Creeped Out On My Run Tonight...
 

So earlier this evening I was out on a run and all of the sudden this guy jumped out from behind some bushes and kind of yells "Hi" at me... and needless to say it scared the **** out of me! He had this look in his eyes and grin on his face that was truly creepy... So I just picked up the pace and got the **** out of there! So when I finally look back... There he is... following me now... Well now I'm kind of freaking out a little bit... and of course I don't have my phone and there is absolutely no one around... Thank God he wasn't able to keep up with me, but I was still about 3 miles from my car... Fortunately for me just when I thought I wouldn't be able to keep up running as fast as I was... I came upon this older gentleman on a horse of all things dressed like he had just got done fox hunting! (really I'm not making this up) I mean he was wearing the the red blazer, the black velvet riding hat, the jodhpers, the black riding boots, and he even had a riding crop! He offered to follow me back to my car... When the creepy guy saw all of this he took off in the other direction...

I thought to myself when I calmed down a little bit, maybe I was just being a big drama queen... But now I'm a little worried about doing this run again... Which kind of sucks, because it's one of my favorites... I'm not really sure what to do now... Anyone else here have something similar like this happen? How did you handle it?

let me add this to the many reasons i dont run outside lol

wowwww thats freaking SCARY! i mean, if you're running and he's following you, he's not just out for some evening stroll...he has to be running to keep up or catch up or he wouldnt have even been in sight...he had to have been moving pretty fast...i'm assuming it was dark n everything too...

if that happened to me, i'd probably be too creeped out to do that route alone again but if you decide to...take your phone, take some Mace, take some bear spray, take a whistle...any or all of those...or run with somebody else together, or a dog

Thanks for the advice... All I had on me was my car keys... So I thought about how they teach you in self defense class to put them between your index and middle fingers to use them to gouge someone's eyes out if you have to... I think mace is illegal here in New York, but I bet I could get away with bear spray, that's a really good idea, thanks....

Thankfully he never got within several hundred yards of me... The really sad thing though... is the reason I love that run so much is because I get to be out on a really beautiful trail and just have some "me time"... oh and it was around 6pm so it was still light out, thank God!

What really has me a bit concerned is that it seemed like he was waiting for me.... and since I run there on a regular basis it wouldn't be to difficult to figure out my schedule.... I'd really hate to have to stop running there, but I think I might have too... Definitely not alone again... That's for sure...

volunteer to take the biggest, meanest looking dog from the animal shelter for a daily run with you ;);)

like my dad says "it's only illegal if you get caught" ;)

he also says he'd rather get a ticket for having mace (or an illegal gun) than be dead in a ditch

my dad says alot of things....lol

True That!!!

In Illinois, mace is illegal, but most pepper spray isn't - and pepper spray is actually more effective than mace in most cases, and if you accidentally spray yourself or some other bystander it's usually perfectly safe (it hurts like a son of a bee, but no permanent harm is done).

It pays to take a class or practice with the stuff, because it is easy to spray yourself (and you want to incapacitate the bad guy, not yourself).

The kind that shoots a stream is less likely to get in your eyes, but it's also harder to hit the bad guy's eyes. With sprays you don't have to have as good an aim, but you want to learn how to decrease the chance of you getting caught in the pepper cloud.

And don't store your pepper spray in your glove compartment. When I was a probation officer, one of the other probation officers stores her pepper spray in her glove compartment. On a very hot day, the pepper spray canister burst and when she opened her car door, she got a cloud of pepper spray in her face (and it was a gift that kept on giving, because the capsaicin also burns skin if you say touch your contaminated steering wheel and then rub your eyes. So even though she had her car interior cleaned, several spots must have been missed, because for months she'd rub her eyes and discover she'd some how touched a spot that had been missed).

I would call the police station and report the incident and have them advise you on the appropriate precautions to take because if he was waiting for you and he had figured out your running schedule then he might have figured out more

I thought about calling the cops, but I didn't... I guess growing up here in New York City... I just figured that there wasn't much they could do... since he didn't really do anything (well except scare the s*** out of me) and believe me I have a lot of respect for the police, but they've got a lot on their plates and I guess I was afraid they would think I was being a drama queen... But your right, what if I'm not just being paranoid (because let me tell you... I really got a bad feeling about this guy) I'm going to report it... I don't want to find out that this creep did something to someone else, and maybe I could have done something about it.... Thanks

I'd also tell the police, just in case! To protect yourself and other women, if you give them a description that would be a good idea. I mean who knows who this guy is?

