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Original poster

Running while female

105 replies

MooPointCowsOpinion · 15/08/2016 20:12

I've taken up running and it's only been a week, 3 runs, and I've already had a very creepy encounter. I chose a very secluded run through a wooded area, just a few cyclists and dog walkers but a good path, and not near a road or a town. Felt perfect, as I'm out of shape and wanted to just focus on running and not think about bumping into people I know.

After the creepy encounter, I don't want to run there anymore. And I'm angry, so so angry. I should be able to run anywhere without fear. my biggest worry was if I would complete the run, or needed a wee half way round. Is this just how running is, unless you go through a built up area?

OP posts:
Felascloak · 15/08/2016 20:47

How scary! I've had scary stuff too, it sucks. I don't think men realise how often this happens. Hope you are okFlowers

Original poster
MooPointCowsOpinion · 15/08/2016 20:46

That's awful. I thought I would be the type to say fuck off, but it turns out I just run faster, hurt myself, then limp back to my car.

OP posts:
PinkyofPie · 15/08/2016 20:44

It's awful isn't it. I became very self conscious running because of cat calling from teenage boys. One time they even ran beside me and were "you alright love so you have somewhere to be?". Very intimidating. I don't feel safe enough saying "fuck off".

It's a shame as I really enjoyed it, I invested in a running partner which definitely helped!

Original poster
MooPointCowsOpinion · 15/08/2016 20:28

Thank you. I'm going to report it as I'm sure he was waiting for a lone jogger, and will be again.

I turned around with my phone on camera mode and took his picture quickly, and sent it to my husband, so I have photos to give the police too.

OP posts:
TheHubblesWindscreenWipers · 15/08/2016 20:19

Yup. It's shit. You either run out in the proper wilds or stick to well trodden paths.

If you felt threatened, report it, even if nothing really happened.,I had a weird encounter after a run once, just walking up the bike path after a run, was carrying a few bags I'd dropped at a friends then going home. Chap turned around and followed me, switched sides when I did etc. I confronted him and he slunk off. It weirded me out so much I reported it to the police. They asked me to look at some artists impressions and lo, there was my weirdo.

Turned out they'd had a few reports and on the back of that they put extra patrols on that route. Don't think you can't report because no one hurt you. If you thought it was creepy it probably was for a reason.

I took to taking my Friend's dog out with me sometimes.