We always talk about personal safety as runners (in my case, especially as a female runner), but more and more, I’m seeing a need to be more mindful. (this post has been updated from its original version on August 12, 2020)
On Friday, September 2, 34 year old Eliza Fletcher went for a run in Memphis. Her morning workout quickly turned to horror when she was chased and grabbed, forced into a vehicle and abducted. Tragically, authorities discovered her body on Monday, almost eight miles from where she was taken. Today we have the knowledge that a mother, wife, and member of the running community is no longer here, a victim of a terrible act of brutality.
Again, we must remember that even though we SHOULDN’T HAVE to worry about our safety, we DO HAVE TO worry about our safety. Especially for women, going out for a run is charged with layers of decisions, precautions, and backup plans. And While I hated that this is our reality, it is, in fact our reality.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Please stay safe.
What do you do to protect yourself when out running or cycling?
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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!
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.
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.
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I like the idea of that Run Angel. It’s great that it sends an alert.
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.
You just don’t know. I always felt fairly safe in our community. Now, it makes me wonder.
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
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.
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.
Oh, same. And I didn’t have much patience to begin with LOL.
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.
It really is. That’s great you have a built-in running buddy!
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.
Yuck. I hate that there routes with that kind of reputation.
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.
It’s so scary and I don’t blame you one bit.
It has been such a hard few days learning about what happened to Eliza. I’ve always run with pepper spray and just replaced my bottle this weekend. I ordered a Go Guarded but I am not sure if I will run with it all the time. Even though I have a Coros watch I bring my Garmin so I can use Live Tracking and send my location to my husband. I think its a good idea to take a self-defense course and I am going to be on the lookout for one.
These are great reminders. I am a little leery of carry some sort of weapon as it could also be used against me. I still believe running w a buddy is the best defense and making sure you can hear what is going on around you
These are great tips.
I agree with Deborah. If possible, do not run alone!!
I hate that we have to have these kinds of posts, such a sad story. But I appreciate the reminder – I have never taken self-defense but I’m considering checking out some classes. It’s a shame that we have to worry about these things when we’re just trying to take care of our bodies.
Yes, this is so sad and terrible. I can’t even imagine what Eliza’s family is going through. These are all great tips. I don’t run with anything other than my phone, and I know I should get some sort of protection. I usually run in well-populated areas, but you never know. It does make me angry that my husband has the freedom to run whenever and wherever he wants, and I don’t. But that’s life.
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How sad that we can’t go running easy and carefree! These are great reminders, Jenn.
I’ve just come back from a bike ride and went without my Road ID. I must remember to wear it on all my runs and rides. If I’m unconscious, the first responders will have no idea who to contact!