Always bring your phone and some pepper spray or something. It makes me really angry though that you would be scared to run somewhere because of some creep.

Stay safe!

I don't blame you free being creeped out. Running, you're in a somewhat venerable position, and if it even appeared to me as though anyone was following me, I'd be creeped out. Be safe and next time be prepared to call the police or use pepper spray. :)

You should always call the police, regardless. They want and need to know about stuff like this. Maybe someone else has reported him and they are trying to build up a pattern. Or maybe he'll decide to do something to someone else, and they'll already have this report. It's not too late, go on and call them now.

Very wise words! I wouldn't care how illegal something was...if it could potentially protect my life,it would be on my person at all times.Better safe then sorry.

I carry a kubotan as my keychain,but I could probably use a refresher on pressure point techniques.I got it at a weapons class I took a few years ago.

I second the idea of a dog. Ask a neighbor, a friend, anyone who has a dog (Even a little one will help because the dog will bark and draw attention to yourself)

Also, scream, holler generally make a lot of noise while you are running to draw attention to yourself. TAKE YOUR PHONE. My god woman, put the phone in your bra, get a fanny pack BUT TAKE YOUR PHONE! Then dial up a friend (who knows what to do) and loudly say ' IS THIS THE POLICE! YES I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A STALKER' Your friend should know this is the phrase for you are in danger and to call the police. Hang up and call the police yourself as well. Or call the police on the first dial, but the more reports the more the police will do something about it and ALWAYS tell a friend, roommate, someone where you are going, how far you are going, how long it will take you and when you will be back at your car and or at home. This way they can pinpoint where you are in case something does happen. If you think you are going to stop at the store on the way home TELL SOMEONE.

You really just want to make as big a scene as absolutely possible, let as many people as possible know where you are.

Maybe I should set up shop 'Rent a dog for your Jog" Have some mean looking german shepards, rotties, and what not and rent them out to joggers

That is a truly terrifying experience. I'd probably would have broken down in tears once I reached the man with the horse. And I really don't want to freak you out anymore BUT it is very possible that he was watching you. Maybe had been watching you before this incident and knew you come around that area. Or maybe the way this area is, you can see who is coming and saw you coming and decided to hide in the brush. Either way, you should report it. Especially since he gave you an eerie look and continued to follow you, I'd be concerned. Please do try and carry a phone with you at all times. When I'm out walking and I've no pockets, I sometimes put my phone down my pants (lol) at the side near my hips where it will stay due to the string in the pants. I hope you are alright and please stay safe.

Thanks for all the great ideas... I've only ever carried pepper spray one time in the past (thanks kaplods for the tips on practicing with it) because there was this dog that used to like nipping at my ankles when I went by... But I never would have used it on him because I always thought it was his "people" that weren't channeling all that energy in a more positive direction (I know, I know I attribute way to many human qualities to dogs...)

I actually have 2 dogs, a big Lab who is like a 100 lbs. and the biggest sweetheart in the world who has quite the bark and actually scares some people (which always surprises me) and a pit bull from a rescue who has a head like a cinderblock who is also a big sweetheart, once you get to know him... and I truly believe he would rip the throat out of anyone who tried to attack me... The problem is that they're both 10 years old now... and I don't think they would be all that interested in tagging along for my long runs... I think they might say... "I love you and all, but you're gonna have to come up with a different bodyguard solution, because I'm NOT IT!... now isn't time for like my 20th nap of day or something... lol...

That's really scary! I'm not sure what they're called but my nan gave me a little keyring thing which makes a seriously loud and high pitched noise if you pull the pin from it and wont stop until it's put back in-I guess it's some kind of safety alarm. It has a clip which would also sit over a pair of trousers too so might be good for running.

Might be an idea to note down any time you (hopefully don't need to though!) see this guy again so if you do contact the Police you can provide a bit more to help them investigate-Be safe! :)

So I just wanted to update everyone... I took your advice and I went to the police and Im glad I did... but now I'm actually even a bit more freaked out... Here's what happened...

