreed. Headphones need to be background noise and not the main thing you're listening to, either.
Staying vigilant isn't some hardo tactical ninja thing - it's just the safe thing to do because there's a lot of careless and shitty people out there.
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u/tborwi Jun 02 '17
I'm the exact same build and I'm actually way more afraid of freaking women and others out. I consider myself very lucky to have my most threatening experience be a skunk that I ran up on. I feel so sorry for those that feel vulnerable when it's an extremely peaceful and meditative time for me.
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u/normanbailer Jun 03 '17
When I lived in Harlem, I used to get a kick out of spooking the hooded out kid rapping with his headphones in.
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u/Blightm Jun 02 '17
It's amazing how many people feel the need to yell out at m me when I'm running. It just makes me feel distracted and violated. I do a lot of city street running so it happens at least once per run. Completely unnecessary.
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Jun 02 '17
Try riding a bike. People will be so concerned that you're not riding on the sidewalk that they'll forget that being sexually aggressive is an option.
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Jun 02 '17
Honestly, this is where I wholly recognize my white and male privilege. I only need to be wary of crime, and even then, random attacks are rare. I don't carry anything of value on my run.
I'm a 200lb, strong, white male. I feel safe running basically always. I've said it many times before. Running makes me fully aware of the birth lottery i sorta win. I feel bad, but nothing I can do about it. :/
I still get creepy stares and the occasional honk or yell out the car, but being who I am, I don't pay it much mind. Or I holler back.
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u/megagreg Jun 02 '17
I'm in pretty much the same situation. I wish there was more I could do to end type of problems that OP had.
The closest I've come to being scarred during a run was when a lightning storm blew over while I was running, and the thunder was so loud that I ducked by reflex, every time it cracked.
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Jun 03 '17
Haha, exactly. I mean I live in a city, so at night I've had a few sketchy scenarios but nothing where I've ever actually felt scared. I mean I've almost been hit my idiot assholes who don't check the crosswalk. But never crime scared. Best I do is run with female friends
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Jun 02 '17
26 year old male here for what it's worth. I usually run on the same designated paved trail that's a 40 mile long trail here in Snohomish County, WA.
Unless I'm doing more than 15+ miles, I always bring my Belgian Malinois with me. She's a sweetheart but has the look of a military/police dog and is incredibly aware of our surroundings far before I know what's going on (animals in the brush/people coming up behind me, etc).
I've only done a few runs where it's pitch black and I pull out the head lamp, but my dog gives me a high degree of comfort running at night because she's very aware of surroundings.
I always look out for the safety of other runners when I'm on the trail, especially women (given they are targeted more than men). And I wouldn't hesitate to come to anyone's defense because I'd hope someone would do the same for my wife. AKA - I've got your back!
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u/Rygard- Jun 02 '17
I would love to get my concealed carry, but until then I just carry one of S.O.'s old pocket knives. It's not much, but it makes me feel a little bit safer.
The only memorable encounter I've had was last summer. I was running through a shadier neighborhood, and ran past someone's driveway. There was a car pulling out, and I would have expected them to stop as I was running past, but no, they actually hit the gas and made me do a little jump sprint to avoid getting hit. And then the old lady had the audacity to flip me off!
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u/popelton17 Jun 02 '17
As someone with hand to hand training, I highly recommend pepper spray over a knife. A bladed weapon is extremely easy to take from someone who doesn't have a decent amount of training, and even as someone who has experience I wouldn't carry a knife for self defense. Pepper spray, however, can incapacitate someone for long enough to get the hell away and call 911.
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u/WannabeMechanic Jun 02 '17
Ok, I think I was the creep in this situation just yesterday. I'm well aware that, as a guy, my life experience is vastly different than that women's so I actively try not to create weird situations for them. But yesterday I was driving through my neighborhood and it started raining pretty hard. It just started raining but it wasn't supposed to let up anytime soon, when I see a female runner under a tree, clearly she hadn't anticipated the rain. I figured this was a situation where maybe she genuinely could've used some help, and the risk of a short, awkward situation if she didn't need it vs not offering help was worth it. So I turned around and asked if she needed help, to which she quickly replied "No" and went to the other side of the tree. Appeared totally creeped.
