Life's little adventures, accompanied by a running watch

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

No Scott, I don’t need a taser…

….my pepper spray will do.  Funny title perhaps; serious topic.

I’d have to describe my area of the world as bordering on rural, however it includes plenty of homes, businesses, industrial parks, major roads, etc.  But I’m definitely not in the city.  With that said, I always choose my solo long runs with safety in mind.  I’m careful with avoiding secluded areas and I’m careful about not placing myself too far from home (should I become injured).  And I always carry my pepper spray.  I don’t believe my pepper spray makes me invincible, but I do believe it’s a means of buying me some time should I ever have to quickly escape a bad situation.

Saturday, I was half way through my 20 mile training run when I observed a car that seemed to be slowly trailing me….

Yeah, super.

The thing is, the car seemed to be so obvious, that for a second, I rationalized that they were looking for a business address (I was in an industrial park).  It was late morning, there were people/cars/delivery trucks all around, but hey, sometimes bad things happen in the middle of the day with people around.  So I quickly threw that rationale out the window and trusted my gut.  I was already looking for an escape route or anyone around who might help if I should need it.  I had a plan.

The creepy car backed off and seemed to be settled in for a minute or two as I continued to put more distance between me and them.  Next, I was approached by a woman in a different car who pulled up next to me and said, “Hey, that car back there seems like they’re following you…..do you want a ride or something?”  OK, if I wasn’t freaked out before, I was now.  I declined (and let me add, she was a little creepy herself – enough to make me wonder if she wasn’t part of the creepy car team) and realized I needed to get out of the creepy car’s line of sight.  I ducked into the parking lot of a business and hid amongst the parked cars.  At least creepy car (or creepy woman) wouldn’t see which direction I was heading.  Major paranoia had settled in at this point. 

After a few minutes, I took off and boy did I fly.  Who knew I had some speed in my legs after 10+ miles!  I guess adrenaline is one of those untapped fuel sources that you’re able to tap into when you’re nervous.  I spent the next several miles running a faster pace and craning my neck to make sure no creepy cars were following me.  

Boy was I happy to see Scott at mile 15ish!!!  I knew I’d see him, but didn’t know exactly when.  He pulled up, just as I was retrieving my planted Gatorade from the poison ivy patch shrubs.  I told him what had happened and right then felt like I might cry – but not because of fear or being a girl; it was because of the feeling of frustration.  I was so angry at creepy car and creepy woman for making me feel vulnerable.  Damn them!

Scott leap-frogged me for the remaining 5 miles home.  While he sat at a school entry waiting for me, a cruiser pulled in.  He flagged him down and explained my experience back in the industrial park.  The officer advised that I report it to the local police (he was technically in a different town) in case others have had a similar experience.  By the time I got home, I started to feel a little silly about it all, but called the police anyway.  I provided what details I could (description of the driver, the car) and was glad I called.  If anything ever happened to someone else and I hadn’t called, I would never forgive myself.

I’m still a little freaked out about it all.  I carry the pepper spray and I take my precautions because I REFUSE to be a victim.  However, there are still people and situations that sadly make us vulnerable no matter how well we prepare.  I will not be arming myself with a taser anytime soon, but I will continue to carry my spray, choose the safest routes possible, mix up my routes so I’m not predictable, and always let Scott know which route I’ve chosen.

I'll never know if they meant any harm or if they were just lost.  But to all my real life and blogging friends, please use my experience as a reminder to take precautions and most importantly, to trust your gut.  

17 comments:

  1. Oh my god Lisa, how scary. So glad you reported it.

    I live in a similar area - rural-ish, but developed. I am so paranoid and carry a switchblade with me on my runs. Not going to whip it out if someone runs up to me, but at least I have something if I get thrown in the back of someone's truck.

    The worst thing is thinking you're just being silly - I have a really hard time distinguishing between legitimate danger and me just being a little paranoid, and I'm so glad you played it safe.

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  2. You're so very smart. God knows if I were with you, I would've gotten us killed for running my mouth.

    Agree w/ above poster - the worst thing is thinking you're being silly. You were SO smart in taking the cautious route.

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  3. Thanks guys. Yes, rather feel silly and be alive to feel silly rather than the other option....

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  4. Glad you are safe!! I have to say this is something I have never thought about Maybe I should get some pepper spray. I won't get a taser either but mostly because I would probably accidentally tase myself.

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  5. I would have been totally freaked out by this encounter. I once had somebody stalking me in their car or at least I thought they were. They kept passing me and then coming back the other way and slowing down. It was quite strange. Next time I think I'll take notice of the license plate. So glad you are safe.

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  6. I definitely recommend the pepper spray. So easy to use the runner's version (velcro band) and once you start grabbing it for your run, it becomes second nature.

    I'm not happy about my experience, but I am happy if it makes us all think about license plates and extra precautions. Girl power!!!!

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  7. Never, ever go against your gut! If something feels wrong, chances are it is. Remember the two women who helped rescue Jaycee Dugard when they saw her with the creep that kidnapped her 18 years ago? They had absolutely nothing to go on but a bad feeling about what they saw. If I'm in a situation where there is any question about my safety, I'm outta there. Does it piss me off that there's that feeling of vulnerability/lack of control? Very much, but better to be safe and be around for many more days...

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  8. Just reading about your ordeal gives me the creeps. I live in a very urbanized setting now and perhaps it makes it worse because you do feel like nothing can happen. When I lived in a very rural town in Maine, though, I had a similar situation as one of your earlier posters. The same vehicle kept going past me, first one way and then the other. I got so freaked out! and then tried to think of a plan. There were not many homes along much of my stretch, let alone probably anyone at home, so I cut crosss country to the back of some neighbor's property and made it home. I did try to vary the times of my runs. And you are so right Lisa about feeling the worst like someone was taking something away from you- the feeling of being able to have a safe, enjoyable run! My husband keeps telling me to buy some pepper spray and I think now, thanks to your blog post, I will! So glad you are safe!

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  9. Carla, the combo of pepper spray and being ultra aware is the best way to arm yourself. I'm glad you're rethinking it. Certainly can't hurt....and if it helps us feel a little bit safer, then it's all good.

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  10. My friend Lan sent me this link because she wanted to make sure I was safe on my runs. WOW! What a scary experience! I would have been more than freaked out! I'm definitely considering arming myself more on my own runs now. :)

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  11. Hey Mandy, glad to hear from you and glad you found this link. Lan......as in California?? That Lan? :)

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  12. And thanks for following me Mandy!

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  13. Yup - California Lan. :) After I told her I decided to follow your blog and hoped you wouldn't think my crazy..she talked about FB friend suggestions - but they've changed too much on FB these days and she couldn't figure it out. Hahaha!

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  14. Lan emailed me after you & I connected Mandy...I'm so happy you found my post helpful and always happy to have a new follower :)

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  15. You're a smart woman! So many people don't trust their gut feelings...... And some regret it. I'm glad you made it home safely :D

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  16. Thanks Stacey...and hope you're healing quickly :)

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