In July, a tragic incident occurred when 20-year-old Sarah Mitchell was murdered while jogging solo in her hometown of Maplewood, Iowa. This heartbreaking event has sparked a significant conversation surrounding the risks women face each day. Leah Johnson, a writer, took to Twitter to share her own unsettling experiences as a female runner, and her thread quickly went viral.
Leah’s Journey with Running
Leah opened up about how running served as a vital form of self-care for her, providing solace during difficult times and boosting her mental well-being. However, her perspective shifted dramatically after a frightening encounter when a man attempted to break into her home while she was resting. When she reported this to the authorities, they warned her about the dangers of following the same running route every day.
Despite the risks, Leah continued to run after graduating college, finding joy and relief in the activity. That is until one evening in New York City when a man tried to access her apartment via the fire escape, coincidentally on the seventh night of her routine run. From that point on, Leah vowed never to run alone again. “The measures women must take to ensure their safety in public spaces are exhausting, incredibly limiting, and downright terrifying,” she expressed.
Shared Experiences
Leah also recounted a frightening incident involving her sister, who narrowly escaped an attempted abduction while running. Additionally, she shared how a friend’s mother ceased running after her best friend was kidnapped and killed during a jog.
Her poignant Twitter thread resonated deeply with many female runners, eliciting a flood of responses from women who have faced similar threats or felt unsafe while exercising outdoors. A significant number of women expressed their reluctance to run outside, despite it being a crucial outlet for their mental health. The emotional weight of Leah’s experiences and those of others is undeniably heartbreaking.
Life After Running
In her concluding remarks, Leah revealed that she now lives on the 29th floor of an apartment building, keeps a baseball bat by her bed, and struggles with sleep. Her running days are largely behind her.
Further Reading
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Summary
A viral Twitter thread by Leah Johnson sheds light on the dangers women face while running alone, spurred by the tragic murder of Sarah Mitchell. Leah shares her own frightening experiences, highlighting the precautions women must take to feel safe in public spaces. Her reflections resonate with countless women who have faced similar threats, emphasizing the emotional toll these experiences can have on their mental well-being.