Running While Woman (Safety Tips from a 5 ft Woman)

If I asked my parents how to run safely as a woman, my dad would respond to not go running at all. As funny as that is, I’m at the point where I refuse to give up my passion and joys due to the injustice of the current climate we are living in where women going for jogs in broad daylight are viciously attacked in ways that are preventable if not for how the way our country has been run. 

That being said, there are measures that we as women can take to ensure our safety (Although maybe not our family’s peace of mind). I’m not going to stop running outside anytime soon and muggers will always exist, so this is how I deal with managing my safety while on a run without my husband. 

Situational awareness is key. If there is a rough side of town, I know it is not for me. If there is anywhere that I would not push a baby stroller, then I won’t run through there. That includes if there are no sidewalks, obviously do not run on the road. You may be aware of drivers but they will not be aware of you. I know it is frustrating to find sidewalks, for some reason the world is not as accessible to walking and jogging as it should be but maybe if enough people did it then it may open some eyes of people who actually have power to make that change. 

As a woman who thrives on spontaneity-PLAN YOUR ROUTES AHEAD OF TIME. I know, I know, I am guilty of seeing a cool looking bird and randomly turning to the right, but it is easier to get lost than you think, even in an area you may believe you are familiar with. Especially on longer runs farther than 13 miles, the brain works in mysterious ways and if you have not fueled properly, you can become disoriented. It’s best to have a plan and familiarize yourself with it. 

Along with having a plan it is important to at least let one person know about it. If you do not have a partner to text, then even a family member or friend. The text can look something like ‘Hey, I’m going for a jog along Chester Avenue right now. I’m going to text you when I’m back home just in case!’ I have two running friends who we just automatically have our locations shared with one another in case something was to happen. Obviously, my location is always shared with my husband as well, but it is rare for me to go on outside runs without him. 

If you run along the same route regularly, PLEASE make sure you do not run it at the same time every day. I hate that we live in this kind of world but truly we never know who is watching us and if they are also taking notice of our routines. You can never be too reasonably cautious. 

Staying alert is difficult when there is nothing that I would rather do then put my noise canceling headphones on and run in this cool weather but realistically that makes me susceptible to a surprise attack. If I wear my air pods, I typically will only wear one that way I am at least half-aware. 

Self-Defense is a skill every woman should have. It is important to carry some sort of tool to have for this such as pepper-spray, a handgun, a taser, or an alarm that emits some sort of loud sound or flashing lights. Recently I went through the process of getting a gun and a holster that allows me to carry it in my leggings. Thankfully I have not had any use of it yet, but I still will exercise that second amendment and in light of recent events no one can tell me otherwise. Being prepared to fight back against an assailant is nerve-wracking but necessary. Make it a girl's night to go to a self-defense class together! 

When running at night, (again I can hear my dad saying, “DON’T DO IT!”) It is important to exercise EVERY precaution available. In addition to everything above, wear your reflective gear! Wear a bright light on your head or chest that way you are visible to the cars and people around you, and you are aware of the kind of terrain that your next steps will be on. My nastiest falls while running have always been at night and thanks to uneven sidewalks. 

It saddens me that we live in a world where it is easier to tell a woman to just not run rather than telling others to not harm them but there will always be evils in this world. It's important to not lay down in times of sorrow out of fear or discomfort but rather embrace every day with the joy and knowledge that He has already overcome this world and one day so will we. (John 16:33)