Last week a woman was running in the wee hours of the morning and she was attacked. Her attacker tried to pull her in the bushes but she went all karate kid on him and got away. I don’t know if I could have done that. I can tell you one thing, I don’t want to find out. This terrifies me because I’ve been known to go running at 3:30 am! I did this without telling my husband where I would be running and I would be gone for hours at a time. He never would have known if I was attacked or even hurt. I think a couple of times, I even went out without my phone.
I’m a very scary person when it comes to things like this because I was victimized when I was in my single digits. I’m always looking for suspicious situations and sometimes I go all Jason Bourne and knows exit routes in most situations.
I like to exercise outside and many of you might feel the same way. It’s always better to workout in the fresh air, right? There are things that we need to do to protect ourselves when we take our workouts outside no matter what time of day. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’re at a less greater risk of becoming a victim of attack because it’s daylight. Always be on guard.
Here are some suggestions for staying safe when you take your workout outside:
1. Always have a plan and tell someone your plan. Do regular check-ins with people to know so they know you are ok.
2. Always carry your phone with you. If you notice something suspicious or just need help, you know you can always call someone.
3. Take a self defense class. (I must admit I didn’t go to the self-defense class offered for runners and I regretted it ever since. I’m going to get in a class ASAP though.)
4. Carry some pepper spray or a stun gun or stick…something. Yes you can use it to defend yourself against people, but sometimes people let pets roam free and you can use it in that situation too. I know someone who got bit by dog last week when she was out getting her workout on.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. That might mean you no music or keeping it low. That means be on watch for cars on the road that may not even be near you. Always know where you are just in case you need to call for help.
6. If you go out in the dark, make sure you’re wearing reflective gear. Invest in a head light or anything that will make you visible.
7. Try to stay to populated areas where you will always be seen.
8. Have a workout buddy to go with you. That way you’re not alone and there’s always someone else to call for help just in case you can’t.
What other tips do you have for staying safe when working out outside?
