Finding safe running trails

[kermit116]

Looking for some very general advice -

I just moved to a new city, and I'm looking for running trails that are generally safe for a woman to run by herself. I moved from a more rural area, so all of my prior running training was in wide open spaces and on very quiet, out-of-the-way roads.

I've asked around work to get some ideas, but I'm wondering how others deal with this issue when moving to a new area. Maybe reaching out to some local running clubs? I'm a slow runner so I've been reluctant to find running group. Right now I'm sticking to the treadmill at my gym until I can figure out the safety issue.

Also, does anyone carry pepper spray when they run? I have a running belt with pockets so it'd probably be relatively easy to carry.

 

[bumbershoot]

Are there local running stores you could go to to find out?

And I'm sure there are other slow runners in the clubs.

 

[kermit116]

Are there local running stores you could go to to find out? And I'm sure there are other slow runners in the clubs.

That's a good point. I would probably do well with a group of relative beginners and/or folks who are good with the run-walk training.

 

[Outonarun]

Looking for some very general advice -

I just moved to a new city, and I'm looking for running trails that are generally safe for a woman to run by herself. I moved from a more rural area, so all of my prior running training was in wide open spaces and on very quiet, out-of-the-way roads.

I've asked around work to get some ideas, but I'm wondering how others deal with this issue when moving to a new area. Maybe reaching out to some local running clubs? I'm a slow runner so I've been reluctant to find running group. Right now I'm sticking to the treadmill at my gym until I can figure out the safety issue.

Also, does anyone carry pepper spray when they run? I have a running belt with pockets so it'd probably be relatively easy to carry.

I recommend contacting the Sheriff and/or Police Departments that cover your areas of interest to obtain information on local crime, as well as their recommendations for runner's safety (including more safe/less safe road shoulders and sidewalks, dangerous intersections, and laws that might impact you (for example, some popular running locations, like dams and reservoir trails, may be closed to pedestrian traffic during certain hours).

I carry pepper spray (in hand and ready to use -- recommended) when running in public, unsecured areas.

Enjoy exploring your new running opportunities, safely

 

[IamTrike]

Looking for some very general advice -

I just moved to a new city, and I'm looking for running trails that are generally safe for a woman to run by herself. I moved from a more rural area, so all of my prior running training was in wide open spaces and on very quiet, out-of-the-way roads.

I've asked around work to get some ideas, but I'm wondering how others deal with this issue when moving to a new area. Maybe reaching out to some local running clubs? I'm a slow runner so I've been reluctant to find running group. Right now I'm sticking to the treadmill at my gym until I can figure out the safety issue.

Also, does anyone carry pepper spray when they run? I have a running belt with pockets so it'd probably be relatively easy to carry.

My buddies' wife runs by herself on trails, she does carry pepper spray with herself but she's never had to use it. In general if I were running by myself and I was concerned for safety I would probably try and stick to greenway trails on the more popular times like weekday afternoons and saturday mornings.

If you are a run walker you could also look for local galloway groups. They could introduce you to new trails and provide some motivation.

 

[Chiomaca]

Looking for some very general advice -

I just moved to a new city, and I'm looking for running trails that are generally safe for a woman to run by herself. I moved from a more rural area, so all of my prior running training was in wide open spaces and on very quiet, out-of-the-way roads.

I've asked around work to get some ideas, but I'm wondering how others deal with this issue when moving to a new area. Maybe reaching out to some local running clubs? I'm a slow runner so I've been reluctant to find running group. Right now I'm sticking to the treadmill at my gym until I can figure out the safety issue.

Also, does anyone carry pepper spray when they run? I have a running belt with pockets so it'd probably be relatively easy to carry.

One option for when you're new to an area is to check into the running stores. Most of them have sponsored fun runs during the week and/or run training programs for runners of all levels. The group I train with is out of a local running chain that has a Running 101/201 series that leads into distance training programs in addition to week day runs and weekend races. My distance training group includes speed demons and slow runners, and everyone gets support.

I run with the group on Thursdays (track) and Sundays (long run) but otherwise run by myself. I'm a 4'11' woman, so not exactly physically intimidating, and I've never felt the need to run with pepper spray. I'm lucky enough to live in an area with lots of running/cycling trails that are well used all day though. So, I'd say that carrying it depends on your comfort level, but I don't think keeping it in a running belt would do you much good. Either carry it ready to use, or don't carry it - reaching for your belt to fiddle with things would distract you and not do much good if someone were to jump out at you.