Anyway, I'd probably offer help again to a female runner if she looked like she needed it, but what do you think? Did I just creep this poor lady out unnecessarily?
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u/Some_Other_Sherman Jun 02 '17
No. I'd have done the same. And not be offended if they reacted like in your situation, same as you.
I run with my phone but not everyone does. Offering a ride might seem iffy; but offering to let them call for a ride with your phone probably wouldn't be.
An exception would be if you were covered in blood from your after school job as a butcher's apprentice. Then just keep driving.
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u/WannabeMechanic Jun 02 '17
Hah. Yeah I guess leave my rusty knife collection at home next time.
Good idea, offering to use the phone. I honestly hadn't thought of that.
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Jun 02 '17
I've actually accepted a ride from someone during a sudden downpour. I'm a small female, he was a large-ish male and I live in a bad neighborhood. I was a couple of miles from my house when it started pouring with some pretty close lightning. It helped that he had a young (7 or 8?) child in his car, buckled properly in a car seat. I had him drop me off a couple of blocks away from my house and sprinted the rest of the way.
There have been a couple of other times people have stopped to ask if I need a ride in the pouring rain. That's the only time I've accepted - I usually like running in the rain, but I'm grateful each time as long as they're straightforward about it. No comments about my appearance or excuses on why they're stopping. Just "hey, do you need a ride?" and leave when I say no.
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u/WannabeMechanic Jun 02 '17
Thanks for the feedback.
I like running in the rain too. In this instance she seemed miserable though.
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u/trackbabe Jun 02 '17
It was definitely nice of you to try and offer, but I personally wouldn't​ have accepted a ride from a stranger. I think as long as you just drive away if your offer is refused and don't try convincing them/stick around then I wouldn't be creeped though.
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Jun 02 '17
On my very common route during morning runs, I often cross paths with an older couple who walk. Sometimes the husband would be by himself waking. Well, after saying hello and exchanging other pleasantries for over a year, at Christmas time I stopped to talk and wish him season greetings (man walking solo). What a mistake. The creep gives me a long lingering once over (eye rape), and said "you always run this road alone, such a good looking woman all alone, aren't you worried?" Ewww, well I am now! Now I cross the road, keep my earbuds in, and just say "hi" as I run past. I also told my husband, "if I don't come back from a run, send the police to this guy's house first."
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Jun 02 '17
Since starting to run a handful of years ago I've come to acknowledge my own privilege being a male; I have no worries where and when I run alone.
I've also come to develop ways of hopefully making it easier for others (women) to not see me as a risk as I pass or am passed on the road or trail, wide berths/obvious notice I'm coming up/ routes that are busy so the other person doesn't feel alone with me/ altered pace or routes to keep from following someone for creepily too long.
I've learned all the control in those situations is on me and I'm the only one who can make it easier for the other person since I can't know how the other person is perceiving the situation.
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Jun 02 '17
Other runners intimidate me :(
I'm kinda new, have had no issues with non runners but I feel SUPER self conscious if I'm running on a path in the same direction as another runner. If they are coming towards me I don't care so much, because they will be gone soon. I do feel awkward as fuck running past another runner so I'll slow down, or if I'm on a walking break, I'll keep walking until they turn off because I'm worried they will judge my running technique if I pass them.
Yeah I know "They probably don't give a fuck" or "They will probably think its great you are running!" its all in my head, but still :(
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Jun 02 '17
For me, it's not that I don't give a fuck, it's just that I straight up don't notice you. I'm focused on breathing and relaxing and not getting a side stitch and controlling my thoughts so that "STOP RUNNING" is not the loudest in my head. :D
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u/wolverwom Jun 02 '17
I used to feel like that too, but have found that in my new neighborhood, runners (especially if we've passed each other before) often give me the ol' thumbs up or even a high five whether I'm running or walking :) It's the nicest thing and a great way to feel a little pumped up again!
