If you’re a woman who loves to run, you understand the unique challenges that come with it. There’s that magical glide cream to prevent chafing, the pump-up vibe of 90s hip hop to get you through those last grueling miles, and, unfortunately, the constant need to strategize your safety from potential threats.
Recently, writer Sarah Jenkins shared on Twitter that a group of mothers she’s involved with has started a thread discussing the various ways women protect themselves while running. “Just in case you were curious about the realities of being a woman,” Jenkins remarked. She listed several protective measures like pepper spray, safety alarms, and whistles, prompting her female followers to share their own safety tools. The responses were diverse and rather disheartening.
Many women opt to run with their dogs—count me in! A loyal pooch can be a great deterrent against unwanted advances. Others take a more direct approach, carrying self-defense weapons, and honestly, who can blame them?
It’s not just women who have to think about personal safety; young girls also need to be mindful of potential dangers. Clothing choices play a significant role too. While it might be more comfortable to run in just a sports bra and shorts, many women feel the need to dress more conservatively to avoid harassment.
Awareness is key, so while energetic music can help you push through a tough run, some women choose to leave their earbuds at home to stay alert. Others might prefer to skip running altogether and stay indoors, which is a valid choice—certainly not a sign of weakness.
Fortunately, some men recognize the anxiety that accompanies our runs and do their best to be supportive. However, we shouldn’t rely on “hero” men to make us feel safe; ideally, no one should pose a threat.
As a distance runner myself, I often find myself in quiet, secluded trails where I must remain vigilant. I leave my earbuds behind, wear clothing that keeps me feeling secure, and stay sharp on my surroundings. It’s frustrating to see men jogging by carefree—shirtless and blasting music—while we have to remain constantly alert. Imagine if we could channel that energy into improving our pace instead of being on guard. The dream is to run freely, focusing solely on enjoying the moment, perhaps just worrying about where we put our keys.
One can hope that this dream will come to fruition for future generations, including our daughters.
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In summary, the realities of running as a woman involve a complex mix of safety precautions and awareness, highlighting the ongoing challenges we face in our everyday lives.