I find it sad that so many women are afraid to be outdoors alone.

My safety precautions are never to have both ears ear-phoned, and to wear something reflective and/or blinking, even if my traffic exposure is just crossing streets.

I run cross country and last time I went running I carried a big stick with me the whole time - cuz I saw a wild dog nearby which totally freaked me out. Nothing happened but damn my run times were a lot faster that day, esp. when it started howling.

I always have my phone with me anyway but apart from that things are fairly quiet. I do have my iPod going full blast but I try to keep my eyes out in case anything untoward pops up and I always tell someone where I'm going, just in case.

Yes, yes, yes---to everything you say!! I agree completely and do just as you describe.

Milmin2043, I wish I could carry a taser, but it's against the law in my state.

Against the law or not, I think the taser is the best idea, if you have no choice but to run in the country.... along with all the other common sense safety precautions...

If I were in your shoes though, I'd be the big chicken too.... I'd do the dreadmill or drive to a track...

I run out in the boonies - no cell, no pepper spray, no dog. I just figure when I start out, I look too fast and strong to be messed with, and when I'm almost done, I look so sweaty, smelly and horrible, no one would mess with me.

We have bear, coyotes, etc, and when runners encounter them, they just make a lot of noise and the animal goes away.

I would not for a second be afraid of danger from humans.

I agree with fitness4life and do the same thing, except that I have a dog with me. I don't want fear to stop me from doing something that I love. Be smart, be aware, and run with purpose. Honestly animals don't want to see you, you are entering their home when you run in the woods. I have been running in the woods for years without phone, weapon, or company other than my dog, and mostly I just see a lot of bugs!

I do have a pepper spray that straps to my hand, it's kind of cool. Haven't carried it in years (I'm just getting back into running after a LONG break), but maybe I'll carry that.

I think I will take my dog. She could use the exercise even more than me. lol

I never go anywhere without my cell. Even for a run.

I am considering buying one of those backpack things for my dog. I could use it to carry a small handgun (yes, I'm legal to carry lol). Not sure about that, though, as I worry the weight of the gun would cause chafing on her, and I don't want her to be uncomfortable.

This isn't a high crime area at all, but there are quite a few sex offenders in a 5 mile radius. Weird how so many live in a small town...

This is my sentiments exactly. I always joke with my DH and tell him that it's harder to hit a moving target; I run pretty fast. I wear a baseball hat, no makeup and pretty basic running shorts and a tank. I doubt anyone would come near me as well. I mean, it's not like I'm out running in a ballgown, lol.

I also will not let fear keep me from running. Be smart. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. BUT, please don't let fear of something that MIGHT happen keep you from being healthy or doing something that you really love.

I will take my chances. Live your life in a wheelchair for a while and then get a second chance, and I guarantee, you'll no longer have a lot of fears.