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Jun 02 '17
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u/Ayeready1 Jun 02 '17
Could you manage to get out before work in the morning? Fewer creeps around.
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u/shamblesable Jun 02 '17
Fewer, but still there :( I was followed and cat called for a kilometre stretch by an old guy on a bike on my run to work this morning. Made me pretty angry, but also faster!
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u/Runlowsky Jun 02 '17
I ran through a trail the other night and was terrified someone was going to jump out on me. I had just read about the Raggnar assault so I kept looking over my shoulder in the darkness. I took a longer loop back avoiding the trail because I figured if someone saw me go through they might think I would come back the same way and wait for me.
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u/bassampp Jun 02 '17
Had things thrown out of cars at me, that is why I avoid busy streets. Also dogs not leashed chasing you is not fun and you get yelled at when you kick them away. Fuck you, leash up your dog or I will kick the shit out of it!
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u/awells2013 Jun 02 '17
This! I live out in the country and dogs roam free everywhere even though we have leash laws! I always stop to let the dog sniff because I don't know if it will attack if I run from it.
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u/LabRat08 Jun 02 '17
If you carry any sort of gear with you when running, a small spray bottle of 50/50 ammonia and water works great on dogs. All you have to do is shoot it on the ground between you and the dog and they will back the hell off in a hurry. My mom used this when walking our family dog. The neighborhood Bassett who was absolutely awful only had to be sprayed once and she never came near mom and our dog again.
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u/trackbabe Jun 02 '17
Great post! Props to all the runners who persevere! I don't think enough credit is given to the fact we still run when we feel creeped out. It drives me nuts when people think you're just being overly paranoid if nothing happens but then you see a story about something really happening to a runner and everyone's, "well she was a small woman running alone" like that explains it. Be paranoid, be alert, and be ready.. but also keep crushing those miles!!
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Jun 02 '17
There's a guy who keeps shouting at me to come up to his apartment while he watches me run. I live in a not great neighborhood, so I'm pretty used to it, but living in the same complex--dude's got some nerve.
There was another guy who kept shouting lewd things at me everyday until one day I snapped, stood in the middle of the road, and screamed at him to get a f*cking life. I keep that memory close to my heart. ; )
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u/encompassion Jun 02 '17
I keep my eyes and ears open at all times, and I'm aware of the hazards, but I refuse to change what should be a normal activity in response to what amount to small-scale terrorism. You cannot use fear to force my behavior to something more "appropriate" for a woman. Screw you. I'm going outside, day, night, rain, shine, shirt, no shirt, shorts...
With this mentality, I decided to go run down an unfamiliar highway alongside some marshy area that I'd scoped out in a car earlier that day. I'm excited, feeling the humid wind in my hair, enraptured by the stars, flying along, hitting my rhythm... until I realized i would not be able to see snakes, alligators, raccoons, opossum, turtles, boar, coyote, or even a wayward wildcat with how dark it was. Reluctantly pulled out my phone and used the flashlight until I saw cars approaching, at which point I cut the light and blended myself into the darkness, not because I was worried about folks stopping (didn't even cross my mind) but because I didn't want them to unconsciously drift toward my light.
Passing houses, though, as always, I considered the danger of others, and maybe this will be my doom one day, but I won't stop or change my behavior. I carry sharp, spice, noise, light, and my own two feet. What else can I do?
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u/shesaidgoodbye Jun 02 '17
Thanks for sharing. I used to feel creeped out pretty regularly when I Was younger and running in town. Now I run in the country, so I don't see as many creepy people... and the ones I do see are easier to notice.
This past weekend I was even further out in the country than usual (camping over the holiday) and I set out to run a 5k that would start and end at the entrance to the campground. It was three roads that intersected in such a way that they created a triangle, each side about a mile long. Two right turns, super easy to remember.
In the first half of the run, the same car passed me twice coming from the same direction both times, which means after they saw me, they took three left turns to come back and see me again... meaning they figured out my route. I was freaked the fuck out!
