As a female runner, one of the first tips you’ll hear for running safely is to run with a running buddy or in a group. While it can’t be argued that you are less likely to be the victim of an assault (whether out running or anywhere) if you are with a friend, that may not necessarily be enough reason for you to give up running solo.
While some women enjoy the camaraderie of running with the group, I find the solitude of running alone to be very freeing. Scientists have found that exercise increases blood flow to the part of the brain associated with clear thinking. It’s easier to tap into this mindfulness when no one is around to distract you.
Another tip that you will hear is to run in areas that are more frequently traveled or populated. While I don’t go out searching for remote trails, I do prefer trails that are quieter. Like many runners, I find running to be a stress reliever, an escape from every day cares and a chance to clear my mind. Running helps me to feel in tune with my mind and body, and by running alone I can set my pace to match my needs. Some runs may be slow and steady while other times I choose to challenge myself both mentally and physically. Either way I don’t have to worry about keeping up with someone else’s pace or holding back to match someone else’s needs. Perhaps it’s selfish, but I am entitled to have something that is just for me. Though family members and friends would prefer I not run alone, I am a strong, responsible and independent woman and I will continue my solo runs for my peace of mind and satisfaction. So if you love to hit the trails alone as much as I do, here are some tips that I use to ease the worries of others while making myself more confident as well.
Tips For Running Alone:
1. Always run with a fully charged phone.
2. Know the trails or the route that you’re planning on running. I always run on marked trails and run with a friend when I want to explore new territory.
3. Letting someone know where you’ll be running and for how long is good. Using an App that allows you to share exactly where you are throughout your run in real time is even better. There are several out there... I use Runkeeper Go.
4. Lock your car and take your key with you. This may sound like a no brainer and silly, but I’ve actually known people who leave their car unlocked or lock it and hide the key, so I had to put it in there.
5. No earbuds. See and hear what’s going on around you. I enjoy the quiet with just the sounds of nature. If you prefer to run with earbuds in and your tunes keep you motivated, running alone is probably not a good choice for you.
6. If you do see someone on the trails, say hello or give a nod and make eye contact, they’ll probably do the same. Because of that quick connection you’ll remember seeing each other. You’ll possibly be alerting a creeper that you’ve seen them and are aware of them, or else you’ll just be giving a little silent encouragement to a fellow runner. I know when I see someone else on the trails I always get a little boost and run a little quicker… It may also just be my competitive nature.
I also try to remember the details of people I see along the way. True story. My sister and I were out jogging in the woods near her house and a huge tree had fallen across one of the trails. There was a man working on chopping it with an axe so that it could be cleared from the path. My sister and I stopped and were chatting with him about it. He had forgotten his gloves and was starting to get blisters, though he had planned to be there working at it all day. I told him we might be back later and would bring him some gloves. As we walked away I asked my sister if she remembered what he looked like or what he was wearing. Neither one of us could recall many details and we giggled at how stupid it was that we could remember almost nothing about a man in the woods with an axe. We decided to loop back and see what details were accurate. Unfortunately, there weren’t many. We sometimes get complacent when we are close to home in familiar surroundings. From that day forward I‘ve made it a point to recall as many details as I can when I pass someone in the woods. We also did bring him gloves and he was super appreciative!
7. Finish your run in daylight. Even with headlamps terrain can be tough to see and you never know what (or who) might be lurking in the dark.
8. There are various small weapons that you can carry to use against an attacker (human or non human). Small knives, pepper spray, mace, whistles, alarms and more.
Important to remember: You must be able to access these things should you need to use them. Train, train, train at deploying anything you choose to carry.
9. Seek out a self defense class in your area. It will make you feel as powerful as your greatest run.
Ten would have probably be a better number of tips but this is what I’ve got. Please share your tips and feedback below. Keep running, be confident and be safe.
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