Running alone is a great way to get outside, exercise, and have time to yourself; however, there have been several incidents that have proved how dangerous running alone can be as a woman. Women should not have to fear going on their morning or evening runs by themselves. There are a few tips to remember on your next run alone in order to feel safer and have a better running experience.
The first tip is to try to ignore any verbal harassment. It is very common for women on runs to experience catcalling or just unwanted dialogue in general. The best way to try and quickly diminish this behavior is by ignoring it and proceeding with your run. If this harassment continues, don’t hesitate to record it in order to share with the police if you feel that is needed.
Another tip is to vary your running routine. Having a predictable routine could put you in danger of someone tracking you the next time you go on a run. By choosing different paths and changing them up, it makes it harder for people to know where you will be. Changing up your routine also allows you to never get bored of your running paths.
A third tip is to be smart about how you use your headphones. Everyone loves listening to music or podcasts while on a run. However, it is so important to make sure your volume is not too loud to interrupt your awareness of your surroundings. Make sure to stay aware and not become overly distracted by the music.
Finally, always carry your cell phone with you on your run. Having your phone allows for others to track you as well as allows you to contact someone in case of emergency. Additionally, having the Viola app downloaded gives you access to a volunteer who is ready to speak with you on video call and make sure you make it home safely from your run. Running alone does not have to be scary, and Viola is there to help you do it safely.
Article by Valerie Hudson
