Female Athletes: How Do You Handle Idiots?

[anniebaby10]

I was running today with a sports bra, thin top and shorts on a public path. Always have felt safe there as it is in a residential area with a lot of people walking their dogs and moms with their kids in strollers. I never wear ear buds as I want to make sure I can hear things around me to ensure my safety but today some guy tried to tackle me from behind. Fortunately I was able to out run him and called 911 on my Apple Watch. I kept going until I reached a coffee shop where I ran inside to call my husband. First time that has ever happened in 30 years. Ladies, do you always run with a buddy for safety? There are very few runners that can keep up with me but I may have to rethink what I am doing. A sad commentary on the state of the world.

 

[stickygirl]

Residential, dog-walking areas etc only give an illusion of safety. Wherever they are people a percentage of them will be nutters. Change your route for a few days or better still, have fun making up different routes - it keeps your mind fresh.

Other than that, try not to let it get to you or put you off. You did all the right things

 

[LincolnDuncan]

I was running today with a sports bra, thin top and shorts on a public path. Always have felt safe there as it is in a residential area with a lot of people walking their dogs and moms with their kids in strollers. I never wear ear buds as I want to make sure I can hear things around me to ensure my safety but today some guy tried to tackle me from behind. Fortunately I was able to out run him and called 911 on my Apple Watch. I kept going until I reached a coffee shop where I ran inside to call my husband. First time that has ever happened in 30 years. Ladies, do you always run with a buddy for safety? There are very few runners that can keep up with me but I may have to rethink what I am doing. A sad commentary on the state of the world.

I'm sorry that you had that experience. My advice as a guy is to try to keep a balance between good sense and paranoia. Unfortunately, you need to avoid, when possible, any situation that leaves you vulnerable.

 

[rae121452]

learn how to punch people in the throat.

 

[rae121452]

also, pepper spray is really cheap and you can even buy it at walmart. when my sister goes out to walk her dogs she carries a .357 but even i think that's a bit extreme. stun guns are a better option.

 

[islandman]

I'm sorry you had to go through that traumatic experience. I note that while few humans could keep up with you, perhaps a dog would be happy to accommodate.

Lots of 4-pawed protectors to be found at your local pet shelter.

 

[Dribble]

I'm sorry you had to go through that traumatic experience. I note that while few humans could keep up with you, perhaps a dog would be happy to accommodate.

Lots of 4-pawed protectors to be found at your local pet shelter.

I approve of this message. Many loving dogs are looking for a mom.

 

[thør]

I approve of this message. Many loving dogs are looking for a mom.

Ditto. Dogs are excellent running companions and awesome protectors.

 

[stickygirl]

Any advice I've had from UK law enforcement is to do exactly what this lady did - run. Self-defence, pepper sprays etc are more likely to lead to the victim being the one who gets injured. Run.

Dogs... it depends on the dog. Most dogs I know might trip the dude up by trying to lick him. Dogs come with all different characters, but hey, dogs

 

[HisArpy]

Any advice I've had from UK law enforcement is to do exactly what this lady did - run. Self-defence, pepper sprays etc are more likely to lead to the victim being the one who gets injured. Run.

Dogs... it depends on the dog. Most dogs I know might trip the dude up by trying to lick him. Dogs come with all different characters, but hey, dogs

You want the dog to engage while you run away. It doesn't matter if it's a lick-fest or a few toothy love bites, just engage. Then come to you at a flat out run when you call it from over 100 feet away.

Deadliest dog I ever met was the one that would stand by your side while you drop the leash and never ever take his eyes off the guy walking your way.

 

[jomar]

learn how to punch people in the throat.

And a cupped hand-pop against the ear. Both hurt like a mofo.

If there’s opportunity after that for the ol’ pull the head down knee up move for the trifecta the badass tattoo is on the house.

 

[anniebaby10]

Thank you all for the advice. Police could not find anyone but my description was not very good as I was just sprinting like crazy and did not look back. Our dog died a few years ago but that seems like a good option in particular one that loves to run. Going to call my local shelter and see what they might have available.

 

[Brains_N_Boobs]

https://i.imgur.com/M2z9Hb7.gif

 

[islandman]

Thank you all for the advice. Police could not find anyone but my description was not very good as I was just sprinting like crazy and did not look back. Our dog died a few years ago but that seems like a good option in particular one that loves to run. Going to call my local shelter and see what they might have available.

On behalf of all dog owners, thank you for considering a shelter dogg-o.

 

[jehoram]

Thank you all for the advice. Police could not find anyone but my description was not very good as I was just sprinting like crazy and did not look back. Our dog died a few years ago but that seems like a good option in particular one that loves to run. Going to call my local shelter and see what they might have available.