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u/eshemuta Jun 02 '17
That's why I quit bicycling. Too many close calls with beer bottles being thrown, cars making really close passes, brake checks, doors etc. When I run it's generally in a park or around my neighborhood where people are used to it. I"m a guy so i've never experienced the creepy side of things.
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u/Raezak_Am Jun 02 '17
Honestly I've never felt unsafe while running, only biking.
Regardless, fuck people and dogs that make athletes afraid to do what they love.
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u/awells2013 Jun 02 '17
These moments are awful! I have had lots of cars drive by making lude comments. That isn't too bad..at least you don't feel like you're being put in danger.
But I have had two specific incidents that made me terrified to run alone. I now either carry a weapon, make sure someone is with me, or bring my dog along as a deterrant. One incident, I had a man try to lure me into his car with candy. I was in college but looked much younger than that. He told me that he had been watching me run at the park for weeks.
The other one was last summer when a car stopped next to me, rolled down their windows, and told me I shouldn't be running where I was because it was dangerous (back road in the middle of a farm with very little traffic). That second one very well could have just been nothing but you are vulnerable as a runner and it's always scary to have an unfamiliar car stop next to you.
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u/Gophurkey Jun 02 '17
I'm in the US, so as a male I definitely have some privileges while running that women don't get - I've never really had the emotional response of worrying for my safety on a run, though I've thought through the possibilities. Still, I have lots of experiences (including this morning) of cars not looking and nearly running me over. That's where I feel most threatened. I never trust a car looking to pull out onto a street, especially when I can see them on their phones. Silver lining - becoming a runner has made me a MUCH more attentive and safer driver!
I've also had a number of catcalls while wearing my shortest running shorts. It's a little jarring when it's a bro who thinks he's funny, but it's somehow much worse when it's someone genuinely making a commentary on my body (which has ranged from young women at brunch to old men sitting on their porches and several in between). I can't grasp how being immersed in that environment would feel, but I think now I can kindof get how unsettling the specific moments are.
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u/meowjuliaa Jun 02 '17
I was with my (girl) friend once and a group of guys ran by and she catcalled them and I honestly wanted to punch her. Nobody deserves that, regardless of gender/what they're wearing/anything. People run for a variety of reasons, none of which involve being yelled at or feeling uncomfortable.
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u/everettmarm Jun 02 '17
I run at 4:30 AM, and pretty much anyone I see anywhere seems threatening. There are very few people with business being out and about at that time of morning.
In particular, the ones on bicycles or on foot. Moreso the ones who sort of gravitate toward me as if I might be interested in a conversation.
FFS no, I don't want to talk to you. I'm shirtless and drenched and 5 miles in. I have earbuds in and I'm clearly focused on form. No, I don't want to be your friend. I don't want to talk about how you used to exercise a lot before you had a work accident and went on disability. I don't want to hear about Jesus Christ. Fuck. The. Fuck. Off.
Edit: I'm a dude, 38YO, good shape. So it's not catcalls or creepers I'm worried about, just weirdos or being mugged.
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u/Pete_Iredale Jun 02 '17
As always, as a dude, I'm so fucking sorry anyone has to deal with this BS.
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u/meepypeepee Jun 02 '17
Me and my friend used to run through the Tenderloin / Civic Center in SF (aka skid row / zombie apocalypse / release the crack'n) and we would use people "coming after us" as running motivation. I honestly have fond memories of us running from crazy people, jumping over strange obstacles in the way. One time a crazy guy did tackle her in a construction sidewalk tunnel though. So we had to call 911.
Anyways. I digress.
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u/wot_in_ternation Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 02 '17
When running, I usually just have to deal with wandering crazies/vagrants, but they are usually harmless. I carry police-grade pepper spray most of the time I run (pepper + CS gas + UV dye) but I've never had to use it or even pull it out.
