There are some good quality pepper sprays available. I wouldn't use it though.
There are some good quality pepper sprays available. I wouldn't use it though.
Spyderco Endura, looking to get a S&W 442.
Just last week I was shouted at by 3 fat smokers (alternated between Run Forrest Run and go Git em), had one loose dog chase me and also had some guys in a Jeep buzz me, honk the horn and shout at me.
Well, that is not always an option. And you can learn to be competent with a weapon if you chose.
I run with pepper spray. I am not concerned with attacks by people but by dogs.
I too am a male, and I have had some weird incidents with people in cars. I think most are just trying to mess with us runners... but one never really knows.
Yes, running shoes
Another reason I am glad I live in Canada....this thread is amazing. A person recommending you carry a handgun while running. Is this what the US has become?
Tom Longboat wrote:
Another reason I am glad I live in Canada....this thread is amazing. A person recommending you carry a handgun while running. Is this what the US has become?
Yes, unfortunately there is a problem with violent crime in some areas of the USA.
The probability of you accidentally shooting yourself is far higher than the probability of you successfully defending yourself with a firearm.
totally agree - along w/ a thorough weapon course or two, it will provide the confidence you're looking for...
If you were going to carry a weapon running, I have no idea why anyone would advise against pepper spray. It's much easier to use than knives or guns, is non-lethal so you won't hesitate as much, and it is really damn effective.
Most wilderness guides recommend it instead of guns for bears because it's so idiot-proof.
FWIW I have a CCP and don't run with a gun ever. I also bring bear spray into the back country as my primary anti-bear defense, with a firearm being the backup.
Show of hands - who here has ever been held up, had a gun/knife pulled on them, or otherwise been the victim of anything other than a bar room brawl?
Facebook Phil wrote:
Show of hands - who here has ever been held up, had a gun/knife pulled on them, or otherwise been the victim of anything other than a bar room brawl?
Gun, pointed right at my head. Central america though ;)
Tom Longboat wrote:
Yes, unfortunately there is a problem with violent crime in some areas of the USA.
Overall the violent crime is down all over the US as compared to the last few decades. I'm a female who lives in a "bad" neighborhood in chicago. I run at night and almost never carry pepper spray. On the flip side, when I used to live in a rural area I carried pepper spray much more frequently, mostly due to dogs. I have had a few sketchy moments of weird guys in cars passing too many times, but I've never been threatened/concerned for my safety in my last 12 years of running.
cws wrote:
I had a bit of a scare the other night while running. I was running (in the dark) by a golf course when a pickup truck that was driving by me slowed way down almost to a stop. I would not make eye contact with him and my fight-or- flight was kicking in. I was just about to cut across the golf course to put distance between us when another car came along and then the truck continued on its way. I told my husband about the incident when I returned home but then I didn't really think much more about it. My husband called from work a while ago and told me my town is on the manhunt for a guy that tried to grab a woman while she was running 2 nights ago. She got away by kicking and scratching and hitting. The suspect drives a silver pick up truck.
It gets dark so early now that it is impossible to run during daylight.
Does anyone run with a pen knife or carry pepper spray?
wow have you reported it to the police? you should probably do that...and not run after dark without a knife or something
mez wrote:
So non-paranoid leftists are immune from rape because the boogeyman isn't around the corner in their case? Her seemingly legitimate concerns are of little importance compared to say.....global climate change destroying the world. Was that you spraying down at Ave J uncle?
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Actually, everybody is immune from being raped by all the imaginary boogeymen who populate the right wing mind
The New UncleB wrote:
Actually, everybody is immune from being raped by all the imaginary boogeymen who populate the right wing mind
I had a friend who was attacked while she was out. Not all threats are imaginary and it is reckless of you to suggest so.
I carry two weapons - Jack Johnson and Tom O'Leary.
One attack for every 100,000 miles run (as a guess) is not a legit reason to be in fear and carry a weapon.
Something like 40,000 American die in car accidents every year. Do you avoid driving or riding in cars?
The New UncleB wrote:
One attack for every 100,000 miles run (as a guess) is not a legit reason to be in fear and carry a weapon.
Something like 40,000 American die in car accidents every year. Do you avoid driving or riding in cars?
No, but I take precautions such as driving carefully, wearing a seat belt, and being aware of my surroundings. I'm not saying everyone should carry a weapon, but people should be smart and not put themselves at risk unnecessarily. To act like the idea of an attack is impossible is not prudent, in my opinion.
I carry a lethal weapon otherwise known as my thumbs. I can launch any attackers eyeballs clear out of their skull with relative ease.