Don't isn't an option unless I stop running. I have two "big dogs" who are no help in such situations. The only person I know in the area is the family I am moving in with. They will be asleep.
Don't isn't an option unless I stop running. I have two "big dogs" who are no help in such situations. The only person I know in the area is the family I am moving in with. They will be asleep.
Then you should not be running on your own in a bad neighborhood at 4:30am. Just don't do it. Find another time or another activity.
Don't isn't an option unless I stop running. I have two "big dogs" who are no help in such situations. The only person I know in the area is the family I am moving in with. They will be asleep.
Other people have no idea that your dogs are babies or would just roll over. Will either of them run with you?
Why do you have to run that early? Can you run after work instead of before?
Not shooting it down. Just explaining its all I have left after 26 months of hell. Literally. The dogs are not runners, too may health problems. Thanks for the advise.
It's the only time I can routinely run, and it helps my anxiety for the day. It's obvious that my dogs wouldn't do anything. Was in a situation with them a couple years ago and all they did was wag their tails/stump.
That's what I was thinking, it will help with my speed. It's no Compton, but very much the drug and gang area of my county. Don't get me wrong, there are gangs everywhere. Newport beach had one- full of rich white boys. But this is more Compton like.
Not sure what constitutes the "ghetto" but for instance I grew up in the ghetto where drive by's, gang violence, rapes etc were a VERY common occurrence. I barely went anywhere alone in broad daylight except from my house to my car, I didn't stop and wait at red lights in the middle of the night (just slowed down and went if I was clear). So if that's what you're talking about, I couldn't be paid to run, ALONE at 4:30am. Not a chance in hell.
But it all depends on what is actually "ghetto"...
Post by RoryGilmore on Jan 26, 2013 22:44:35 GMT -5
Any chance you can get in touch with a local running group or store and ask them about popular routes? Personally, I wouldn't risk it. But, if you are going, please have a whistle and mace. Do not listen to music. Leave a detailed route at home. Run on lit streets.
Any chance a gym in your area opens early enough? I belong to the Y and I think they open at 5. A gym membership would be worth a whole lot of peace of mind.
Post by howardandbear on Jan 26, 2013 23:01:27 GMT -5
So I've been in this situation for the past year and just moved to yet another sketch neighborhood. First get to know your neighbors, even the guys living on the street. Don't judge just be nice. Also if at anytime you see something or feel iffy move to the middle of the street. I run down the middle of one way streets the wrong way. If a car comes i pretty much force them to move and squeeze by. I also wear bright bright flashy oh my god my eyes are bleeding workout clothes. If someone gets me I wanna be easy to pick out of an empty field from space. I run with music but no headphones. I avoid the parks and stick to the streets with houses. if there are bars in the area run by them. It won't take long for the staff and regulars to recognize you. Plus you want to do your best to stay in high traffic areas. For what it's worth I was running in Treme in New Orleans. But I was running after midnight when I got off work. Don't be afraid to ask some neighbors for advice, where its safe, which streets they avoid, and so forth.
So I've been in this situation for the past year and just moved to yet another sketch neighborhood. First get to know your neighbors, even the guys living on the street. Don't judge just be nice. Also if at anytime you see something or feel iffy move to the middle of the street. I run down the middle of one way streets the wrong way. If a car comes i pretty much force them to move and squeeze by. I also wear bright bright flashy oh my god my eyes are bleeding workout clothes. If someone gets me I wanna be easy to pick out of an empty field from space. I run with music but no headphones. I avoid the parks and stick to the streets with houses. if there are bars in the area run by them. It won't take long for the staff and regulars to recognize you. Plus you want to do your best to stay in high traffic areas. For what it's worth I was running in Treme in New Orleans. But I was running after midnight when I got off work. Don't be afraid to ask some neighbors for advice, where its safe, which streets they avoid, and so forth.
Thanks for understanding. I did not choose this, just the consequence of others decisions.
Don't do it and especially don't do it in the dark. I live on the border of sketchy neighborhoods and even in my completely safe subdivision, I've been followed so I no longer run at night. I no longer run on the main road because of all the stares I get.
I either drive to the gym or drive to safe areas to run or I don't run at night.
It is not worth the risk. It really isn't especially since you can still run by going somewhere else, joining a gym, finding a group, or getting a treadmill.
Mrsmc, I don't know that everyone else is not understanding you. I think we, as a board, are empathetic to your situation and are rooting for you.
I think this is more of an issue of the fact that many of us don't see this is a reasonable option. I am impressed by your dedication to get your running in, but I just simply don't think it's worth your safety. Your safety in the night in a dangerous area is in jeopardy.
You've had a really rough year. I'm sorry that it seems not to be getting better. While I don't advocate it...(we want you to be safe! Can you join a gym?)
You could stick to major streets and well traveled roads that are well lit. Avoid any side roads, alleys, etc. Let someone know what time you are going, where you are going, what route you take, and what time you will be back. Carry your cell phone in your pocket and mace in your hand. Don't carry anything on the outside that looks valuable; another good reason to run without music. You might also consider getting a concealed weapons permit to carry a gun. I'm not kidding. I ride with a firefighter that packs heat on every bike ride.
I'd call losing 5 family members, a business, 2 homes and 2 long term jobs in less than 26 months rough. But I gained running. It's the only thing I gained. Besides my dogs and a futon it will all I have left. I can run on major streets, a gun might be too heavy, plus I'm not the best shot. I will work on that. :-) i would say this HAS to be the end of the bad things, but every time I say it, something else happens. Thank you all for the support and suggestions.