Personal protection while jogging, what would you do?

[want_so_bad 0]

I think I would. Can you tell me how much it costs and how I can pay you? Do you have a paypal account?

of course. i will go this afternoon and see how much it is and let you know. i do have a paypal account. let me check on it and then we can get it all figured out. no worries!

[SuzanneG 1]

Thank you WSB, you're a lifesaver, maybe litteraly! I'll PM you my email address so we can swap paypal info.

Vegas, thanks for that story. It validates my concern. Only problem with the 30 mins, is that I just don't have it to spare. I get home 7pm, I go to bed at 10pm and get up at 4am. No slacktime in my schedule. Running means, quickie dinner or leftovers, but still have to pack lunch, get stuff ready for the next day, and the most important -- wind down before trying to get my precious 6 hours of sleep.

That's not nearly enough sleep by the way. Since I started running, I feel exhausted most every day, especially weekdays. I thought I'd have more energy, but doc says I'm running too close to bedtime. Problem there is that I work in DC. No time during the day and I'm NOT getting up at 3am to run. Not going to happen, not in this lifetime. LOL

[Livingthe Dream 0]

Lets face it 30 minutes is a lifetime when you are swamped for time. I have carried a handgun for several years and I am a 200 pound man. Getting banded is like turning over a new leaf so why not embrace this as well. You are either prepared and ready or a walking victim. You should watch a show called "I survived" that will give you some good examples of what can happen.

FYI, you can get a permit in most states to carry a concealed firearm.

[SuzanneG 1]

Thanks Living. I can carry open in VA without a permit or apply for a concealed. I'm going to target practice with our 38 Special in a few weeks when things settle down and I have some time.

SIL ran with me last night and there was a family, mom, dad, 2 kids, and 2 dogs walking down that road. Kind of made me feel silly for worrying, but when I'm alone, that road seems awfully long. I do LOVE that run though, so pretty.

[bambam31 168]

A couple of things come to mind....

First off, I commend Suzanne for her self preservation. It is a practice I wholeheartedly support.

For those who choose to carry spray weapons, be certain you're familiar with your local laws! Many states limit the concentration and quantity a civilian can possess. Additionally, in a stressful situation, it can be difficult to (believe it or not, moreso that a firearm) hit your target. And finally, some of the stuff sold in stores is so watered down that it may not have much of an effect, and all of these solutions effect persons/animals individually different - and have expiration dates.

Personally, I would seek a concealed pistol license. Become proficient in its' operation and application. Know your locals laws and what your obligations are. You'll jog with much more confidence!

I also like the one-headphone idea too!

Jachut... There's just a different mind set in this country when it comes to self-protection. Taking responsibility for your own self preservation is an American building block. When you're raised around firearms, you develop a respect for them - not fear of them.

Brad

[Jachut 487]

Yes, I know. The thought of owning a firearm to me just is freakish. People just dont. I dont know ANYONE who owns a gun.

Not that there isnt an arguable need for the right to own one. Its dangerous to be out alone at night virtually anywhere in the world these days. And people that want to misuse them get hold of them one way or another anyhow.

[bambam31 168]

Yes, I know. The thought of owning a firearm to me just is freakish. People just dont. I dont know ANYONE who owns a gun.

Not that there isnt an arguable need for the right to own one. Its dangerous to be out alone at night virtually anywhere in the world these days. And people that want to misuse them get hold of them one way or another anyhow.

Yep, like most other things - there is no concrete correct answer. Had I not had a lifelong exposure to firearms I too might have a different perspective. But I live handguns, shotguns, and rifles every day because of my job.

Nonetheless, we normally overlook or improperly assign the true hazards to our safety. For example, it was discussed previously that if where Suzanne was jogging was unsafe, then travel to a safer place. Hell the travel would be a higher personal risk than just jogging in the rural setting.

Brad

[SuzanneG 1]

Thanks bambam, I have recieved mixed reviews when asking my friends and neighbors opinions. Some think I'm crazy for even wanting to run out there. The others are more like you and tell me I should def carry something.

One good thing, a few coworkers have expressed interest in running at least one day a week in the morning, in DC. That will solve one day a week, my SIL comes over when he can to run with me and DH fills in too, so I'm not having to run alone much.

SIL and I passed a family walking with 2 kids and 2 dogs the other day, I felt a little silly for worrying, but I still believe better safe than sorry.

Jachut, almost EVERYONE where I live has guns. Mostly for hunting, but I live in a rural county and guns are a normal part of life. I'm all for the right to bear arms, but it would be nice to live somewhere where it's just not an issue.

[#BirdDog 604]

Concealed carry 38 revolver in a fanny pack. If you have the appropriate permit for your area and are comfortable with the gun. Not too bulky, plenty of punch, and not too heavy. Quick to access in the fanny pack. Something to think about.

[trekker954 421]

Handgun for people but please don't shoot animals.

Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

[JJCool 104]

Woah. What a terrifying thread.

Jo (based in the UK where we don't do guns) x

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

[Christinamo7 4,042]

I have a dog to go walking with me...... I live in a suburban area and it's usually walking before work or after work which depending on the time of year can be dark thirty. but then, I like to go out walking after midnight......... when I have the opportunity to do so.

I've never seen bear here where I live now, but back where I came up at yes, often. but they just want to be left alone, so I quietly go about my way. it's never been a problem.

I've never shot a pistol - just rifles. but if you are trained and it makes you feel safer, then why not? better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

[KristenLe 5,980]

A young woman was murdered not far from me as she was jogging alone on a Saturday afternoon (daylight). This World can be a scary place - I'd much rather come across an animal (even a bear!) than some people these days!

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I didn't read all the comments but I am a martial arts instructor and teach women's self defense. I carry a baton shaped taser on walks and my teenaged girls (also martial arts instructors) do the same. It's 7 million volts and the noise alone will scare off any bear/dog/predator. It has an LED flashlight at the end that shines or strobes. It also has a wrist lock so if someone takes it from me, it's disabled. The shock strips are all along the sides as well as at the tip so if it is grabbed....ZAP!!!

I have a concealed carry, but I don't exercise anywhere I think it might be needed. This baton is more for fear factor, but it will drop an assailant in a second if I use it on them. No doubt.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Thanks, I may take you up on that. Where do you live? I live in VA.

ME TOO!!!