I'm not a dog person, but I always thought it would be nice to go running with a nice big dog like a German shephard. Maybe I could borrow my neighbor's boxer.....
That's awful. When I was younger I used to always run with my sister because my parents didn't feel comfortable with us going by ourselves. I'm glad that they did. I am so sorry for that girl, I can't imagine what her parents are going threw.
In an interview with the parents they said they always asked her to run with a buddy...being 17 I am sure she felt invincible....she was in a safe area! I have been there many times for 5K's myself and races my son was in.
That is horrible and I do feel for the girl and her family.
At the same time there is only so much living in fear I will do. Last week not far from here a man was pulled from his car in broad daylight in the parking lot of a grocery store. There is only so much you can do to protect yourself short of becoming a hermit and never leaving home. (oh wait, last week someone also got assaulted in their home). I run 6-7 days a week and maybe 1-2 of those runs have a buddy. Statistically I am far likelier to die from the heart disease and diabetes that runs rampant in my gene pool by skipping those runs than I am to be attacked by a stranger. Live life.
when I've run, I've run by myself and I think that is ok because really there is only so much you can do to protect yourself. When I've run at night, I've run with my husband behind me (I'd start a few minutes before him, he'd catch up and we'd continue running in the same general area).
Running with a buddy is great but it isn't always possible.
I usually, but not always have my dog with me. It is so shocking that we must be constantly aware that some pervert is out there seeking whom he can harm.
Yeah. I ended up giving up running because the only time I like, and the only time that works in the long 90-100 degree summer, is 5am. I did it for a long time because I really wanted to, but it's not safe. That makes me angry. I really love running before dawn.
It's not like I have any body to run with, no matter what time I went.
EZ, I know where you're coming from and I appreciate the concern. My heart is broken about Chelsea. She has so much in common with my DD#1, I've been crying for her and her family. I told my DD to be extra careful. I've been considering signing her up for self defense classes before she goes to college and this is the impetus I needed to make that happen.
One of the articles I read about Chelsea said she loved to run, cause that's when she could think. I know exactly how it feels. There is nothing better than putting on your shoes and hitting the trail, gorgeous weather, breathing, heart beating, moving.....it's a joy and a gift. I've often reminded myself that it is a privilege to run. But you know what? It is a right to run. Chelsea had the right to go running without being attacked by some $*(#*$)#)%#%&#*#*$&. He stole that right from her, and he (and others of his ilk) will NOT steal it from me. I'll take precautions, as I always do. I'll run with my cell, tell people where I'm going and when I'm coming back, and if the unthinkable happens, I'll do as much damage as I can possibly do.
But I will still run. And my next run will be for this girl.
Thank all of you from your input on the threads for this young girl.
What a great idea BABY CATCHER to run your next run for her....hugs...I thought of you because of our X-Country connection when I posted...I knew it would hit close to home for you too.
As ENNAY and others have mentioned...you can't "stop" because of these creeps...just do as BABY CATCHER and others have said take your precautions and be careful.
PLEASE Run With A BUDDY!