Or maybe borrow one for a neighbor who may not be physically fit or mentally inclined enough to run with a dog that really needs to run. I bet if you posted a note in your local grocery or on your neighborhood web site, you'd get some hits and make the neighbor and their dog very happy.

 

[cqiam]

I was running today with a sports bra, thin top and shorts on a public path. Always have felt safe there as it is in a residential area with a lot of people walking their dogs and moms with their kids in strollers. I never wear ear buds as I want to make sure I can hear things around me to ensure my safety but today some guy tried to tackle me from behind. Fortunately I was able to out run him and called 911 on my Apple Watch. I kept going until I reached a coffee shop where I ran inside to call my husband. First time that has ever happened in 30 years. Ladies, do you always run with a buddy for safety? There are very few runners that can keep up with me but I may have to rethink what I am doing. A sad commentary on the state of the world.

I'm not a lady, but what the absolute fuck? It sounds very much like a pathway nearby me and my daughters sometimes use.

Calling the police was still a good idea. With the case on file at least this wacko might show a pattern that they can lock on to

Best advice - keep up your cardio !
https://media.giphy.com/media/MGhuLu6yMOnoA/giphy.gif

 

[dolf]

That shit is incredibly common. Usually it's more a grope, path blocking or lewd comments rather than an actual grab though.

Weapons are too easy to be turned on you, especially if you don't see it coming. You're probably better off with an alarm. One with a pull cord, so that they can't stop the noise just by getting it out of your hand. Better yet, get a running buddy or join a club. Safety in numbers.

I run with my dog. Unlike most people's dogs, he's built like a tank, fearless, ay more than willing to take chunks out of what he perceives as a potential threat. People tend to cross the street.

Look at that face!

 

[stickygirl]

That shit is incredibly common. Usually it's more a grope, path blocking or lewd comments rather than an actual grab though.

Weapons are too easy to be turned on you, especially if you don't see it coming. You're probably better off with an alarm. One with a pull cord, so that they can't stop the noise just by getting it out of your hand. Better yet, get a running buddy or join a club. Safety in numbers.

I run with my dog. Unlike most people's dogs, he's built like a tank, fearless, ay more than willing to take chunks out of what he perceives as a potential threat. People tend to cross the street.

Look at that face!

That face is so cute

I see quite a lot of women running with dogs on my way to work. Loads more since covid of course. It amazes me that the dogs are so well behaved and don't run circles and trip up the boss. They seem to understand though, like "Running!! Best thing EVER" and match their pace so perfectly. Some of them will look up to check the boss every now and again, like a trainer.

Ooops sorry, I'm talking dogs and I could blether away about those morning snapshots all day. Dogs running with the boss. Fucking perfect.

 

[dolf]

Dogs are a valid diversion, whatever the thread topic.

 

[islandman]

Dogs are a valid diversion, whatever the thread topic.

Google 'canicross'. Invented by thor.

 

[Tigersman]

On behalf of all dog owners, thank you for considering a shelter dogg-o.

All of my dogs have come from shelters. One I adopted was a female who had been severely abused. She ended up being our guard dog. We could leave our SUV unlocked with the windows half down and she would not let anyone get too close. Between her barking and snapping, no one tried to open a door or stick their hand inside.

 

[thør]

Google 'canicross'. Invented by thor.

Not really. But up here, that's a lot like skijoring.

 

[ScottishLass74]

That's absolutely horrendous. I'm glad you reported it though, if someone is willing to grab you in public in view of others then I'm sure he's done something like this before and will again. But thankfully he's also very stupid.
My friend runs with her collie and he's a great dog always focused on her waiting for instructions or the chance of a ball being thrown.
I'll ask her how it started and what training he needed if any.

 

[Comshaw]

Female Athletes: How Do You Handle Idiots?
I was running today with a sports bra, thin top and shorts on a public path. Always have felt safe there as it is in a residential area with a lot of people walking their dogs and moms with their kids in strollers. I never wear ear buds as I want to make sure I can hear things around me to ensure my safety but today some guy tried to tackle me from behind. Fortunately I was able to out run him and called 911 on my Apple Watch. I kept going until I reached a coffee shop where I ran inside to call my husband. First time that has ever happened in 30 years. Ladies, do you always run with a buddy for safety? There are very few runners that can keep up with me but I may have to rethink what I am doing. A sad commentary on the state of the world.

Let's get something straight: What you described is not an idiot. An idiot would be a guy craning his neck to watch your ass as you run past him and walking into a light pole because of his ogling. What you described was an attempted assault, a crime. He needs to be in jail or neutered, take your pick.

From what you described you were prepared (no earbuds, alert to your surroundings, run until you get to a crowded place, report the attempted assault) and handled it perfectly. It is a sad commentary but unfortunately not uncommon. The one thing I'd recommend is carry some pepper spray or a small tazer. In case someone like him does get a hold of you, either one of those will give you a few seconds to getaway.

Comshaw