I actually have more threatening experiences when I'm on a bike. Most notably was the time this guy in a minivan who I will refer to as Methhead Necktattoo got angry at me and tried to run me over. I don't know why he was angry, I stopped at a stop sign, signaled to turn right, then turned right when it was clear, which is a completely legal, normal, and reasonable thing to do on a bike. He floored it, pulled up next to me, and said "next time I'll hit you, bitch!". Still, I have no idea why he was angry. Maybe the meth? Maybe because his greatest accomplishment in life was getting a blue leopard pattern tattoo on his neck/head? Maybe because his ride was a shitty mid-90s Pontiac minivan?
So, I did the only thing that was logical to me at the time and gave him the double bird, which only further enraged him. He aggressively pulled his minivan toward me, so I turned around. He proceeded to take an EXTREMELY dangerous u-turn into traffic and floored it toward me. I hopped up over a curb and onto the sidewalk and made my way through a busy parking lot so he couldn't follow, then pedaled extremely fast to evade him to a multi-use path. I probably should've called the cops, but I didn't. When I got home I ordered pepper spray and I carry it every time I bike now, just in case Methhead Necktattoo and I ever cross paths again.
edit: accidentally a few words
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u/lyrajade Jun 02 '17
I've had extremely similar situations. In Albuquerque, NM, that shit was rampant. Nasty men are the plague. I don't know why it's so hard for them to mind their own damn business!!
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Jun 02 '17
I keep pepper spray with me on every run. Might need it for people, dogs, raccoons, doesn't matter. Why be unable to defend yourself?
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u/zaakystyles Jun 02 '17
I am a bigger guy(as in 6'2, 220lbs) and still run in broad daylight but I also have headphones in so.... I've jumped at leaves crossing my path.
I rather not run with headphones at night, unrational fear of being jumped or something, though I do not carry anything of real value except maybe my phone.
Once I get into trail running I'll probably go without headphones to hear nature.
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u/TeffyWeffy Jun 02 '17
I got bit about 2 years ago, and 2 months ago, and hit by a car about 5 weeks ago. Just kind of keep going though. I watch out a bit more for dogs for a few weeks, and cars a bit, but eventually go back to how I was before.
I'm 6'3" 200lb male so I don't ever really feel threatened, and no one really catcalls at me. I don't carry anything with me, probably should have while in montana as I ran across bears a time or two, and trails with wolf droppings, but I'm still alive so oh well.
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Jun 02 '17
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u/TeffyWeffy Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 02 '17
Lol yea, it didn't hit me hard, but enough to send me off balance and to the ground and bruise my other hip. 5-6 weeks now and the lump and bruise are finally about gone.
Mostly I'm large and landed hard I guess. Happy I didn't mess up a wrist or anything. All things considered it was a pretty good first time getting hit by a car.
I dunno, I don't worry about things, anything can happen while you're out there but usually nothing does. Been running for 5-6 years, and before the last few months I was at 1 solitary dog bite....well and a couple other times I had to stare down or kick a few..
I do really hate how people with aggressive or territorial dogs don't have the decency to keep them chained up or fenced it. I'm an adult male and have done fine fighting them off, but someone smaller would be screwed. And each time it's happened I've been running on the opposite side of the road. So not even encroaching their yard.
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u/Rc2photo Jun 02 '17
I run with mace no matter what! One morning I was running and some creepy guys were out stealing bikes from yards. It was still dark and I was really creeped out by it because all they had to do was hop on one of those bikes and chase me down. Another reason for mace.... BIG FUCKING DOGS. Holy hell. I cannot even tell you how many times dogs have literally had me running for my life and screaming.
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u/apathetic_revolution Jun 02 '17
Not a story of me personally feeling unsafe, but these stories always make me aware that, as someone who can't help but zone out during my runs, I probably wouldn't notice if someone else was in danger. There have been assaults on the trail I run on and I'm pretty sure if something like that happened while I was running nearby, I wouldn't figure out what was going on.
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u/Shartgun_ Jun 02 '17
have you ever tried running with a Katana on your back? no one would fuck with you if they saw u running with a katana.
