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Running is a great way to keep in shape and clear your head after a long day. But, anyone who is alone can be seen as a potential target for a predator. Making a few small changes will help decrease the chance of you falling victim to a predator and won’t have you giving up your beloved daily run.
Be Prepared
Pepper spray is a popular choice for runners because you can carry a canister on a rope around your neck, and some canisters are small enough to easily fit in your hand and often come with a hand strap. If you choose to carry a weapon, some companies sell concealed carry clothing for runners so that you can quickly access the firearm but don’t have to deal with the hassle of holding it for your entire run. The most important parts of choosing a personal protection device are ensuring that it is legal in your state and taking classes to learn how to properly use it.
Stop Distractions
It’s normal to want to listen to music or your favorite podcast while you are on your run, but doing so doesn’t allow you to hear everything that is going on around you. Someone could easily come up behind you, and you wouldn’t have any idea. If you can’t stand the thought of not having something to listen to, put in just one earbud so that the other ear can still hear what is happening. However, experts agree that if you go running at night, you should never listen to anything.
Increase Awareness
When you are running alone, you need to be mindful of everything and everyone around you. If running on the street, stay on the sidewalk, and run facing oncoming traffic. If you feel that someone is following you, change course to a very populated public area or business and ensure you aren’t be followed. Finally, look people in the eye as you pass them. Most predators don’t want to be identified and will be thrown off by you looking at them.
