• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

runners celebrate earth day

how can runners celebrate earth day?

|week 16| gearing up for summer

5 ways to manage seasonal allergies

taking charge of your personal safety

August 12, 2020      16 Comments

We always talk about personal safety as runners (in my case, especially as a female runner), but until recently, I thought it was more of a passive precaution. That changed, about two weeks ago, when I witnessed my husband become the target of a road rage incident in our community. He was not at fault in the slightest – his only failing that day was being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The incident was a disproportionate overreaction to a momentary pause, that led to verbal and physical threats. It never should have happened.

Everything is fine, but there was police involvement, and I realized that personal safety should never be a second thought.

personal safety

Whenever I’ve talked about personal safety, it’s always in the context of an accident or an injury. I usually feel very safe when I am out and about, and I like to consider myself cautious, but that doesn’t protect me in the case of someone looking to do wrong. Violent and aggressive people are out there, especially in today’s emotionally charged times, and we all need to stay on guard.

The Usual Rules Apply

No matter what, the usual rules apply. Stay alert. Keep your phone on your person. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Use lights and reflective gear if it’s dark. Don’t run alone in remote areas. Keep your music low so you can stay aware. These are all great for helping not get hit by a vehicle or to make sure someone knows to look for you if you suffer a collapse or injury. But let’s say you are approached, or even followed or attacked on your run, walk, or bike ride. Then what?

Sound The Alarm

If approached, I am very much in the camp of “disengage and get away.” I’m not interested in wasting any time or energy on the situation if I can help it. A personal alarm can be a great way to throw a wrench in a perp’s plans, as well as signal that you are in need of assistance.

Holding two buttons down on the sides of my iPhone will signal an Emergency SOS (and it’s pretty frightening if you’re not expecting it) and dial 911. You can also purchase something like this personal safety Birdie alarm, which you can easily carry in your hand or clipped to you, and activate (130db siren and flashing strobe light) in your time of need.

personal safety
Courtesy of ShesBirdie.com

Take a Self-Defense Class

Do you know what to do if someone grabs you or gets in your space? A basic understanding of self-defense is a great thing for everyone, if you find yourself in a position to need it. Check with you local martial arts studio or police department – many of them offer self-defense classes to teach you a few basic techniques to help disarm or get you away from potential assailants.

personal safety

Carry Protection

Should you worry about things escalating, it’s always possible to carry some form of protection. Maybe it’s pepper spray or a taser. You could always run with keys between your fingers or something similar. There are also plenty of tools on the market, such as this retractable cover knife ring from Go Guarded. While I don’t love the idea of being close enough to need any kind of weapon, there is some peace of mind in being able to defend yourself if necessary.

personal safety
Courtesy of GoGuarded.com

Keep Your ID On You

In the event you do encounter an emergency situation, it’s important to have your emergency contact information readily available. Road ID is perfect for this purpose: offering wristbands, bracelets, shoelace tags, and other wearables that announce your name, an emergency contact number, and any known allergies or medical conditions. All of this is so critical to getting you the help you need as fast as possible, especially if you are in no condition to share it yourself.

Use code JENNRUNS20 to save 20% on your RoadID.com purchase (good until October 1).

personal safety

Have you noticed that people are just a bit more prone to anger than normal?

What do you do to protect yourself when out running or cycling?

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Organic Runner Mom each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Catrina says

    August 12, 2020 at 6:18 am

    Great tips, Jenn!
    I have only recently started to wear a Road ID – after I learned about it from this blogging community.
    I think being alert and doing what you mentioned under “The Usual Rules Apply” are very helpful preventive measures to avoid dangerous situations.
    I like the idea of an alarm!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 13, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      The alarm is great, if you are in area where someone will hear it. I would hope that it would scare someone off, as well.

      The blogging community is so great for learning about so many neat (and helpful) products.

      Reply
  2. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    August 12, 2020 at 8:03 am

    Great reminders! I wear a road ID and I have have a Run Angel which is a personal alarm that also sends a message to someone that you need help, along with your location. It’s sad (and scary) that so many people seem more angry these days.
    Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…Want to Run Faster? How to Adjust Your TrainingMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 13, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      I like the idea of that Run Angel. It’s great that it sends an alert.

      Reply
  3. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    August 12, 2020 at 11:29 am

    I have my phone. But that’s it.

    I try to run with others or in a safe area. But you never know.

    Thanks for the tips.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 13, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      You just don’t know. I always felt fairly safe in our community. Now, it makes me wonder.

      Reply
  4. Deborah Brooks says

    August 12, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    I am also a disengage person but heck people seem to be way more aggressive these days. We were really verbally berated by a biker a few weeks ago. I had not seen that alarm but that sounds like a great option that cannot be used against you (like pepper spray). I stick to populated places and pre covid always ran in large groups. Nice tips stay safe out there

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 13, 2020 at 1:33 pm

      I kind of take it for granted that I’m not an easy target because I’m bigger (5’10” and fairly solid), but so many people around here pack heat and are ruthless with vehicles, and you just don’t know. I’m hoping it will never come up, but being prepared is the smart thing to do.

      Reply
  5. Shathiso says

    August 12, 2020 at 1:07 pm

    I’m so sorry your husband had to go through that! How awful 🙁

    Great safety points. You’re right – I’ve also noticed that people are definitely more high strung – there’s so much added tension in the air. I have good days but I’ve also found I lose my patience a lot quicker than before.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 13, 2020 at 1:31 pm

      Oh, same. And I didn’t have much patience to begin with LOL.

      Reply
  6. Kristen Woolsey says

    August 13, 2020 at 12:32 pm

    It’s so sad we have to think about these things, but great tips!
    I always run with my sister, so I have definitely taken for granted things like an ID.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 13, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      It really is. That’s great you have a built-in running buddy!

