Hellobee Boards

Things I would recommend in your situation depending on what you're comfortable with and can afford/want to spend:

Pepper spray- something like Saber Red, it's a gel instead of a traditional spray; which is important outside where wind can blow it back in your face.

Knife- but I strongly recommend a defensive knife class, otherwise it can easily be taken and used against you

Collapsible baton-like an Asp, but again I would advise a class

Taser not a stungun- many civilian models have up to 30 seconds of variable pulses that keeps most incompasitated to give you the chance to drop it and get away.

I would look up what weapons require a concealed weapon license in your state on any of these but the pepper spray.

If you're comfortable with a gun I can make many recommendations there too, but that is definitely not for everyone.

I don’t use anything, except common sense. I live in a low crime area and stay out of the forest when it’s dark. It’s dark when I rain now until like May so I keep to the village where it’s lit or familiar roads. I’d consider bringing my phone but it stops working when it’s under 35 degrees so like December through March it would be useless. These days I run with a group a few times a week which is nice. If I lived in like a city or something I’d probably carry pepper spray and consider one of those shoe ID tags.

I clip pepper spray on my collar and I keep my route/routine/time sporadic so nobody can anticipate where I will be. I watched too many Lifetime movies in my early 20s, but I also feel that it's my responsibility as a mom to protect myself. I live in a low crime, but rural setting.

I’m too chicken to run in thbusy dark alone, so if I don’t have anyone to run with then I’m on the treadmill. I do have pepper spray just in case when I run during the day.

I run with pepper spray on my knuckles, I'm lit up like a Christmas tree, and I always tell someone where I'm going. Road ID has an app that you can use that drops digital crumbs and will alert someone that you choose if you or your phone has been stationary for more than two minutes. I also wear a Road ID band as identification in case I fall or am hit by a car. I tend to run in well-lit places but you cannot be too careful. I also NEVER run with music because I need to be able to hear my surroundings.

DH has been commenting more and more about his discomfort with my later evening runs. Unfortunately - I cant really go out before I put our littlest to bed (7:30/7:45)...

So - I alternate my routes. I really only try to do 3-4 miles on week nights so I can keep it to residential neighborhoods for the most part. I also switch up my routes often - and the nights I run (hello unpredictability of motherhood) so as to not establish a pattern. If I do run in a location that feels less secure I am good about taking my headphones out so I can be more aware.

For now, my longer runs I do in the morning on the weekends - but generally around 7am and on main roads with decent car traffic (and side walks). We have a lot of trails where I live but I am not comfortable running them solo.

I was really liking the idea of run angel - and may still get it - but I wish I didnt need my phone with me to sound an alert to a guardian.

Side question...how do you guys run with your phones when its tank top and short season? Is there some wonderful gear I am missing that makes carrying a phone tolerable? I have an apple watch which I go out with now...with just bluetooth headphones...I have no problem bringing my phone if its hassle free...

I would love to get back into running but I live in the country and my only option is to run on the side of a fairly busy highway. Beside the obvious traffic risk I’m scared of a car pulling over and taking me. Would love to hear how other country bees handle this.

@Mrs D: I shove my phone in my bra. It's tight, doesn't move and is easily accessible. I've also done arm bands in the past but I don't love them.

I usually run mid-day or early morning (but always when it's light out.) I don't carry anything for protection, which is stupid but MA you need a license to carry even pepper spray.... I am going to look into the goguarded though, seems simple enough to bring along.

What about something like a panic button with a really loud alarm? I used to be a runner and carried pepper spray years ago when I lived in DC (back when it was the murder capital of the US), but looking back, I'm not sure I would have had the wherewithal to use it had I been surprise attacked/overpowered.

Also wanted to chime in and say many also love their RoadId bands.