https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:33:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2842979 Sat, 01 Sep 2018 02:32:08 +0000 hellobear 2842979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: senita makes sports bras with a phone pocket on the back. I usually wear legging shorts that have phone pockets on the side (old navy has them and u can get them on sale frequently)! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841949 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 08:39:13 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2841949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also wanted to chime in and say many also love their RoadId bands. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841928 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 04:56:13 +0000 erinbaderin 2841928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: I use the SPIbelt - it’s a waist belt that sits snug against the small of your back and doesn’t bounce. I hate running with things around my body, I can’t even carry water, but I’ve had good luck with this (although I don’t understand why Apple stopped making the tiny ipods. Sometimes you don’t need all the features!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841926 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 03:22:17 +0000 lamariniere 2841926@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841666 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 20:15:43 +0000 MamaCate 2841666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: I have one of those cheap armbands. I use my tracking app on the phone on there. So I just put it in before I leave and don’t actually interact with it except start and stopping the tracker. I don’t have a watch or anything. I like the phone capacity but have never used it.</p> <p>@kiddosc: thanks for asking this question! I run fairly short distance in the morning 4 times a week and right now it is lovely—i went this morning right as the sun was coming up at 5:55. But i struggled last winter when it was pitch black until after 6:30 because I can’t leave that late for school drop off.</p> <p>I now have lights that make me feel safer (more from a prevention standpoint) and also run with my dog. I run on a fairly well used trail not a road. I will think about some of the suggestions on here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841624 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:26:36 +0000 psw27 2841624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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. </p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841595 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:16:30 +0000 kiddosc 2841595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: I don't think I'd want to go so far as carrying an actual knife or gun. I feel like I'm much more likely to injure myself and am not really interested in learning to use that caliber of weapon. But leggings with side pockets are amazing things! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841594 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:11:44 +0000 Lindsay05 2841594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841576 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 11:46:02 +0000 agold 2841576@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: your response made me laugh. But good for you! I run with one head phone in. Or if I'm using a stroller, I even just play music from my phone so me and the baby (any anyone else) can hear. </p> <p>I don't have any thing to add to what other posters said. But check out Alexo Athletica leggings if you want something designed to carry a gun or a knife or whatever. But even leggings like lululemon have little pockets that you can put pepper spray into. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841559 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 09:49:19 +0000 kiddosc 2841559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsKRB: Run Angel looks promising... but sort of expensive :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841554 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 09:42:16 +0000 kiddosc 2841554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: I have a flip belt for my phone and keys, and they also make curved water bottles to fit in them. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/FlipBelt-Level-Terrain-Waist-Medium/dp/B00JF9DZUE/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1535121507&#038;sr=1-3&#038;keywords=flip%2Bbelt&#038;th=1&#038;psc=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/FlipBelt-Level-Terrain-Waist-Medium/dp/B00JF9DZUE/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1535121507&#038;sr=1-3&#038;keywords=flip%2Bbelt&#038;th=1&#038;psc=1</a></p> <p>I wear it around my hips and it never slips out of place, I really like it. </p> <p>The trouble I see with with apps is that I don't really have easy access to my phone when I'm running. I'd need to somehow get it out of my belt and trigger the app. Plus, my phone is older and often freezes or takes a really long time to switch applications. I wouldn't trust it to be a viable safety device. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841550 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 09:33:01 +0000 Mrs D 2841550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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)...</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841541 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 09:00:49 +0000 MrsKRB 2841541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: I don't use it, but maybe check out 'run angel,' I've heard good things about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841539 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 08:57:26 +0000 avivoca 2841539@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841535 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 08:53:31 +0000 Mrsbells 2841535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: thanks for sharing that I had never heard of it. It definitely helps with the surprise element.<br /> Another thing I have been told is not to run with music so you can hear better </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841531 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 08:37:47 +0000 kiddosc 2841531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We live in a low crime area and I run on residential streets when I run in the evenings. But I don't think that either of those things makes me immune to encountering trouble.<br /> I'm generally more freaked out to run on state trails on the weekends when I have to do my long runs. It's daylight, but there are some relatively secluded spots. </p> <p>@ChiCalGoBee: I should look to see if our local running store does a self defense class</p> <p>@MrsKRB: I do the treadmill sometimes, but I really need to train outside too. </p> <p>@Mrsbells: I'm looking at something like this. <a href="https://goguarded.com/" rel="nofollow">https://goguarded.com/</a> Then it wouldn't be something I'd have to pull out to use, or that could be knocked out of my hand.<br /> I have training runs 4 times a week, I do alternate my route to an extent, but it isn't feasible with my schedule and my friend's schedules to have someone to run with most of the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841524 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 08:18:00 +0000 Mrsbells 2841524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: I am also too scared to run in quiet or dark areas especially with all the stories. My fear is even if you have some sort of protective weapon what if you are caught off guard?<br /> Can you alternate your route regularly and run with a buddy? Also I have been told that those personal alarms are a good tool as long as there will be people withing hearing distance </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841514 Fri, 24 Aug 2018 07:54:17 +0000 MrsKRB 2841514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841476 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 22:58:36 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2841476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: I don't carry anything, but I probably should. I run in a residential area that always has people and cars around which makes me feel safe, but, you're right-I should probably take extra precautions. I did do a self-defense course with my local running group and learned some good moves from that, and hope I'll never have to actually use what I learned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841456 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 21:10:20 +0000 SweetCaroline 2841456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841430 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:57:35 +0000 pachamama 2841430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't carry anything. I don't run in the dark too often but I do always wear earbuds. 🤷 Statistically it is extraordinarily, exceedingly unlikely that a stranger will assault you while running. What I worry about is people texting and driving more than anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841429 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:56:26 +0000 Becky 2841429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841418 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 18:56:20 +0000 JennyPenny 2841418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I recently learned that you can ask Siri to call emergency services, and I assume ok, google works too. Just knowing that makes me feel better because I could get in touch with emergency services without being able to reach my phone. I suspect it would disorient an attacker as well </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841412 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 17:03:32 +0000 Sams Mom 2841412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Things I would recommend in your situation depending on what you're comfortable with and can afford/want to spend:</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Knife- but I strongly recommend a defensive knife class, otherwise it can easily be taken and used against you </p> <p>Collapsible baton-like an Asp, but again I would advise a class</p> <p>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.</p> <p>I would look up what weapons require a concealed weapon license in your state on any of these but the pepper spray.</p> <p>If you're comfortable with a gun I can make many recommendations there too, but that is definitely not for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841408 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 16:25:09 +0000 periwinklebee 2841408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, but crime is low in our area and if it's dark I typically run indoors on a treadmill. I do sometimes run on trails. I would be hesitant to wear a spiky ring trail running - being a bit of a klutz, I might trip and impale myself... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/personal-protection-when-running#post-2841404 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 16:18:43 +0000 kiddosc 2841404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's not an uncommon news story to hear of a woman who's been attacked or gone missing while out on a run. I've been training for a half marathon and often have to fit my training runs in near dark, or am on semi-secluded trails and it's not really feasible to have someone with me for most runs. I've recently started considering that I should be carrying some sort of protection with me. I've seen rings that have a sharp spike on them, or pepper spray armbands before. </p> <p>Do you runner bees carry any sort of protection when you're out running alone? Any recommendations? </p>