To want to go for long walks and jogs alone in the countryside?

[LittleMoonbuggy]

I'm genuinely interested in different opinions on this.

Partly due to being an introvert, I've always loved going for long walks alone (sometimes jogs but mostly walks) in the countryside, often far from any houses and don't see another person for ages. For say 1-2 hours each time.

I usually listen to music whilst out and sometimes am conscious that I could be vulnerable to attack, particularly in remote places and if listening to music. Sometimes I carry a mini bottle of deodorant to spray in the eyes of a potential attacker but mostly I guess I tend to think that the vast majority of people are decent and wouldn't hurt others and don't let it get in the way of what I enjoy. I never go out at dark/dusk btw.

I mentioned that I enjoy doing this to a woman about 20 years older at work, she looked visibly shocked and said that going off on my own was 'asking for trouble' and I was lucky I haven't been attacked!

Do you ever go out on your own like this, or do you think it's too reckless?

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't relax.

But the chances of anything untoward happening to you is remote, so you may as well enjoy yourself if it doesn't worry you.

[OhMyGoddess]

The chances of being "attacked", in circumstances such as those you describe, are so so slim.

Young males are most at risk of unprovoked violence and most rapes are carried out by a person the victim already knows.

In short, if you want to do it then go for it. I do all the time.

[honeyroar]

I live in the country. I've always wandered about on my own and never come to any harm.

[Onlyicanclean10]

I wouldn't but statistically sure you will be ok.

Asking for trouble is. Horrible phrase

[malvinandhobbes]

I live in the countryside and do it all the time as well. Such an attack would be very rare.

[Haggisfish]

Yabu. I go out and about in countryside on my own all the time. Never even think about it tbh.

[Haggisfish]

Sorry-yanbu!

[Krampus]

I love walking and often go out for hours on my own, I have a one man tent so I can do 2 day ones.

I've not considered the danger of being attacked much, more the danger of injury by falling. I have an emergency whistle with flashing light, so I can be seen in the dark. I supose my phone tracker is on if I didn't turn up when expected.

I do walk with trekking poles, one could be used to poke in the stomach whilst aiming the other at the head.

[MumOnTheRunCatchingUp]

i run alone. early morning sometimes,through woods and country lanes

i'm more scared of finding something horrific! its always the lone runner on csi/criminal minds who finds murder victims or suicides

[ZigZagIntoTheBlue]

Maybe have one earphone in and one out so you can hear if someone is close by suddenly. I used to walk home from a bar job at 4am through s city centre (but it was pretty quiet at that time) listening to my discman one time I felt a weird vibe and turned round there was a man walking about 20cm from my shoulder, in spite of it being a 3m wide pavement. I legged it to halls and made sure to check in with the security guard but never listened to music in both ears on the walk home again!

[cheminotte]

Yanbu. Terrible comment from your colleague.

[LittleMoonbuggy]

Thanks for the replies, glad that most of you don't think I'm being reckless.

Good point about the fear of finding something awful, especially where I used to live I walked underneath a river bridge that was notorious for suicide jumps. Somehow it never occurred to me then about that.

[Only1scoop]

Yes I walk quite rurally on my own from time to time.

Love it

[minniewinnie]

Your colleague is being a bit ott! What would she suggest that we all go out in groups of two or more to avoid 'asking for trouble'? I live in the southwest and would not think twice about having a lovely walk in the surrounding countryside for a couple of hours. You're not BU or reckless, just living your life the way you want

[iMatter]

We live in a national park.

I run alone (10 - 20 k) with headphones on a very regular basis.

I love it. No one else around for miles. Perfect.

[capercaillie]

Have been doing this for 24 years and wouldn't think twice about it. I know plenty of women who won't do this though...

[fitzbilly]

I go for long runs in the countryside all the time, sometimes in country perks sometimes just along country lanes or footpaths. Never thought about my safety sorry from if I fall and hurt myself.

[Tingitangi]

I do this most days. I have two dogs for company though, one is a staffy so most likely puts any potential attacker off
Your colleague shouldn't have said that, she may have been genuinely worried for your safety. She could have phrased it better

[Oysterbabe]

It wouldn't even occur to me to worry tbh.

[toffeeboffin]

I totally do this and have done it.

Did it in Banff National Park, went for a long hike alone. Got back and realised bears were actually a very real risk!

[Obviouspretzel]

So if you're a woman you must be accompanied at all times? She is being ridiculous.

[toffeeboffin]

P. S. A good tip is to grab a stick and use it as a walking stick : could come in handy to whack anyone with if they try anything dodgy.

[carefreeeee]

You'd be much more likely to get attacked in a city park imo. Countryside is very safe! You would be more likely to get killed in a traffic accident whilst getting there anyway