I enjoy my daily runs/rides. (running on 3-4 days, cycle the others) I am used to the normal amount of whistles, honks, and guys hanging out the window as they drive by. However, recently a couple of different things have me wondering how many people this happens to.
Last week I had a man lean out the window as I ran across the crosswalk, attempting to flag me down. I continued my run, listening to my tunes and just thinking of my breathing. (the main attraction to running to me is that I can be alone with my thoughts and do the mental sorting that helps keep me sane) However, a half mile up the road, the same man had turned around and pulled into a drive, blocking my way and standing there. He gave me his card(which, please note future stalkers, if you are giving me a card when I am dressed to run, I don't have pockets, and any paper gets soggy with sweat)
Okay, well, I run a minimum of 3x week, times months and months times hundred of cars, so Ill take the one random outlier. But then yesterday as I was finishing my run, I noticed a guy using his phone to video me. (ick)
So tell me, am I in a sleazier area then I previously thought? Or does this happen to everyone? How do you handle it? How do you protect yourself?
This has never happened to me while out for runs. I think there are two for this: I live in a very quiet area and 2. You probably look WAY hotter than I do in my running gear.
The downsides of technology, ugh. I'm guessing you don't have your phone with you on your run, but if you do (or maybe start taking it with you), I'd whip mine out and (hopefully if you can do it in time) snap a clear pic of his face or even video and threaten him with it; saying either you'll post it all over social media saying what a scummy perv he is and what he's doing, or say your brother/brother-in-law/uncle/whoever is a cop and you'll pass that info along.
~*~*~* Only the one that hurts you can make you feel better ~*~*~*
~*~*~* Only the one that inflicts pain can take it away~*~*~*
Check out my latest story: Drawn to Addy - Part 2 Not while doing sports but some years ago (i was 18), while going to class once, I noticed someone staring at me strangely. I walked my usual route and after some 15 minutes, I noticed he was behind me (there was some distance) and the streets were a bit quiet. So i changed directions, walked quicker (I did not run because i did not want him to know i panicked) since I knew the city well and straight towards the police station which was very close. I think the moment i turned to the police station's street, he went the opposite way. I waited around there for a while.
You *cannot* be too careful when female and running. I run with two Great Pyrenees (think 150 lbs., each), and I've still had guys slow up in trucks and cars to either stare at me or, in one case, openly proposition me. So now I run with the dogs plus my Glock 26 in a FlashBang bra holster (bear in mind, I shoot competitively, so this isn't for everyone).
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A little thing of pepper spray would be good to keep on you...
As a male in a fairly quiet, safe part of my city, I cannot fathom that I live in a world where women have to carry pepper, knives, or even a pistol in order to safely get some exercise. Hats off to you for making the effort but, yeesh, something in our society is sure screwed up if that is necessary.
The only thing that I can say is that if someone was going to approach me that way then before I got to him I would have crossed the road and and done everything possible to avoid him and encouraging him. I don't know what the card was but any acceptance of his approach would be acceptance of him. I would entertain none of it and offer no encouragement whatsoever.
The video thing was probably just some guy who was going to say to his mates "hey look what I saw earlier - she's hot". What might be more of a concern are all the ones we don't see!
Just take routes that are populate with options of direction change should this happen again.
This has definitely not happened to me ...
My Karma just ran over your Dogma
I see your situation as a crime of opportunity. Try to eliminate the 'opportunity' and do not wait for something more to happen.
Why should the victim "Run Away" instead of learning to defend themselves? What you had was a very mild "Concern?" Compared to the worst case. Again, who would you rather have explain it to the cops?
I am not advocating anything except being prepared to stand up for yourself.
THEY are in the wrong, not you.
No this has not happened to me. It is not your fault - never let anyone try to make you think it is. Just another reason to be glad I live in the country, but creeps are everywhere...
I wish you, and all ladies good luck in your healthy pursuits.
You are absolutely right.
Always do whatever it takes to escape, first, then do what you have to. Size makes you a victim in most predators eyes. They go after the sick and the small because they're weaker, easier and less likely to fight well and hurt them. Watch a big cat stalk prey, that's how sexual predators work too.
I will walk, run if necessary, and I have. I was never a "Victim" type but I have had to fight and I was very good at it. There comes a time when you can't use tactics, walk, run, fly, anything except be ready to fight.
I DO NOT advocate violence of any kind, there's to much of that already. Some people just force you. At that point the decision is not yours and the only choice you have is to either explain why you killed them or let them explain why you died. It's not always that but it is some times. If it doesn't go that far then you stand to be hurt and that's not a lot of fun either.
Being prepared doesn't mean you have to do anything but it gives "YOU" the choice to decide the outcome. I have known women your size that could easily kick my butt. It's not size, it's training.
You're either a victim or not. Your choice.
I'm very predictable in general. I run work days before I shower and head in. The variance comes from my schedule. Ive been going different routes though now.
running at 4:30 in the afternoon in 90+ degree(f) heat will do that!
Okay Dirty_D. You know I'm teasin'