The police were very nice and took it very seriously (which I was worried about) they had me talk with a detective and I actually was able to identify the guy from a mug shot! So here's where it got even more scary... Turns out the guy is wanted for get this... Threatening to kill and ex girlfriend who has a restraining order against him... apparently he has a history of weapons, drugs, and assault charges... and if that isn't bad enough he recently threatened to kill a federal judge so the the FBI is looking for him too! I'm not trying to sound overly dramatic here, but I was actually physically sick thinking that I crossed paths with this person...

I'm actually a bit relieved now because thank God nothing happened to me... I just really wish I got the name of the gentleman on the horse who was kind enough to help me out... I would really like to thank him in person...

Oh my goodness! Shocking! I'm so glad you went to the police about it. I don't think any of us expected that turn out. Think we were all thinking it would just be safe to report it so the police know.

It is a shame about the man with the horse. Maybe you will cross paths again one day.

Hopefully you'll feel safer when out running now.

I just wanted to explain that I was trying to do one big post thanking everyone for all their advice and support and the update with what happened when I went to the police today and I kind of got side tracked with talking about my dogs which probably sounded like I was being a bit glib... and it turned into 2 posts back to back...

Sometimes I feel like I come across as not taking things seriously, but I think it's just my way of coping with stress...

Just another update... the detective called me and let me know that they arrested the guy... and that he is being held without bail... and that apparently he's facing up to 20 years as a result of the threats that he made to that federal judge... (I guess if you just threaten to kill your ex girlfriend, not such a big deal, but threaten to kill a federal judge... and WATCH OUT!... but don't get my started about that...)

Anyway I haven't gone anywhere near that trail since this all happened, but I'm gonna take some suggestions that I got here... and head out there maybe tomorrow and see how I feel....

Thanks once again for all the support and great suggestions...

Be Safe Everyone!

Glad they got the creep. One down . . . a bajillion more to go.

Yikes, what a story! At least they arrested the guy.

I sometimes walk on a bike path along the Hudson but I feel a little too vulnerable there, since there aren't many people. It sucks to have to worry about such things.

When I was in probation officer training, our self-defense class instructors would often say that women especially, but everyone needed to trust their gut, because the worst offenders preyed on the fact that people (especially women) fear that they're over-reacting when they feel that creepiness vibe.

We were taught (women and men) that if we felt we were in danger, to trust that gut instinct and to avoid wasting time by questioning it. Assume the danger is real, and act accordingly - don't worry about looking foolish, better to look foolish than to be hurt or dead because you didn't want to be embarassed.

And since we were were told that as law enforcement agents, it goes double for everyone else. Looking foolish is the least of your problems, and most of the time that "creepy" vibe is telling you something you need to listen to.

I'm so glad u are are safe! If it were me I might bring a friend the first time I went back to that place even if your friend would rather just walk. Just in case it brings back any residual feelings from such an ordeal. Who knows what that nut woulda done if he coulda caught up to you. I'm so glad he's behind bars but there are always more freaks out there. I walk and hike in a forest with great jogging trails but I don't ever go alone because I'm a chicken. I'm about to go now and take my mom with me. Don't ask why taking a 68-yr old woman as a bodyguard makes me feel safe, but at least there is safety in numbers. Good job going to the cops. Even if you felt silly, obviously it was the right move and I'm sure the detectives are glad you did too.

Thanks once again to everyone here for all the support... I actually didn't go out on that run today... I decided to stick close to home and do my "run" in the pool instead... But I am looking forward to getting back out there, and I'm determined to not let all of this get in the way of that...

time will also help you feel better getting back out there as well

for instance: one time we had a 500-pound black bear break into our house at night and it charged my DH in our living room and he shot it...it took a great deal of time for us to be comfortable at night after that and even now i still have some heeby-jeebies leaving any doors open past twilight lol

WOW. That sounds nightmare-ish. I'm so glad they caught the guy! This kind of thing is one of my worst fears about living in big cities... and my city is nowhere NEAR the size of NYC.

@Alaskanlaughter- that sounds incredibly scary. :(