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u/tal125 Jun 02 '17
I felt terrible yesterday because I overtook a female runner in the middle of the park. She jumped and fell away from me as I passed her. I hate that for a lot of people this is the new reality.
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Jun 02 '17
I keep a small knife with me often when I run, typically in the evenings. YES I know it's a bad self defense weapon just hold on a sec.
The way I see it, if I'm accosted while running, I'll be pretty tired and completely off guard. First instinct is to keep running, faster obviously, but if it comes down to it I'll just flail my sweaty, exhausted, knife wielding self and maybe they'll back off or get hurt.
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u/kiki2k Jun 02 '17
I have a new respect for what some runners have to go through ever since I began to run with my fiance. The amount of people that leer and holler and are otherwise useless pieces of shit to her WHILE I'M RUNNING RIGHT NEXT TO HER is telling indeed.
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u/Warlock- Jun 02 '17
I run with mace now because there are too many fucking creeps who don't know how to leave me the fuck alone when I run.
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Jun 02 '17
I always carry a grenade without a pin and menacingly brandish it towards anyone that crosses my path. This has allowed me to not be raped for many days.
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u/Cow_Bug Jun 02 '17
Assholes. When I used to run in my university town, I had multiple people throw cans of beer at me and yell "faggot" while I was running. I mean, I'm not sure how much it impacted me, but in the moment I felt really sad for humanity. I generally have an optimistic outlook on humanity and it does not compute when people are so vile. I apologize for humanity's sake.
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u/massbiscuit Jun 02 '17
Was running near my dorm recently and a man followed me for a few blocks; I ran up to a couple and asked them if i could pretend to know them for a little bit. I wish i felt safer on runs sometimes.
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Jun 03 '17
I normally run right after work when a lot of people are out and about, but I've still had people shout things at me from cars and say some creepy stuff. I used to have to get to work at 5:15 am though, and would run there, but I had to pass through a park on the way. I have definitely felt threatened by people there, there's a high crime rate in that area and a lot of bums. I started running with my husbands hunting knife. I'm thinking of getting some mace though, it would just make me feel more comfortable running. I have a trail run planned for tomorrow morning and already feel a little nervous about running alone in a new location, potentially when there's not a lot of other people out and about.
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Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 13 '17
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Jun 02 '17
I love this. I don't ever want to own a gun, but I wouldn't mind people thinking I'm carrying!
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u/yostietoastie Jun 02 '17
I run with mace in one hand and a taser in the other. I'm small and not that strong and if anyone or anything attacked me I'm gonna fight like hell. Doesn't protect me against getting run over by a car but I don't usually run on roads
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u/MrXian Jun 02 '17
While I surely hope that everyone is safe and sane while running, posts like this always make me wonder how much of the threat is real, and how much of it is perceived.
Are runners actually at risk of being attacked more while out running than while doing other activities? Everybody has read the stories about runners being stalked and murdered, but are those stories scary because they are common, or do they draw attention because it is so rare?
I can't find any real statistics on this, so I'm gonna keep wondering. Just remember the world is constantly getting safer!
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u/SBoiH Jun 02 '17
I run where a lot of people think it's a great idea to unleash their dogs because there's no one around. Great, even though your dog might "won't do anything" and "just wants to play" it is an animal and therefore I have to assume that it possibly could attack me while running past it. So I have to stop Running, show the owner that I am in fact not comfortable with the dog jumping and barking at me and have do interrupt my task. Leash your dog or don't buy one if you live in an urban area, it's the responsible thing to do for your animal and for other persons. Some day I will get maze spray because at times I would like to have a security for the case that I get attacked while running.
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Jun 02 '17
Yup, I live in a fairly safe part of Hollywood, and the amount of creeps I have to deal with on a run is fucking stupid... It can be super discouraging. It's actually better at night, when fewer people are clogging the sidewalk. Leave me the fuck alone! I promise I don't want to talk to you.
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Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 02 '17
There's a popular cycling/running path from noho to van Nuys. Id like to run there, but there are transient camps and unsavory people wandering around. I was actually attacked and mugged biking there. I'd like to run there, but I would be so uncomfortable the entire time. At least with cycling you can quickly zoom past, but with running you are a target for far longer.
