question for runners

M

mich23

Cathlete
Years ago I had a run in with a stranger while running on a path. Ever since I have carried pepper stray. I have started running again. Now we live in a nice neighborhood. Yesterday morning, since it was still dark when I left for my run, I clipped my pepper spray to my shorts and headed out the door. Even though I am running through the neighborhood, I still feel safer with the pepper spray in reach.

However, there is a part of me that feels silly that I need to carry pepper spray with me - I even make excuses for it and I tell my husband that I am worried about some of the dogs in the neighborhood. Am I being silly? Do any of you carry pepper spray while you run?

Thanks,
Michelle
 
Michele...I ALWAYS carry pepper spray and my DH would be upset if I didn't!! I live in a very nice neighborhood and the one time I used it was on a dog. But you have to be careful and aware of your surroundings, so if you want my advice...keep carrying it!...:)...Carole
 
absolutley not michelle,you are not being silly. just b/c you live in a nice neigbhorhood doesn't mean a sicko can't walk to your neck of the woods.predators don't just live in the "ghetto" and rapes just don't happen in the bad part of town.i am not trying to scare anybody but you have a justified reason b/c it can happen to ANYBODY and it can happen ANYWHERE. and that fact that you are aware and prepared makes your chances of getting away alot more effective.

and yes you should worry about the dogs too. we have had several dog attacks in this area in the past year b/c owners cannot keep their dogs under control and let them run free. and we all know if they run free and not trained they can hurt somebody.

i don't carry pepper spray,but i run in daylight on familiar roads. i do carry keys(try poking somebody in the eye with or without keys and they will let go) and know defense moves. i am not a weakling by any means and usually if a predator sees you are not afraid,they move on. remember these ppl prey on those they believe they can control. just be aware your surrounding,if something isn't right and you don't feel comforatable just run back home and report it if you must. its better to be safe then sorry.

kassia



When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey
 
Thanks for your quick replies.

Carole - is there any special way you carry your spray? I always have this vision of it accidentally going off and I'm the one that gets it! :) CRAZY, I know! I just clip it on the back of my shorts. Thanks.
 
>Thanks for your quick replies.
>
>Carole - is there any special way you carry your spray? I
>always have this vision of it accidentally going off and I'm
>the one that gets it! :) CRAZY, I know! I just clip it on
>the back of my shorts. Thanks.

Michele...mine also has a clip so I clip it on the front of my shorts or the front of my leggings in the winter. It hasn't gone off so far!!...:)...I also agree with jennfit about not running with earphones, but of course that is my preference...Carole
 
I usually carry my pepper spray, too. Sometimes I take my cell phone instead. Anyway, when I run, I always have the pepper spray in my hand ready to fire! I feel pretty safe in my neighborhood and have even felt silly sometimes for carrying it but it's better to be safe than sorry.
 
I run with my pepper spray in one hand and my keys in the other, ready to spray or stab at a moment's notice. If someone or a dog jumps on you, you won't have time to reach into your pocket. No, you are not being silly! Assume the worst.

By the way, my pepper spray has a safety mechanism on it; you have to lift a piece of plastic to actually press the spray. This way, you won't accidentally spray yourself or anyone around you. But if/when necessary, you can easily point and shoot. And no, I don't find it annoying to carry it; I've run long runs with it.

Elaine
 
Carry the spray. Your encounter on the trail years ago confirmed that you should have it at all times. I think you should carry it for the dogs alone! Growing up, I had a neighbor that was attacked so bad by the dog next door. Long story short, it's a miracle she lived.

Also, when passing people, make eye contact and give them a cheery "Hello" or a "Good Morning". Many attackers use the element of surprise to their advantage and acknowledging them let's them know that YOU know they are there.
 
I think you're being smart. I bring my big, protective german shepherd with me when I run. Someone would really have to think twice to mess with her! :)
 
I would totally carry it but thought it was a hard item to get. My dad used to read meters for the Power Company and they issued it. I also asked a friend who is a Postal Carrier about it and she said it is something that is issued and accounted for. So my question would be where do you get it?

I have often wished for it when I go mountain biking. I can get so far back into the forest that I am always looking around. You just never know anymore. I am a big "trust your gut" kind of person and pay attention to those feelings. Not just evil people, but dogs, bobcats and the occasional mountain lion.
 
>I would totally carry it but thought it was a hard item to
>get. My dad used to read meters for the Power Company and
>they issued it. I also asked a friend who is a Postal Carrier
>about it and she said it is something that is issued and
>accounted for. So my question would be where do you get it?
>
>
>I have often wished for it when I go mountain biking. I can
>get so far back into the forest that I am always looking
>around. You just never know anymore. I am a big "trust your
>gut" kind of person and pay attention to those feelings. Not
>just evil people, but dogs, bobcats and the occasional
>mountain lion.

Might depend on what state you live in. I got mine from my DH as he works for a water company. But I know they sell it in Calif at some gun shops. I bet you could search online and find it too. We have those pesky mountain lions here too, although so far all I have seen are tracks....not sure I'd ever think about not running with mine on trails ot thru the neighborhood...:)...Carole
 
I carry pepper spray when I remember to grab it as I'm leaving the house :eek:

There are some places that I won't run alone without it.

I'm in CA and bought mine in a running store.
 
On the pepper spray, ladies...don't forget to test it frequently! You don't want to suddenly need it and as you try to spray, realize that the nozzle is clogged! Anytime I had mine, I gave it a quick squirt (outside) to make sure it was in working order. Avoid eye contact with the hand you used to "test squirt" until you can wash any that may have gotten on your spray finger.
 
One more thing, that is obvious, but I have to mention...keep it away from kids.

Many years ago, when my sister and I were very young, my dad kept a can in the glove box of the car. Well my sister got into it and was playing around with the can of spray. You can imagine what happened. She was about 2 years old, and I was 5, and we both remember it to this day. It was awful to see the consequences of this accident.
 
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