did you call the cops? they should know that this jerk is out there

yes, I did, I made a report; I had nothing helpful, just figured they could patrol the area more

Glad you are safe. Hopefully you can find someone to train with soon, or find some populated places where you feel safe.

I never thought about how lucky I am to be a guy. Not because I'd be able to beat someone up in a fight, but because when I'm running, there's no reason to attack me. I don't carry anything valuable, and I'm not cute enough to be sexually assulted.

Well, whether or not we are male or female, I think there is a lesson here for us all. While our sport is by no means a safe one, there are certain risks we should avoid. The mace was certainly a great idea on jtrimom's part and I will certainly make sure that I have a running partner after dark (or before day in some cases) and in bad neighborhoods from now on. As a Brooklynite I do have to run through my fair share of less then desirable areas and until now I had found comfort in the thought that someone would have to actually catch me first. From now on, I will make sure people always know where I am running and when I expect to be back.
I also had an experience a few years back where a teacher of mine, and a running mentor, had a fatal heart attack during an easy 2 mile loop around his block. He fell into some bushes and wasn't wearing ID. It took over a week for his family to find out what had happened to him despite the fact that he had been found the same day and brought to the local hospital. I highly recommend running with a runner's ID bracelet. Mine carries my name, emergency contact phone numbers, allergies and blood type. At the very least it might bring closer to my family a little bit quicker.
Sorry to be a little bit morbid, but there is danger in all lifestyles, especially athletic ones. Thankfully trimom is safe and unharmed from her experience and we can all use it to learn and be safer in our own lives.

he does his part- he stays home w/the kids so I can train :)

i'm glad to hear you're ok!

OMG SOOOOOO Scary!!! Glad you are ok!

I was going to say you need to get hubby on a mtn bike to ride along with you (and carry your water) but if he is with the munchkins it is harder. I'd start looking for another running partner -- double should be good :) Maybe ask at local running shops or find out if there are any running groups that meet up.

Again... soooo glad you are ok!!

Wow that is scary! Good for you for being prepared! I fortunately don't have to run in the dark cause it never gets that hot or humid here in Colorado. But I never wear an ID bracelet or carry a cell phone or anything, but I might start doing that now that I have heard of all these stories. Glad you are ok and tell your husband to stop making you feel bad about it... you've already been through enough trauma for one day!

There's quite a debate up here, especially in BC, about even the police use of tasers... one high profile death and people go nuts, it's unfortunate.

I carry dog spray, not for fear of human attackers but for dogs... but if a human did attack me and I felt I was at serious risk, I'd use it, whatever the consequences. I assume self defence is reasonable.

jono

Glad you are okay, and you were prepared.
The 'I told you so' was just your hubbies way of expressing himself.
I am sure he is glad you are okay too.

Getting another running partner or asking at a local running store about group runs or other runners looking for partners are good ideas.

or when you go the the running store see if you can work with them to post something for runners looking for partners.

Make sure you are packing some ID with your mace too.

Good luck

Here is a piece for everyone to review:
http://www.rrca.org/programs/education/safety.pdf

Running alone at night for either sex can be a problem if you cross paths with the wrong person.
Run long enough and you will cross paths with folks that see you as a target of opportunity...for harassment, bodily harm or worse. Mace is fine, but carry any thing more lethal and it could be used against you. It would be wise to avoid that area for a few days or more, at that time.
I'm very glad you are ok, but you really need to rethink the 4 AM thing. 5 would be better. For the sake of your family. You will find other runners willing to work with you, or advertise and start your own group.
Don't be complacent folks. The worst things can happen just when you don't expect them to.
Lets look out for each other and "Be careful out there."

Ahhh, America... :)

jono

Yup, I actually truly think its far to easy to buy firearms and then get a concealed permit for them here. However as long as the system is the way it is I'll use it.

Back on topic, this seems like a good mace system for runners
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductZoom.asp?productID=...

No just some guy, they don't know too much about him yet, but it was at 2am. I'm very happy that you're ok, just be careful and keep your head on a swivel in the morning. When I'm riding through downtown late at night I'm always on the look out...

and no headphones, people

i'm 6'5, and I've inadvertently scared the crap out of people on early morning runs because they couldn't hear me approaching.

i run wide berths around people at those early hours now, even crossing the street if they appear particularly oblivious

Glad you are okay.

I'll throw out my observations from a law enforcement perspective on this topic. While working in the city (or even suburbs) I often find myself parked discreetly (surveillance) and see lots of runners, walkers, bikers doing their thing. What always amazes me is that I'm usually in a location which ranges anywhere from a high crime area to a trendy section of the city (which attracts criminals), and so many of these folks are (or at least seem to be) oblivious to their surroundings. They are running/biking/walking alone, through unlit areas, with headphones on and present themselves as ideal victims. Research has shown that the opportunistic bad guy looks for a potential victim who is not situationally aware regardless of sex, age, build, etc. Add to this concern sexual assault for women. Consider your routes carefully (is my trendy neighborhood butting up against a high crime one?); run in the open avoiding getting too close to blind spots (shrubs, buildings) and most importantly (as has already been mentioned in this thread) run with a strong sense of situational awareness - swivel head. As jtrimom knows, if you run with OC spray or mace, it will not do you any good in a fanny pack or clipped to your waist. Run with it in your hand. As for the concealed weapons - that's not a reason to ignore the above. A concealed weapon will do nothing in a blitz style attack other than arm the bad guy.

everyone needs to keep in mind that the shady person roaming around at that hour doesn't just see you passing by and spontaneously decide that you'd make a good mark. they're out there at that hour because they're looking for a mark. travel alone or even as a pair, your back is against the wall when they confront you. I used to run/ride during odd hours throughout downtown and midtown atlanta, and - while I absolutely hate to stereotype - the people lurking in the shadows aren't trying to shade themselves from the hot midnight sun. they're out there, and they're not going away, so it is your responsibility to be vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and have a plan that includes everything from self defense to running like hell. I've been confronted on four separate occasions, and I have always chosen the latter. fact: the only thing that "bullies" hate more than self defense is running.

Ironically (and sadly) this morning a fellow law enforcement officer was running at 7:50am in the the tourist section of the city before work. She was on the sidewalk with lots of commuters and other runners out. As she passed some low shrubs a male came up along her and tackled her to the ground (he was twice as big). He attempted to sexually assault her but she fought him off. She called for assistance and the offender was arrested 100 yards away. I was in the area and responded to the scene. She only suffered some superficial scratches. +1 for the good guys as this criminal picked the wrong "defenseless" target and will be facing 2nd degree attempt sexual assault. It could not have been a safer location or time of day to run.

Always be on your guard!

Well it sounds like the best bet overall is to be with another person or group.
Stay safe

Is it just that we brought it up, or are these things occurring more often recently? I don't have any facts but there also seems to be an increase in biker accidents...which I'm sure has to do with more bikers on the road, particularly ones who don't know the rules with the gas prices rising.

I'm a bigger guy, but don't live in the best of areas and I had this thread in the back of my mind as I was running to the gym yesterday making me nervous, especially when approaching bridges and such.

If shark attacks go up...I might have to consider another sport, lol

Your body will with time get more used to the heat. I ran at lunch all last summer and it didn't feel like a big deal (100+ most days). But having spent the time since running in mornings and evenings, now I can feel it when it is 85+. So that part will get a bit easier...

It takes about ten days to get used to the heat. Give it some time and I am sure your body will adjust. And if it's safer, even better. Hang in there. You'll get through this. You are already on your way.