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AIBU?

To run, on my own, without a phone

86 replies

FurtherSupport · 22/07/2015 21:46

It doesn't seem that strange to me, remembering a time when I had to go everywhere without a phone, but people keep telling me how dangerous it is.

I can't help thinking a phone won't actually protect me from anything:

  • What if you get attacked? It would be awful, but the phone won't stop it happening.


-What if you're injured? I'll limp home, or if it's that bad ask a passer-by or nearby house for help

-What if you fall and bang your head? As above, unless I'm unconscious, in which case how would I make a phone call?
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muchhappierthesedays · 22/07/2015 21:52

Funnily enough I had a similar moment yesterday when my phone was dead and I needed to go to the supermarket which is literally a 3 minute drive away and I had to remind myself that I managed for years without one including going half way across country by train from the age of 15 on many occasions!

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muchhappierthesedays · 22/07/2015 21:54

And yes it was lazy to drive but heavy bags plus 2 kids-no brainer as far as I am concerned!

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ThroughThickAndThin01 · 22/07/2015 21:55

It's more for the injury for me, falling over and breaking an ankle or God forbid, leg.,I don't think I'd be limping home. I only run with a phone though, nothing else, not sure I'd want to juggle it with other things,

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LadyBlaBlah · 22/07/2015 21:55

YANBU

When I am running, I always think "who is going to attack me?" Really? I hate to sound blase about it, but I am pretty sure most attackers are opportunists and they won't therefore chose someone who by definition can very clearly run away.

If you are running in a desert, the rest of it is ridiculous anxiety laden paranoia too.

Do what you want and don't change your behaviour based on very unlikely happenings.

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LammilyDoll · 22/07/2015 21:56

It seems much safer to me! Less to get stolen . . .

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fedupandtired · 22/07/2015 21:58

I go running, on my own, without a phone and it's never occurred to me to do otherwise.

I've managed so far (42 yrs) without needing a mobile whenever I step outside the house so I think I'll be okay.

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TheDowagerCuntess · 22/07/2015 21:59

YANBU. I have the same thought process about it as Lady.

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TiggieBoo · 22/07/2015 22:01

Yanbu. I always take my phone with me, but not because of potential danger. I use it for music and to track my distance. And once I saw some kids breaking into a garage and called the police - the only time I used the phone as a phone.

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Zeitgeistic · 22/07/2015 22:02

Based on my recent family experience I think YABU.

My mum fell while walking the dog a few months ago and broke her leg. She's a very fit 50 something. She had left her phone at home. She knew she'd seriously hurt herself but she couldn't phone for help and the area was quite isolated so it was some time until a passer by happened upon her. In the meantime she was unable to move, got very cold and went into shock.

She was ok in the end by needed an op to set her leg. Obviously things like this don't happen often but the new 'rule' in our family is that if any of go out alone we always take a phone. I have a small flip phone I stuff in my bra for emergencies when I go jogging.

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FuckingLiability · 22/07/2015 22:07

I take my phone with me when I run because I record it on Runkeeper, but that's an interesting question. I prefer quieter roads so I would probably take it even so, and I know DH would be happier if I had it with me.

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MissShunImpossible · 22/07/2015 22:08

First I must say - short runs, I do often go without a phone.

But longer ones I take one. Partly so anyone who needs to contact me can do so (not work, family!), but also because runners can be first on the scene of accidents/unfortunate events. Before you roll your eyes... it happens! I have met confused old people, a woman who had fallen off her bike, and a woman who had lost her car keys and so I was able to call her DH to pick her up.

It is of course possible I could go over my ankle or something and need help, and I do carry a phone when go running up on the moors. Probably there wouldn't be a signal though!

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CactusAnnie · 22/07/2015 22:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Theycallmemellowjello · 22/07/2015 22:11

It depends where you run obviously! If it's somewhere there may not be any passers by then it's obviously best to take it.

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Birdsgottafly · 22/07/2015 22:11

I have a cheap phone (not worth mugging me for) that I carry when dog walking.

I've used it when I twisted my ankle, made a phone call to get rid of a man pestering me, when I found someone unconscious (drunk, but it was winter), saw someone being attacked, a house broken into.

I live in Liverpool, though and there's a lot that goes on, also I've lefty teen in alone, so it sayse worrying that they couldn't get in touch if something happened.

You could knock on a neighbours door when I was s teen, sadly none of my neighbours would want to know.

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FurtherSupport · 22/07/2015 22:12

For me, the beauty of running is a hour or so when I'm not contactable. I really don't think I'm so indispensable that they can't manage for an hour or even two, even in a crisis.

If I came across someone who needed help, I'd get them help, in any one of the numerous ways we used to do it before we had mobile phones.

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Sparklingbrook · 22/07/2015 22:14

I do a lot of walking along the canal. I always take my phone, would be weird not to. If I was to injure myself I would ring for help.

If I was attacked after my attacker had fled presuming they hadn't murdered me I could ring someone to come to me.

If the school rang to say one of the DC were sick I could ring my parents to get them if I was too far away.

Sensible.

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DrHarleenFrancesQuinzel · 22/07/2015 22:14

Wouldn't make a difference if I took a phone or not. Living rurally means that a signal is not always an option.

I never take a phone out. I wouldn't have done 30 years ago so dont need to now.

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ThroughThickAndThin01 · 22/07/2015 22:15

Well carry on running without it then OP. If you are comfortable with that and it suits you. Me, well I'll carry on taking mine, I wouldnt feel happy without it.

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PurpleDaisies · 22/07/2015 22:18

The one time I got mugged it was for my phone so I'm happier without it. I much prefer being totally away from the possibility of work ringing me as well.

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Sparklingbrook · 22/07/2015 22:21

I don't see the point in paying monthly for my mobile phone contract then not actually using or needing the phone. Confused

Be like paying monthly for the Gym and not going.

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HellRunner · 22/07/2015 22:21

I tend to run off road and tend to take my phone in case I get injured.

Also in the interests of safety I carry a "space blanket" as if I get injured I will cool down very quickly. Or if I come across any other person needing it.

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FurtherSupport · 22/07/2015 22:23

The phone's still there, collecting messages whether I have it with me or not Sparkling. I have a gym membership, but I'm not there 24hrs a day Confused

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Sparklingbrook · 22/07/2015 22:26

Well if i had a gym membership I would be there 24 hours a day the prices they charge. Grin

I want my messages as soon as they come in personally, especially if I am on a long walk and they are urgent. Means I can do something about them there and then.

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FurtherSupport · 22/07/2015 22:28

But running and long walks are about getting away from it all and not having to deal with anything for a little while

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MissShunImpossible · 22/07/2015 22:31

I think it depends on how long you're out for. I agree FurtherSupport for a little while it's fair enough. But if you're like me and runs tend to last 2-3 hours or more... then I think I need to have a phone with me just in case something has happened that needs me.

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