• 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

Fall Runfessions: A September To Remember

The Unexpected Benefits Of A Fitness Comeback

getting it done, runner-style

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / experiments in runner safety

experiments in runner safety

September 1, 2021      18 Comments

Runner safety is a topic I discuss from time to time in this space. It’s important, but I admit to going through the motions in regards to it. In a lot of ways, I felt invinceble.

runner safety

The Situation

So what happened? I’ve dealt with things like loose dogs, the threat of a bobcat, random snakes, and the usual honking and cat calling. I feel like that’s all “normal” in the grand scheme of things.

However, this time, I encountered a woman, in broad daylight, who could be considered a threat. At the time, I didn’t know it, but she is “known” in our area, for her erratic and problematic behavior. Are there mental health issues at play? Yes, absolutely. However, that doesn’t make her a safe individual. I did end up calling 911, simply because she made statements like “I don’t want to live like this anymore” and “if we cut off our heads, will we die?” I was afraid for myself, but also that she might hurt herself or someone else.

It was a bone-chilling experience, and have no desire to repeat it.

First Things First

After I calmed down, the first thing I did was reach out to A’s karate instructor to talk about improving my runner safety. Not only is he a multi-degree black belt, but he is retired military, so he’s kind of a pro at self-defense. He agreed to take on myself, my usual running buddy, and her daughters for a women’s self-defense clinic, designed to give us moves to help us in situations where we feel threatened. I watch a lot of action movies, but I don’t know that that qualifies me to act towards my own protection.

runner safety

Packing Protection

Mr PugRunner and I had a long conversation about my runner safety (or lack thereof), when I go out alone. In many ways, I am incredibly safe. I don’t listen to music or podcasts, I change up my route, I let him know where I’m going to be and how long I plan to be there, etc.

I used to carry pepper spray, but it was awkward, so I would shove it in my sports bra. From there, the sweat led to some rusting, and I finally just pitched it as unusable. He would like me to resume that usage. I feel like I would spray myself in the face.

We compromised on this piece from GoGuarded.

runner safety

The GoGuarded Hand-Held With Pepper Spray straps to your hand with adjustable velcro. It’s lightweight and easy to hold, which satisfies my requirements for not being annoying or cumbersome. I struggle with carrying even a water bottle and fuel on long runs, so this was a big deal.

runner safety

Priced at $19.99, this piece boasts a pepper spray canister, and a short serrated blade of hard plastic, protected by two rubber flaps. That’s to help prevent “user error.” it’s very well made, and super simple to use in an emergency.

runner safety

While I hate that it has come to this, safety is first, and I am much better protected now. I am looking forward to reporting back on my self-defense class and all the great tips I’m sure will come from that.

How do you handle your own runner safety?

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 118360396_761035968043242_5720693199736450445_n-1024x1024.jpg

Grab our graphic and share the love!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Catrina says

    September 1, 2021 at 5:10 am

    That’s so scary with that woman, Jenn!
    So good that you have taken action to boost your feeling of safety.

    I make sure that I run in an area where I will pass other people once in a while – hikers, dog walkers and bikers. And if I run in the dark, I make sure I’m with a group of runners.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:20 pm

      Super scary.

      I was on a main road. In fact, a woman I know said she drove past and saw us talking. She would have stopped if she knew I was in a tight spot, so at least my acting skills were paying off.

      Reply
  2. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    September 1, 2021 at 8:36 am

    I run with pepper spray but I like the idea of having the go guarded connected to it as well. Im sorry that happened to you! Something else you could look into if you’re interested is a course called mental health first aid. I teach the youth version, but there is a version for how to help adults too. It teaches you what to do when you encounter someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Now, you will still of course need to call 911 if there is a safety issue, but it can be helpful in other ways.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      I absolutely love the idea of that. I am REALLY proud of how I handled the situation. I was super calm in the moment, and nothing escalated, which I would think is a good thing. The woman in this case has been Baker Acted multiple times, and went on to be arrested a day later for more concerning behavior, but she needs help.

