How to Stay Safe While Running? | AVOIDING CREEPS AND DANGEROUS SITUATIONS

Coach Morgan is going over running tips about being a safer runner. But we're not talking about injury prevention tips, but strategies about being more aware of your surroundings and cautious of the cars, bikes, and pedestrians you come into contact with.

[msnyaako]

I’ve been in law enforcement for 22 years. Great video Morgan. Best advice I can give, be alert be alert be alert and always have an escape route.

[CSWells-uqjx]

I once heard a police officer giving safety advice for women based on his experience in violent crimes. And he said the number one thing he would advise is, if anybody ever tries to get you into a car, fight for your life to not get in that car. It doesn’t matter if they have a gun. It doesn’t matter if they have a knife on you. You do whatever you can to run away. Because as he put it, “once you are in that car, it is all over.” None of the dead women that have been found in a myriad of state parks, were killed there. They were taken there in a car. so do whatever you have to do to stay out of that car. If someone has a blade to your neck, grab the blade with your hands and force it away and then run. If they are pointing a gun at you, just run. Your chances are better with someone trying to shoot you as you run away then they are in a car.

[swarnendumunshi]

This video is not only helpful for women but men alike especially in the localities where running is uncommon as a sport. I also faced many irrelevant comments as well as unruly behaviour during running. So in spite of running being liberating for me, I am still a little anxious until my running is complete as I go out for run solo at night.

[DomCOuano]

Look EVERYBODY in the eye. Nodding is optional. Don't let anyone think you don't see them and make sure they see you.

[kimberlysimmons]

In case this is helpful to someone, I’ll just add that I bought an annoyingly bright running light about a month ago. I run early in the morning, in a city, in the dark and I’ve noticed that other dogs and people don’t want to look at me because my light is so bright. I recognize it’s probably a false sense of security, but it’s made me feel a lot safer.

[Kelly_Ben]

I'm a solo female trail runner, sometimes at night. I've been harassed many times, but always on the road, never the trails. I live in a relatively safe country setting, but rapes and murders have occurred in such settings before. I refuse to let the fear of a very rare occurrence stop me from pursuing my passions and goals. I've taken numerous self defense courses, carry a knife and gel spray, (though the spray is more for the also rare threat of wild animals) and use Garmin live track so my husband can keep an eye on my progress in real time. I own guns, but can't imagine the discomfort of running with one, doubt I'd be able to draw it effectively if jumped, and wouldn't want to give my attacker access to such a weapon. As for men trying to put us at ease, I truly appreciate that, but my opinion is the more normal they act, the less of a perceived threat they are. Just keep running/ walking, smile and nod. Taking "evasive action" only sends up alarms for me, but others might feel differently. Happy running ladies!

[Mr_Fairdale]

There are women I see on my runs who sometimes have no idea I’m coming up behind them because they have air pods, etc and not open ear headphones. I give a wide birth when I pass but have occasionally startled a few. I’m not worried about being attacked but I wear open ear headphones to avoid bikes and snakes and such. Just an observation.

[DavidC-rtor]

Another possible option is to use Live Tracking (Garmin watch in this example) where between the watch/phone can send a url to folks you specify that is available during the activity and for 24hrs afterwards and shows live updates of where you are/speed etc. Someone could see if there might be an issue if you are stopped during a run/ride. (possibly due to a medical event/injury/mechanical (bike) etc).

[dannyjacobs]

As a mid-fifties male runner, I don't have the same concerns as any female runner. But I do still carry OC spray with me clipped on my shorts. I have concerns about dogs and I do run sometimes at 1-2 am, when even more crazy people are out. I personally carry POM OC spray, which is perfect.

[PS__]

One thing I would add is to also let someone know when you change up your route during a run. There have been a few times where I have had to change up a route and have called my husband to let him know the new route. Don’t always assume that people are actually looking at your “live tracking”.

I also carry pepper spray in my hand it goes on like a glove and make eye contact with everyone, I try and stay in the center of the path when near bushes and thick tree trunks. And if a car parks a little ways in front of me or a car is running. I immediately run to the opposite side of the street or avoid the whole area in general by turning down another street.

[cherokeefit]

Best tip I have is to always take into some account that the dog being walked on a leash isn’t friendly, so slow down before and after being close to the dog. I run the lakeshore in my city and it’s a constant occurrence. I literally had some chihuahua try and jump to bite my hand after i passed the dog two weeks ago. I was pissed!!!

[noel]

I’ve heard it’s also helpful to run with your dog. I have an energetic blond lab I like to run with, and as a 16 year old gal, I find that helpful. Thank you for this video:)

[Violet-wjiu]

Very wise advice. The first part was very important because we have every right to dress how we want and we should not be shamed for what we wear on our runs. I live in a super safe neighborhood but it’s filled with tons and tons of dog owners. I’ve never been bitten but I’ve been chased and attacked before and as a person whose afraid of dogs it’s not fun. As for something that is not dogs the worst that happened was I’ve been honked at. I typically like to run on the track, turf, the roads, and parks because I feel safer there and my mind is in a much better place. I go for trail runs if I’m not alone. While I agree there is safety in numbers you should also understand that you are powerful and should not let anything happen to you. No human should ever fear doing what they love and unfortunately the world we live in is just very complicated.

[amsells]

This content was really needed! As a single mom that trains for half marathons, this is helpful.

I loved the part where Coach Morgan said it’s not about what clothes you are wearing or not wearing. Such a powerful statement 💕

[dreadiedude]

Glad you mentioned location sharing apps. I share my location with my wife in Facebook Messenger when I go out on a walk/run where I'll be exploring, running on trails, or running at night. It means that she knows where I am throughout my run and if I do injure myself or get lost or something she'll know where to find me.

[leighhrn]

A great gift a good friend gave me was a ring called “Go Guarded”. It is a self defense ring that I wear while running alone that gives me an added sense of security.

[Si_mo_na]

Hiding area around your home/work/other on strava has been there for a while and it is free for everyone.

[markd.]

Great video! My favourite safety+security tip: meet up and run with friends as often as possible. Group runs are so much better than solo runs.

[dougkoski]

As a larger guy, I stopped running when it was dark because I came across a decent size black bear, in the dark, in a very public area where I did not expect it. The bear was about 8ft away from me (between someone's house and the sidewalk) after I had passed a Rite Aid. I was only 1/3rd of the way through my run, but it quickly turned into repeatedly checking behind, gauging what energy I had left for emergency sprinting, and calculating my options should the bear have decided to chase me. Was sure to appear clam, keep my pace, and gave the bear a good "Hey, Buddy!" as I passed, but was definitely nervous! Went home, stopped my wife from going for a walk in that area, and called the local cops to report the encounter just to be safe.

[franzeinu]

As a man it is eye opening to watch this and my sympathy to all the women out there. You should not be have to consider that are you safe.