Women Share The Things They Do To Feel Safe While Running

"I try not to push myself too hard when running, in case I need to preserve energy to run away from someone."
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Women have been sharing the ways they change their behaviour when out running in order to feel safe, with many feeling the need to take drastic measures.

The sobering Twitter thread was started by Los Angeles-based TV writer Amanda Deibert, who said women in her mum’s running group carry alarms, whistles and pepper spray while running (the latter is illegal to carry in the UK).

She then asked other women what measures they take while out running for their own protection.

One of my mom groups has a thread that is just women listing and recommending which kind of protection they take when them when they go out running (Ie. pepper spray, alarm necklaces, whistles, etc) in case you wondered what being a woman is like

— Amanda Deibert 🏳️🌈 (@amandadeibert) May 29, 2019

Many women said they only feel safe out running with their dogs.

I bring this scary looking fluff ball of love... pic.twitter.com/3DRrCtZHyW

— DEME | Online Fitness Coach (@DemeEfti) May 30, 2019

I take this, her face is intimidating enough 😇 pic.twitter.com/GtIEYmxBeI

— Mrs.Chrome (@MrsChrome95) May 29, 2019

Others always share their running location with loved ones.

I also share my location with my friends and my Dad or Mom whenever I feel unsafe.

— Kate 🏳️🌈 (@LgndsWaverider) May 30, 2019

Before I walk or run I let someone know where I am, when I’m leaving and message when I’m back. I am usually with this guy though (my boy Geronimo) and people are quick to move to the other side of the road and if they don’t, he reminds them to get moving 😬 pic.twitter.com/SJvAwpziq0

— Jerica Fraser (@JericaFraser) May 30, 2019

A lot of women said they carry alarms or whistles in case they need to attract attention or deter an attacker.

I carry a personal alarm, wear a glow in the dark vest/leave my headphones at home if I’m running in the wee hours of the morning/after dark, share my location with my sister on Find My Friends, and plan to run with friends whenever possible. #RunningWhileFemale

— Jordan Archer (@jordankimberly8) May 29, 2019

My 16 year old daughter gave me a whistle for my key chain because she saw I didn’t already have one and said “Because you just never know and I need you to be ok out there, Mom.”

And this is just a fucking all-around awful mother-daughter moment to have to have.

— KathrynBernishFisher (@kat_b_fisher) May 30, 2019

I have an alarm/flashlight keychain on my keys so I have it with me no matter where I am. When you pull the keychain part away from the main unit it makes a PIERCING screech

— Sarah (@sarahhcarson_) May 30, 2019

Some women described changing their clothing and accessories for safety, including not wearing their hair in a ponytail and turning a wedding ring backwards to hide the diamond.

Even going to the grocery store after 9pm, I have to be alert and ready to fight off anyone. My fingers are on the emergency mode on my phone, just in case. Oh & never tie my hair in a ponytail. All this just to buy bread, forget running 😳

— Bobby Ray Sharma™ (@BobbyRaySharma) May 30, 2019

I wear my wedding ring (so ppl know I have a guy looking out for me) but turn it around to my palm (so as not to advertise the diamond.) I also avoid nice, cool green spaces even on hot days, because they’re too secluded. I’ve been hollered at, harassed, followed by guys in cars.

— Cathy LaGrow (@cathylagrow) May 30, 2019

For one woman, feeling safe means having to slow down on her runs, so she preserves enough energy to run away in an emergency.

In addition to protection:

1) I wear headphones pretending I’m listening to music, but I’m not.
2) I try not to push myself too hard when running, in case I need to preserve energy to run away from someone.
3) I make fake calls, loudly stating where I am.

— Carmen Dickman (@CarmenDickman) May 30, 2019
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