      Reply
  3. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    September 1, 2021 at 10:59 am

    I’m pretty lax about safety.

    Thanks fir reminder. I should be more careful out there. You never know.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:17 pm

      You just don’t know.

      Reply
  4. Wendy says

    September 1, 2021 at 11:33 am

    I’ve written a few posts on runner safety. In fact, my review of the self-defense tools available to runners is my most viewed of all time! I use the GoGuarded ring. I feel that if I would encounter a predator, my instinct would be to push them away. The blade on the ring would do the job, I think. I’ve been warned about using pepper spray by several cops who were concerned that if it could be used on me or if the wind were blowing at me, the spray could blow in my face. We have to choose the tool that we are comfortable with and prepared to use. I hope you never have to use your weapon. That is very scary about that woman.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:17 pm

      Yeah, I was looking at the ring, but I thought it would annoy me to wear. My level of tolerance for irritating things factored in quite a bitt.

      Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks says

    September 1, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    I am pretty comfortable safety wise when I run. I run with a friend 99% of the time and feel pretty safe in our surroundings. I have been frightened by a loose dog or two. That is scary that happened to you. Always good to have a plan in place that you feel comfortable with

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      I’m not even scared of the loose dogs, really. I’m cautious, but I’m more worried about the bobcat.

      Reply
  6. Jenny says

    September 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Great post, and I’m going to look into the Go-Guarded. I’ve never had an issue, but there have been plenty of times I’m out on a run and I think “if someone were to attack me now, there’s no one around to help and nothing I could do.” I’ve thought about carrying something with me, but just have never gotten around to it. Thanks for this info!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      That’s just it. We get too comfortable. I’m 5’10” and big-boned. I’m not an easy target and I’m not very “moveable”. I *think* an attacker would go for someone who would be lighter and easier to pick up and overpower. But you just never know.

      Reply
  7. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    September 1, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    This looks like a great tool to have…I bought pepper spray ages ago but have never used it, years later and it’s still in its packaging. I tend to feel pretty safe on my neighborhood runs, but I do worry about the trails sometimes, and should be a bit more proactive in protecting myself.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:14 pm

      My originally pepper spray straight up rusted. So clearly, it got lots of use.

      I would carry something on our trails. We have bobcats, panthers, bears, and wild hogs. That being said, I am not sure I COULD spray an animal.

      Reply
  8. Kimberly Hatting says

    September 2, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    Thankfully, I feel very safe where I am. Your post is quite timely, though, in that Mollie Tibbetts’ assailant was FINALLY brought to justice this week (sentenced to life in prison with no parole). Personal safety is such an individual thing…glad you found a solution for your situation.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      September 2, 2021 at 5:14 pm

      I am so glad there was justice for Mollie.

      I am resentful that I have to worry about safety, but you just never know. Especially now when people are straight up WILD. I can’t leave it to chance. My area is safe, too. This wasn’t anyone I would see and view as a threat. But I also don’t know everyone’s demons, and the things she was saying made my blood run cold.

      Reply
  9. Laura says

    September 7, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    Your encounter sounds so scary! I’m glad you are okay.
    I used to always carry handheld mace when I lived in the Seattle area. There were a few situations where I got close to using it, but thankfully never had to (and obviously, it would not help with a mental health crisis). Now, I typically run early in the morning and most of the people who are out are older people on walks. But it’s something I should still take seriously.

    Reply
  10. Debbie says

    September 8, 2021 at 12:53 am

    I carry pepper spray when I run alone in the dark. I was attacked years ago so I’m always on the alert.

    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


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • Fall Runfessions: A September To Remember
  • The Unexpected Benefits Of A Fitness Comeback
  • getting it done, runner-style
  • 5 hacks to save your sanity over the holidays
  • why runners need variety

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.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!