5 Essential Ways To Protect Yourself If You Like To Run Alone

“I Want To Run By Myself But… Dammit I Don't Feel Safe!”

The frustration with even having to think about safety while we go about our daily lives is common with women I work with in my self-defense programs. It pisses me off too, and yet I know that the “but I shouldn't have to…” mindset can lead you into more danger. 

Let's Be Real

The reality is that there are dangerous people out there who either seek specific targets that you may match or are alert to targets of opportunity (and you could be one, running alone in an isolated area at a time of day where the likelihood of assistance being nearby is low).

If you want to run in the early morning or late at night, on trails in a forest, through your neighborhood, or out on local roads, you absolutely can. But make an informed decision and be prepared.

So What Should I Do?

• Know what it could cost you and your family/loved ones if you were assaulted/attacked, and know what your personal reason to survive is. Weigh those things against the benefits of that run and judge for yourself if it is worth the risk.
• Take a REAL WORLD self defense class (not one that teaches choreographed techniques you have to memorize, one that shows you what your natural weapons are and how to use them). 
• Give yourself permission to LISTEN to your “bad feeling” if you get one, and to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to render an attacker non-functional/unable to continue the attack (ie. injured to such a degree that he is disabled, unconscious or dead).
• If you want to carry a self defense tool (stun gun, pepper spray, firearm, baton etc) TRAIN with it in realistic scenarios, and be aware that if it isn’t in your hand at the moment you need it (and ready to use) it won’t do you any good til you get through the initial attack and reach point where your cognitive brain catches up AND you can actually access it.
• Have a plan for the aftermath (including being able to articulate to police what happened, what you did, and why a reasonable person would do the same, PLUS medical care, mental health care, and specialized support such as somatic experiencing to help heal the trauma).

OK Fine. I'll Get A Dog

A dog can be a great help, but only if it is one that will take action if you need it to. My Golden Retriever made friends with anyone & everyone, and would have run away if I were screaming and fighting. I now have two Protection-trained German Shepherds who will absolutely act if anyone threatens me, whether I ask them to or not. They give me a great extra layer of protection when I'm out and about on my own.

Acceptance Does Not Mean Approval

It sucks that women can't lace up and head out for a walk or run without having to think about their safety. But that's the way it is. To be angry about the need, or to deny it and head out into potentially dangerous territory to prove a point puts you at risk.

It's always your choice. And I'll always encourage you to #choosesafety. You are a VIP, and your gifts & talents are needed. There's no need to be paranoid or to exist in a state of fear, nor to “play it safe” and never do the things you enjoy. Just be realistic and smart about your choices.