Running while female

[MooPointCowsOpinion]

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?

SoOverItNow thank you, that was actually encouraging, and I went out today and had a lovely run. Somewhere new and I did a circuit around some buildings and play equipment that had a few people about so I felt safer.

That's good to hear, Moo. Glad you're getting out and feeling better about it!

That's brilliant. Well done 😀

Just keep going out where you feel comfortable. Circuits can be good as you can stay nearer home.

Keep us posted.

I was reading this thread and empathising last week, while thinking myself lucky that I've never been catcalled or harassed i n this way. Tonight I was out for a plod jog and got an awful fright when some twat hollered at me from his boy-racer-mobile.

All I heard was "run faster", so who knows, maybe he's at a lose end with all the sprinters he trains taking a break after the Olympics and simply offering free advice...

I run during the day, have had a few van shouters, and creepy cyclists cycling slowly behind me, it's a way of dominating public space imo

I find it helps to wear big wraparound shades and earphones, it makes me feel as if I'm in my own bubble and I feel it discourages others from engaging with you

Appreciate it's no use if you need to run outside of daylight hours though :(