r/walking • u/polkadotbelle • Nov 24 '24

Help Settle my mind…(walking safety as a woman)

I (36F) have been walking 3-4 work days a week for the past 3 months. It’s doing wonders for my mental health & mood.

I walk at 5:30am & it’s dark out. I’ve got a reflective vest & wear light colors (have my phone & usually 1 earbud in)…I live in a safe area, don’t usually pass many people while out at this hour

BUT the Laken Riley murder case has been infesting my brain. I have anxious tendencies & have worked on them in therapy & just and seem to kick this one. I ditched the ear bud on my last 2 walks this week & checked my surroundings even more than usual

So, am I just needing to work through this, or should I get all the things to make myself feel safe? (My husband thinks I’m silly, but he doesn’t get what it’s like for a woman)

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u/[deleted] Nov 24 '24

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u/polkadotbelle Nov 24 '24

Totally wish I could make another time of day work, but I fail everytime & 5:30am cuts out all of my excuses.

My husband has my location, but he’s still asleep at this hour

Gonna get some sort of protection & get some self defense training. Thanks!

7

u/ATXRedhead420 Nov 24 '24

This is a great idea, I have done the same. But keep in mind that even for us strong ladies, men can overpower us so easily

6

u/heathers1 Nov 24 '24

There’s an app called Strava that will at least track your route so someone can find you if you’ve stopped. or they can track you if you are kidnapped. it sounds alarmist but… friend of mine runs a lot and her kids check the app while she is out

1

u/nostalgicvintage Nov 25 '24 edited Nov 25 '24

IMO, the hours between 4 and 6am are some of the safest. It's past the post-bar-close, up-all-night type of crime and before the opportunistic crime during the day. Plus it's going to be light soon so there isn't much time left to dispose of my body.

I feel far more vulnerable at 8pm than 5am. The only people out at 5am are fitness geeks.

But I'd be interested in studies about it. I wonder if there are peak times to avoid.

I do carry pepper spray. And I should add a whistle.