Running Safely: an Interview with the Women of Terra Running Co.

Do you run outside? If so, why? If not, why not?

Tiff: “I absolutely run outside! To me, the joy of running is getting to be active and explore outside whether on the road or on the trail. I will run inside if I have to but it is only as a last resort.”

Brittany: “Yes almost exclusively. It's my chance to be outside and enjoy the fresh air. I only run on the treadmill if the weather is really bad.”

Olivia: “Yes, I run outside every day unless it is storming or freezing cold. I love to run outside because it gets me in the fresh air, helps me explore new areas of town, and typically runs seem to go by faster when I am distracted by nature!”

Do you take any precautions when running outside?

Tiff: “Yes, in the sense that I always have my phone with me, I run safe routes, and I don’t usually run alone when it is dark out; if it is dark outside I run in the middle of very populated, well lit areas like Lee’s campus and make sure that someone always knows where I am. This is a different aspect of safety, but I also note the weather to watch for storms and make sure that I am wearing bright, reflective gear if needed.”

Brittany: “I run during daylight hours and on routes I am familiar with.”

Olivia: “I almost always make an effort to run in groups or at least with one other person. If I can't run with someone else, I will have a friend or sibling bike with me. If neither of those options are available, I will carry my phone and mace while I run and tell someone at home where I am going and about how long I will be gone.”

Do you ever run outside alone? Do you take different precautions when running outside alone?

Tiff: “Running is usually my ‘me-time’ so the ability to go and be off by myself is one of the things that I appreciate about it the most. That being said, I do make sure that I am not running in the dark, in the middle of nowhere by myself, that I have my phone with me, and that I am in generally safe and familiar areas. Especially when I am alone, I make sure to be very aware of my surroundings and to listen to my gut. If somewhere or someone strikes me as off I don’t hesitate to listen to that feeling to remove myself from that situation either by calling someone or leaving immediately.”

Brittany: “I run almost exclusively outside alone. I really enjoy the alone time and getting to go at my own pace.”

Olivia: “Yes, I will occasionally run alone. When I do, the first thing I do is make sure to have my phone and mace. I am always checking my surroundings to ensure I am safe as I run. This could include keeping check of the cars that go by but also the people I see.”

Have you ever felt unsafe when running outside? What did you do?

Tiff: “I can’t remember a time I ever felt truly unsafe when running outside in daylight; I have plenty of memories of jerks cat calling from their cars but nothing that left me feeling like I was in real danger. I do, however, have memories of feeling unsafe when it was dark out or dusk. I avoid running by myself at those times but occasionally I miscalculate and find myself running in the dark. When this happens I usually call someone to pick me up or to let them know where I am. I will also get on the phone (or even to fake being on the phone) if I feel like there are some sketchy people about. That being said, I always act and speak very confidently.”

Brittany: “Yes I have felt wary when passing by certain people. I wouldn't say I was felt unsafe, but I was definitely aware and conscious of my surroundings when passing them. When that happens, I look the person right in the eye. I don't shy away or avert my gaze; I feel safer and more empowered when I know that they know I saw them. I also tend to stand up taller and run a bit faster.”

Olivia: “Yes, there have been times I feel unsafe running outside. If I notice someone following me or I am passing by someone that appears unsafe to me, I will immediately look around to see where I could go (a house, public area, etc.) to be around other people.”

What would you say to someone who doesn’t feel safe when running outside?

Tiff: “I would say that fear doesn’t magically equal safety so you shouldn’t rely on it to tell you what you can and can’t do. There are things that you can do to help keep yourself safe, just like you would take precautions for anything else you do in life. That being said, if you don’t actually want to run outside, you certainly don’t need to!”

Brittany: “Generally our area is very safe for running outside. Lee University campus has Campus Security on patrol at all times and the Greenway is patrolled as well. I would encourage you to take any steps you need to feel safe (carry mace, share your location with a friend, run with a friend) but don't let the fear of what *could* happen outweigh the benefits of alone time, getting stronger in the fresh air. Many people use the Greenway and sidewalks as a means to commute in Cleveland because they connect the entire town. Just because someone doesn't look like you or look like they're exercising doesn't mean they intend to harm. That being said, just be alert and know that you are capable and entitled to enjoy the outdoors.”

Olivia: “My first suggestion would be to find a group of people to run with each time you go out for a run. I think the benefits of getting outside each day are irreplaceable! If this is not something you can manage, go to a public park that you feel comfortable at and where there are plenty of other people around. And if neither of these options feel safe or is attainable, running on the treadmill is always a great alternative!”

Any general tips for staying safe when running as a woman?

Tiff: “Beyond just being smart about time of day and place, act strong and confident when around others and don’t be afraid to send aggressive glares to sketchy people. Act strong, in control, and self-possessed. Listen to your gut if something feels off and don’t hesitate to call someone (even the police if needed) to pick you up or let them know where you are and what is happening if needed.”

Brittany: “My main safety tool is my confidence. I look any passerby right in the face and let them know I see them. Besides that, I have run with mace. We carry mace that has a special strap for running so it's easy to carry and quick to dispense if needed. Additionally, run on routes you are familiar with. This gives a sense of belonging to the area and you get to know what's normal and what's not.”

Olivia: “Be aware of your surroundings. I have found that over my years of running (most times in a group of girls, sometimes alone) I have become extremely vigilant of what's going on around me while I run, which has not only helped me feel safer but also avoided potential problems.”

In your opinion, what are some of the best places to run in the area?

Tiff: “In the daylight I love running on the Greenway and downtown in the neighborhoods. For local trails I like Johnston Woods, Enterprise Nature Park and White Oak Mountain at Southern Adventist University. I know that running on the Greenway can get a bad rap but I find that it is heavily populated and patrolled well by the police. If it is dusk or dark I will run the well lit and central parts of Lee University’s campus.”

Brittany: “I always start my runs from Terra Running in downtown Cleveland. I really enjoy running through the Historic District neighborhood. The houses are beautiful and there are almost always people out in their yards, walking the roads, or in Deer Park. I also really enjoy running the Greenway. I have done all of my long training runs on the Greenway in the daylight.”

Olivia: “Neighborhoods that are familiar and you feel safe running through! Running through neighborhoods is great because there are normally people out and about and the roads are less busy. Also, looking at houses is always fun for me as a runner! I would also suggest running in parks where there are people around.”

Any final thoughts?

Tiff: “Don’t let the headlines steal your joy from you. For me, running is a joy. Always be smart and vigilant in all areas of your life — including running — but don’t get pulled down into the fear spiral. And don’t forget to talk to trusted friends and family about any anxiety or fear you are feeling, regarding running or anything else.”

Brittany: “If you are looking for a group of people to run with, come to Terra on Monday evenings at 5:30 and/or 6pm (check our social media and website for updated times — we sometimes change it with the time change) for the “Terra Trot;” you might even find friends to run with at other times during the week.”

Olivia: “Don't give up something you love because of fear. Do all that you can to make yourself safe when you go out for a run, and from there just enjoy the gift of running!”