When I read the story in Runner's World a couple of years ago I wept. Watching this video I never stopped. I'm a 56 year old male runner and ever since the article in Runner's World came out I've always kept an eye open for sister runners and tried to encourage them. I've been lucky and only had to intervene on behalf of a sister runner one time when a truck full of guys yelled at a young lady and scared her to death. Please ladies keep on running and know that your brother runners are trying to help. For all of you, our wives, daughters, moms, sisters.
Wow! I teared up. And I got angry. No women, no person should ever have to feel unsafe, whether on a run or working out or going about their lives, should be accosted in any way. It is tough watching this Runners World documentary about 'running while female' . Running is such a great endeavor . And I am always encouraged when I see a woman runner/ runners out for the enjoyment of testing their limits. Be safe.
“No person should ever have to feel unsafe” is a statement only the most privileged people in human history could utter with a straight face. And no, I’m not excusing any kind of assault (I’m a woman who’s been assaulted and stabbed) I’m making a point about the nature of life itself (a struggle to survive the forces of nature) and human nature. There will always be danger and evil in the world. Raging that no one should have to face it denies the human ability to survive and overcome, and even thrive in the face of adversity (pioneers risking shipwreck, disease, and famine to settle a new land and build a civilization). Not to mention, when people live a life where they’re habituated to safety they seek out the thrill of risk. Bungee jumping, sky diving, rock climbing…going to see the Titanic.
Watching this after Laken Riley was murdered here in Georgia just a few weeks ago. Just so tragic and it keeps happening. And it’s scary for all us women runners. 😢
Keep your head on a swivel. I'm still a nice, optimistic, and a giving person, but I always look out for myself because not every smile is friendly. Always watch your back on everything you do!!! Be prepared for life, no one said it would be easy. And NO, it doesn't take away responsibility from predators, but we know they will always be there... Prepare and Protect yourself, and keep living!!
When I see someone running, man or woman I just want to give them a high five and say keep it up, good one. I can't believe what I'm seeing here. No one should have to be in danger doing something they love.
I would have loved to have the film end with a CTA instead of just saying “this shouldn’t happen.” As a woman runner I am very aware of every time news like this shows up in my feed. So, unfortunately, this story wasn’t a surprise to me. It would have been helpful to viewers to give advice for things women can do for safety and how men who want to help can also be of assistance. Maybe next time???
I have a fear of bathrooms in public places, especially made of cinder blocks. I had a nightmare in my 20s getting attacked, not able to do anything and it felt so real. I will go outside if needed, I just feel more capable of my surroundings. They need to knock some of those cinder blocks out so it can be more open (not in stalls but above waist to head elsewhere) and not a death trap.
Look up belly band holsters. They are basically a wide elastic belt with a pocket for a pistol and sometimes extra magazine that fits tight to your body and stays put/ is comfortable for running. This would definitely suit your purpose equipped with a lightweight .22 pistol or .380. Good luck to you and enjoy your run!