      Reply
  7. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    August 13, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    Yes, people’s fuses can be shorter, for sure.

    I don’t listen to music. I’ve taken self defense classes several times, but the real problem is you need to be taking them all the time.

    I also never run in the dark.

    There are routes I know that attacks have occurred on more than other routes, so I never run those routes alone.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 14, 2020 at 1:43 pm

      Yuck. I hate that there routes with that kind of reputation.

      Reply
  8. Debbie says

    August 14, 2020 at 12:07 am

    If I have to run in the dark I do carry pepper spray. I also try to stay aware. I was attacked, many years ago, when I was running very early in the morning. I managed to wrestle myself away and ran like hell. It took me a long time to even feel comfortable running in the daylight after that.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      August 14, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      It’s so scary and I don’t blame you one bit.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • how can runners celebrate earth day?
  • |week 16| gearing up for summer
  • 5 ways to manage seasonal allergies
  • why bdr safety harbor is my perfect comeback half (+ a discount code)
  • |week 15| bring the heat

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Before I turn in for the night, a reminder that ju Before I turn in for the night, a reminder that just because Earth Day is coming to an end, the work continues. 

Pick up litter on your runs or works (#plogging). Recycle. Mind your waste. Work to minimize your carbon footprint on this beautiful world we call home.

"The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for" - Ernest Hemingway

How do you plan to continue the work?

#EarthDay #savetheplanet #lovemotherearth #dogood #bethechange
🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌍 “The Earth will not 🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌍 

“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.”
—John Paul II

#earthday #DoGood #SaveThePlanet #LoveMotherEarth #BeTheChange
Let’s take a big step forward and smash the rest Let’s take a big step forward and smash the rest of this week!

Yesterday was a tense day, but Im seeing a small light at the end of the tunnel. Now to keep it going. There is always work to do, and the the only way to get it done is to dig right in!

Who’s digging in today?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
*** GIVEAWAY *** One winner will receive one FREE *** GIVEAWAY ***

One winner will receive one FREE month of @StudioSweat onDemand, an incredible platform for some of the best onDemand workouts around!
 
You know I love running, and that I miss
studio workouts, so @StudioSweat has been an incredible solution for my cross training and workout needs. Now, no matter where I am, I can enjoy a variety of top-quality workouts, with engaging, certified trainers at an affordable price.
 
They offer just about EVERYTHING, from
cardio, spin, and sculpt, to stretch and yoga, to youth and travel friendly options. Stream or download your favorite workouts to your available device and you can have a virtual
workouts wherever you are! Each class
description offers the duration, intensity and necessary equipment, so you’re always prepared and ready to go!
 
I’m getting back into spin with the Angry
Music Happy People session (those tracks, tho!), and I love all the incredible stretch options, to help me keep my runner’s muscles healthy!
 
GIVEAWAY RULES
- Follow @RunsWithPugs and @StudioSweat
- Like and save this post
- Tag three friends who would love to
try the Studio SWEAT onDemand platform
- BONUS - share this post to your
stories and tag me (good for one extra
entry)

{US Residents only. Giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Instagram. Studio Sweat and I just wanted to share the love. Giveaway closes Friday, April 23 at midnight ET. Winner will be selected at random and notified via DM).
 
  @StudioSweat #Giveaway #SSOD #FitnessGiveaway #hosted
Sunny days ahead! Five miles done with the ladies Sunny days ahead!

Five miles done with the ladies! The rain held off again and I’m grateful for that!

Busy day wrapping up school, going out for lunch, making Earth Day cookies, AND getting Dose #2 of my vaccine. Lots of emails to send, too! 

PS - keep watching this space! I’ve got a great giveaway coming up later today! You’re not going to want to miss it!

Anyone else loving this sunshine? 

#Running #SetbackToComeback
I mean.... Look at that pretty sit. This is five I mean....

Look at that pretty sit.

This is five seconds before she launched herself off the patio to go yell at her fur-ends for not inviting her into their yard (@sam3ph)

#pug #sweetlunapug
That feeling when you find your “lost”favorite That feeling when you find your “lost”favorite running tank AND the rain holds off! Winning!

Cool and breezy at the bridge. I didn’t push - it’s going to be a busy week so I want to conserve some energy for the days ahead.

How is Monday treating you?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Slept in, waited out the worst of the rain and lai Slept in, waited out the worst of the rain and laid out a drizzly 5k walk. I followed that up with an ab and arm workout and am going to park it on the couch for the rest of the day.

I am hopeful that this upcoming week is bright despite the storms. 

How is your Sunday?

#Running #SerbackToComeback
Today, we volunteered on behalf of a Scout working Today, we volunteered on behalf of a Scout working on her Eagle project. Over the course of two days, she led a team of volunteers in the creation of these artificial oyster reefs. 

In total, there are about 400 of these artificial reef pieces, made of oyster 🦪 shells set in concrete with burlap rebar. These blocks will be set along the shoreline to help prevent continued erosion, as well as filter the water and serve as homes for other sea creatures and marine life.

It was such a privilege to be part of this process. 

#scoutlife #saveourplanet #lovewhereyoulive #bethechange #saveouroceans #oyster #volunteer #momlife #momblogger #scoutmom
Chilly, drizzly, ugly morning. Super quick four mi Chilly, drizzly, ugly morning. Super quick four miles before heading off to a conservation project. 

Got my long run done on Thursday so I would be able to fit everything in. Fingers crossed the weather holds so it’s a productive day!

#Running #SetbackToComeback

Copyright © 2021 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!

This site uses cookies: Find out more.