Grrlscout

Get a running buddy, and never go without them. It might seem a little OTT to say that, but you're better off safe than sorry.

I like this site, not just for running but really for any sort of activity you fancy: Fitness Social Network :: As Fit as a Butcher's Dog :: UK

Pepper spray... ahem... as an American transplant to the UK, I'd give you a word of warning about it. You need to be trained to use pepper spray or mace, particularly in a situation where you feel threatened and the adrenaline is pumping. It isn't just technique... there's also the question of how much is too much to use. You can seriously harm someone, including yourself, if you use it incorrectly or if your assailant gets hold of the cannister and uses it on you instead. And that's not getting into what can happen if you panic and keep spraying and spraying... really, not good stuff.

If you can get the training to use the spray, go for it, but I'd think twice if you're just buying it off a website.

Linni01

I have a hand held personal alarm I bought on the Moonwalk website that is deafening. I have not felt the need to take it out yet as I tend to jog with a local jogscotland group or walk with my husband. I would imagine there is similar groups throughout other parts of the uk ? They're great.

I have wooded walkways surrounding my house. I used to feel comfortable walking through them alone but I have to admit although crime is virtually unheard of in my area I do now feel quite jittery walking or jogging alone now due to such dreadful stories becoming more & more common in the news daily. Shame society has come to this.

__________________

Prosecco

Wear something bright and neon so you stand out like a beacon! I always aim to look like a Christmas Tree when I go out, be safe be seen!

beccy_bebe

Hiya. I live "out in the sticks" so was gutted when the clocks went back any my exercise felt housebound. So, i joined a running club - that gives me a long run during the week - i've also met a girl that lives in the next village along so we can meet up at weekends to do longer runs in the daylight together. And (forgive my carbon footprint!) I've worked out a route that i can drive to from home and start running. At least i can relax into it and know i'm seen/can see, all footpaths etc, so although it's not terribly picturesque, it's only once or twice a week for a few months.... Try mapmyrun.co.uk for inspiration - it'll work out times and milage for you!

__________________
When life throws you lemons...make lemonade...or slice them in a vodka tonic

tara40

I was told that if you are being attacked you are better off to shout "Fire" as more people will respond to that rather than someone screaming "help".

i like the idea of some sort of aerosol, maybe a small tin of paint. i would rather hurt someone with spray and then deal with the fallback rather than being hurt.

__________________

I can't be tamed

these are great tips, thanks for posting. x

__________________

Mucky_Gee

Hi ladies,

I dont want to come across as a scaremongerer, but please do take care when out running or walking...always run / walk with a buddy when you can, and if not, make sure you carry a personal alarm which can easily be triggered.
Spend just 2 minutes on this website reading about some of the terrible crimes happening in our country if you need convincing;

- Name and shame website. Child abuse, paedophiles, rapists, murder, knife crime.

JoeyJoJo

Great post - thanks! X

__________________

WEIGHT LOSS
Start Weight: 206 lbs
Current weight: 182 lbs
Goal: 140 lbs

Total lost so far: 24 lbs
Total weight still to lose: 42 lbs

Mini Goals

Lose 1/2 stone (199lbs)
Get into the 13's (195 lbs)
Lose 1 stone (192 lbs)
Lose 1 1/2 stone (185 lbs)
Get into the 12's (181 lbs)
Lose 2 stone (178 lbs)
Lose 2 1/2 stone (171 lbs)
Get into the 11's (167 lbs)
Lose 3 stone (164 lbs)
Lose 3 1/2 stone (157 lbs)
Get into the 10's (153 lbs)
Lose 4 stone (150 lbs)
Lose 4 1/2 stone (143 lbs)
Get to 10 stone (140 lbs)
Get into the 9's (139 lbs)
Lose 5 stone (136 lbs)

Stahir

Thanks for the good advice! I'm desperate to get out and have a good walkabout but there are a few dodgy places around my local park which i don't feel comfortable walking around by myself. I also love to listen to my music but after the advice here i won't be doing that unless im walking on the street.

Also ordered this which is legal in the UK.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/FARB-PROTECT...=pd_ys_iyr_img

__________________
I live to shop...i like to think i'm helping the economy get back on its feet!

Mini Goals
Lose 7lbs
Lose 14lbs
Lose 21lbs (Half way point)

tara40

whereabouts in London are you. i used to live in East London before i moved to Eastbourne.x

__________________

Stahir

I'm in Ilford, Greater London so not quite the east end...thankfully!

__________________
I live to shop...i like to think i'm helping the economy get back on its feet!

Mini Goals
Lose 7lbs
Lose 14lbs
Lose 21lbs (Half way point)

tara40

I used to live in Forest Gate and then Manor Park before I moved to Eastbourne. I lived opposite Little Ilford School. So not far from you.

__________________

gemini1

I walk all the time on my own but with my 3 dogs, I know despite them being placid Golden Retrievers that they would, if they had to, do anything to protect me. I don't think I would feel comfortable walking in rural areas on my own. However, with the dogs I will go anywhere.

__________________

great things

you can get an app for iphone. says panic alarm and is sponsored by legal and general. it's really loud. i always take my mobile when i run and i'm bright. hubby know's my route depending on distance. i always choose a run where there's people about.

__________________







"STAND UP AND FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED!" BOB HARPER

Black Team Rocks!

This year my big exercise challenges are:-
Race for Life - Run this in under 29 mins.
Great North Run - Run this in under 2hr and 23 mins!

Mrs_H

I've been worrying about this too but I'm a born worrier so thought I was just being silly! I have some lovely places to run with a river and fields on the bright evenings. I love my ipod while running, maybe have one ear in?

__________________