Exercise when safety is an issue
Earlier this year, I started the Couch to 5K running plan. I was really getting into it, and I liked how exercising made me feel more energetic and healthier. And then something happened that derailed my new fitness plan. A woman who was jogging in broad daylight in the neighborhood north of mine (in the so-called “good” part of town) got raped and pistol-whipped within an inch of her life. The police have never caught her attacker. In addition to that, our town has seen an increase in women being attacked in various ways while they were jogging. All of this bad news really put an end to my desire to jog, even in my own neighborhood. Gyms are few and far between down here, and the one gym I’ve considered joining is SUPER expensive. So I’ve been wondering what I can do to get some exercise that is both inexpensive and safe. I enjoy being outdoors and since we have pretty fantastic weather down here, outdoor exercises are ideal. That said, I’m also game for indoor exercises, too. Basically, I’d love to hear fitness suggestions, or even suggestions on how to jog safely.
– challenge sent in by Emily
Emily sent in this question a few months ago, so I hope a good compromise has already been found — but I imagine it’s not a unique challenge. Last summer whenever I was jogging in a nearby park I couldn’t help thinking about a local news story involving a woman who was killed in a wooded area very close by.
My initial thoughts on a solution for this run along the lines of home workouts — DVDs, maybe even an investment in a treadmill — or going ahead and ponying up the cash for a gym, if you think you’d make the most of the membership. SO worth it, in my opinion. But if you enjoy exercising outside, it seems highly unfair to be denied that pleasure. So: maybe run while carrying pepper spray, whistles, etc? Make sure to take safety precautions like not using headphones? Find a very public place to run where you have clear views all around you (perhaps a school track)?
What do you think, readers?
January 12th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I don’t know what city you’re in, but it sounds like your local police are aware of this danger. Is there any way you alone, or a group of like-minded women could go to the police and arrange to schedule a set time to jog in a local public area? If the police knew of this scheduled outdoor-time/place, perhaps they could allocate a patrol car to be present in the area at that time, or provide a bicycle-cop to patrol where you’re jogging. Or even provide a jogging escort?
Without knowing where you are and knowing what the attitude is about women and their protection, it’s hard to know if this would work, but I would think it might be worth an inquiry?
January 13th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Could you go to a local high school and use their outdoor track? A lot of times schools have their track facilities open to the public at certain times. You’d be outside, it would be free (or cheap), and it would be a more enclosed/protected area.
January 13th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Perhaps find a exercise partner? I know this isn’t ideal- it can be hard to coordinate schedules, but you could supplement with home DVDs or something. Even if said partner wasn’t interested in jogging, s/he could bike or walk in or around the same area as you were jogging. Safety in numbers, and all that.
Or I would find a local bike/running trail that was heavily trafficed by exercisers. Then go during daylight hours, where there are lots of people around. (For example, Lake Calhoun in the Mpls area ALWAYS has tons of people working out. It’s over an hour away from my house, so it’s not an option for ME, but for others in the City, it might be worth a 15-20 min drive…)
Hope you find a good solution!
January 14th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Find a running group! Check at a local running shop, or do some Googling for a Striders or Road Runner group.
Like Marie said, there’s safety in numbers. You can also use some common-sense precautions, like ditching the iPod, putting an ID tag in or on your running shoe, and checking in with a friend before and after you run. Back in my fitter days, I lived in Washington DC and ran in the less-than-desirable areas on a regular basis, despite frequent attacks on male and female joggers alike. Simple things can keep you safe.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:36 am
All very good comments. I found a used treadmill for only $100 on Craigslist, but we had to haul it home (no small feat). I love the idea of a school track, that would be ideal as well.