I think you could carry both pepper spray and a stun gun without being too bulky.
Not a good idea to go off trail - if you can start running, do it on the trail. Your speed may be an advantage on the trail, but if you stumble off trail you will be vulnerable and easier to catch. Also, there's more of a chance of running into other people near the trail.
If you're in a remote area, what about carrying a rescue beacon?
she came, not i.
I personally believe that ladies have to be much more careful then men. Depending on location try to run in groups or with a partner. Run familiar routes do your homework before you run, and watch out on the time of day. Most runners these days don't want to carry much with them. Running in populated areas are a good thing. Hit me up and I can give you some other pointers.
Joshua Hawkins
Run Faster
email:
Uh, hit you up? Creepy.
Women...please remember to be vigilant on all of your runs, especially those out on the trails. This is a horrible story of a young, very active woman (w/a blue belt in karate) who authorities believe has been killed by a 61 year old crazy man. Take a look at this guy. Prior to this story, I would believe that I could protect myself against this guy, my physical description not much different than hers.
Trust your gut, carry pepper spray, take a self defense class or two and think twice before heading out on a trail run without a running buddy.
I was a youngish male (35) when I was set upon by a group of teens in West Oakland in the streets of a "project" that I rarely ran through--knew better, but I was in a hurry. I got away with only a bruise from a pop bottle hurled from a distance because, luckily, I was in stride already and on a pretty fair pace. The pack of angry teens backed off after just one long block chasing after me. I would not have wanted to try to outrun them from a dead start. This has happened enough, the attacks, especially from dogs that....
I started carrying a "monopod," a one-legged camera support pole that I used in photographing track meets in crowded situations. It is aluminum and light-weight, "telescopes," for different lengths, is very metallic-looking (which somehow disuades dogs and bad boys, and it can deliver a healthy whack at a safe distance.
I have since tried other "warding off" sticks, made of aluminum window frames, plain pipes and so forth. It is probably best to carry something that cannot be construed as an obvious weapon, for legal and public relations value.
You never know which of the entities you run into is going to be dangerous, whether dog or human (and yes, it's the human's fault about the dogs.) I always try warding off and simply waving the shiny "stick or pole" first, since so often this disuades attacks. Only go for the hit, when it appears to be a last line of defense. And only only public streets or areas.
Don't assume a dog is nice because he's quiet and slow moving, just like you don't assume it's mean because it barks and runs. Be nice but be safe.
jim