An alpine lake found running solo
There are many occasions where I’ve been running alone and passed groups of people, especially women, who cheer me on for running solo. Lots of people, especially women, are nervous to run alone or less motivated if they are by themselves. I adore running solo and can get up and out the door just fine on my own. Running with friends or groups is great, but sometimes schedules don’t work or you just need some time to be with your own thoughts and feelings. But I have had scary moments where I wished I had a friend with me. Luckily, with a few things in place to help me feel safer, I still enjoy the freedom of running by myself.
When I go out by myself in a new area I carry pepper spray (or bear spray if it’s a trail where there might be bears). I have never had to use either, and never want to, but it reassures me that I’m not defenseless. While living in Los Angeles, I carried pepper spray most every run. You can purchase this at many local stores, which should also carry it in accordance with any local or statewide regulations for size. Or you can order online.
If I’m running in the dark I sometimes play music directly from my phone, not using headphones. This allows me to hear if there are cars or people around while masking the skitters of birds or squirrels in leaves that can sound frightening when you’re alone.
When running in the dark I also keep a tab on the cars that pass me. Early mornings (I rarely run late at night) there are typically fewer cars on the road and it's easy to notice if a car has passed you more than once. I have had to duck off the road a few times when seeing the same car circling back my way more than twice. Thankfully, getting out of sight in a yard or driveway has always provided safety. Though I will wait a few minutes and completely change my direction once I leave. Nothing has ever escalated and I've always hoped that whoever's trash cans I'm crouching behind would intervene or let me inside if needed. Knowing that a white Toyota Camry has passed by a few times can be a good thing to note and move out of the area as soon as possible. But please try not to let this freak you out! This situation has happened to me 3-4 times in almost 10 years of running. That is a really tiny percentage.
My phone provides another layer of protection. I can confirm my route if I’m exploring somewhere for the first time and contact people if needed. If I’m going really deep I bring my inReach, which allows me to message people even if my phone is out of service. My inReach comes with me on solo road trips too, so I am never caught without a way to connect to services.
Lastly, I have a strong, “Don’t mess with me vibe” I can turn on if my route takes me through an area that feels less inviting. This looks like: Keeping my head high, looking straight ahead, not at any particular person or group, no smile or expression, moving confidently and not responding or reacting to any catcalls (even if I will be upset and annoyed by the comments or looks later). This shield is a mental wall I put up that lets people know I’m not a threat nor am I threatened by them.
Being able to run out your door, or from a nearby park, is a gift. Not having to wait for a friend or group to run with is nice. You get to go out on your timeline and celebrate moving freely! Just a few bits of gear can make you feel more safe and secure while you run alone.
Running solo means silly selfies
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