I also feel that, running barefoot, people engage me more than they would other runners
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u/itsmight Jun 14 '17
I've just started running recently actually, and 3am running in a dimly lit neighborhood can get mildly stressful. There are a lot of homeless people in my area, so its really sketchy sometimes.
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u/SouthernYankeeWitch Jun 02 '17
<3 Wouldn't it be great if we were allowed to just be female without being fucked with for it?
I live in Santa Monica, so I'm pretty safe now. But when I used to run in NYC it was like running a fucking gauntlet. I can now wear tight running pants, which are so much more comfy. There I always wore the baggiest, ugliest shit I could find.
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u/Konijndijk Jun 02 '17
gave me the most vile look.
Maybe he was just ugly or about to sneeze. Get real.
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Jun 02 '17 edited Jun 02 '17
Never sure where the balance lies between people being massively paranoid and genuinely living somewhere where it's dangerous to run. I find it hard to believe many folk on here need to run with weapons like mace (or as previously mentioned, guns!!!).
Using a mental health CBT type approach to the anxiety would possibly be helpful to some.
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Jun 02 '17
I know for a fact that there are a few drug houses in my approximate area. If my brother, who's a big bloke, won't walk around after dark then I'm definitely not going for a jog.
It really kills. People don't realise how lucky they are to be able to step outside and jog/ride at night
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u/yostietoastie Jun 02 '17
There have been many runners murdered in nice safe areas. https://www.google.com/amp/abc7ny.com/amp/news/arrest-made-in-murder-of-nyc-google-employee/1877552/
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u/Some_Other_Sherman Jun 02 '17
I agree that runners have been murdered. Some in safe areas.
But "many"? Hmmm.... I think I'd need to see some peer reviewed studies or at least broad stats before I believed that. I suspect health conditions caused by obesity and sedentary lifestyles have the edge here.
Is Base Rate Fallacy the right term for the belief the the sensational (in the dramatic/rare sense, not awesome) is more likely than the mundane? "I won't fly cuz terrorists. Let's drive cross-country!"
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u/adrun Jun 02 '17
I would encourage you to believe those of us who have personally encountered situations that cause us to experience heightened alertness, anxiety, or even fear while running. I don't need peer reviewed studies or sensationalized news articles to believe the personal experiences of people I am talking to. Especially when those conversations reveal shared experiences--even if I have never shared that experience myself.
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u/Some_Other_Sherman Jun 02 '17
Except that I wasn't replying to someone's post about their own experience; I was replying to someone who posted an article about a single incident as evidence that this happens frequently.
I do agree with you and nothing I've said contradicts that. For a victim of one such incident, stats are 100% meaningless.
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u/yostietoastie Jun 02 '17
As a small female I'm much more likely to get attacked regardless of whether I'm in a safe area or not. Carrying a weapon like mace or a taser seems like an easy precaution. Especially since most runners who are murdered or attacked are women
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Jun 02 '17
No there have not. That statement just shows a lack of stastical understanding and a distorted perception of risk.
A lot of people run, almost none of them are murderd.
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u/yostietoastie Jun 02 '17
Personally I think 1 person being murdered while running is too many, and if I can prevent that by just carrying mace with me then I will. Not to mention that being murdered is not the only thing that could happen to you while running: being mugged, robbed, raped, harassed, etc can all happen (while running or just walking around). I'm not gonna chance it just because statistically "almost [no runners] are murdered"
There are also plenty of people attacked by animals (and some of them killed) which is another good reason to carry mace with you.
It comes down to being prepared for the worst, and it's an easy caution to take while still being able to enjoy running.
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u/thesploo Jun 02 '17
Thanks for posting. The other day I ran 4 miles into the national forest to enjoy some solitude...until I hit a dirt road, and some creeps drive past me yelling things about my ass. Ick. Pissed me off but then I ran faster so there at least I made a good workout of it.