running cautious

This morning, my brother-in-law Kaarel asked me if I had seen this article about a female jogger who was attacked Sunday morning along the waterfront, and asked me to be careful.

As I read through the article, a surreal feeling washed through me as I realized: This could have been me.

The woman was jogging around the same time that I sometimes jog, and in the same area that I do my running. I didn't go running this past weekend because I was up north with my sister and her family. According to the article, she was beaten, sexually assaulted, and robbed. Her attacker has not been caught.

What do I feel? Fear. Anger. And a determination that I'm not going to let this stop me from running outside. Many thanks to Kaarel for alerting me to the article, because it was the wake-up call I needed to smarten up re: certain safety issues.

What I'm going to do from now on:

- Not run along the boardwalk until it gets warmer, and more people are around.

- Not wear headphones. I wasn't wearing headphones during the winter anyway because of my hat, but I've decided that I probably shouldn't during warmer weather either, despite the enjoyment and motivation I get from listening to music while I run. Without headphones, I'll be more aware of my surroundings.

- Not run on the same routes or same schedule all the time. Sometimes I'll work out at the gym instead.

- Stick to routes where there are people.

- Check out the Running Room clinics and groups. I recall that the store chain organizes regular morning runs. Maybe I should give group running a shot. I'd rather run with a group outdoors than inside on a treadmill.

- Take a self-defense course. I've been meaning to do this for several years now. I'm adding this to my list of New Year's Resolutions!

Do any of you live in neighbourhoods where safety is an issue? Are you aware of taking precautions like the above (perhaps not for running, but for other outdoor activities)?

Blatherpic:

Annie, Jeff and Sara this past weekend.

Feb/2003 comments: Read | Post | LJ