According to an article in Forbes Online Magazine, ecommerce sales of running shoes is up 200% for 2020. More people are turning to jogging as a way to cope with the depressive side of a pandemic.
It seems like more people are getting out and walking, cycling, and jogging this year. This may be a result of people tired of being stuck inside or with limited things to do since the COVID-19 pandemic consumed all of our lives.
Sadly, the story of a 25-year-old nurse from Arkansas, Sydney Sutherland, was told on Good Morning America. Sydney went jogging on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, and never came home. Her body was found days later, to which a local farmer admitted to killing her.
We did a Google search and quickly found that Sydney has joined a long list of women who have gone jogging, only to never return home alive. Mollie Tibbetts, Karina Vetrano, Vanessa Marcotte, and Wendy Martinez, are just a few of the names of women from across the country on that list.
“What happened to Sydney is one of my biggest fears which is a fear that I am sure I share with many other women. Ever since I was a teenager, I have always carried something on me whenever I go out even as simple as a pen to help protect myself if needed. Today, I am dedicated to working hard to bring to market personal safety devices that will help give women the best chance of surviving an attack.” – Bre Nixon of Nix Personal Defense
PRACTICE GOOD SAFETY
Consider these safety tips when going for a jog or walk. They may seem too much to do, but with repetition, it will become a routine:
- Change Up Your Routine: If you constantly exercise at 8:30 in the morning on the same trail, this can help an attacker plan a more successful attack, or help in him finding out where your starting and ending point is located.
- Wear Bright Clothing: Many joggers and walkers know to wear bright clothing for traffic safety reasons, but you should do the same so others can see you on the trail, or in the worst-case situation, on the side of the road or in the bushes.
- About Your Earphones: If you are using regular earphones to enjoy your music or podcast, consider these three alternatives: Take one out of your ear, or lower the volume so you can hear behind and around you; purchase earphones which do not completely block your ear canal; or completely stop using any type of earphone.
- Go With A Friend: Run with a friend or group of people. There’s safety in numbers.
- Stay Visible: Favor trails and paths which will allow you to be clearly seen by passing motorists and other runners, walkers, and cyclists.
- Keep Your Head Up: Lift your head up. The ground will never reach up and hurt you, but someone in front of you could. If you are a walker, get your head out of your device and look where you are going and what’s around you. If you are a jogger, look ahead and around you as well.
- Use Technology: Consider wearable alarm devices like RunAngel, carry a self-defense tool like a Nix Pen, and use GPS tracking apps to share your position with family and friends.
- Use Lights In Daylight: Wearing a flashing high-powered light, even if the sun is shining. You want people to see you from a distance should you encounter trouble on your walk or jog.
DO YOUR PART AS A STRANGER
If you happen to be walking, jogging, or cycling near someone who is alone, do your part to help them feel safe:
- Make noise as you approach from behind. Kick some gravel or dirt, cough, or clear your throat so as to grab their attention in hopes they look at you.
- If you are approaching from the front, give plenty of distance so as to make them feel comfortable and to show you are trying to stay away.
- Call 911 if you see someone in trouble, injured, being harassed, or being attacked. Use good judgment in determining what action you take.
Share this article on social media and with your family and friends to help keep everyone safe.
*Products mentioned in this article are for reference and example purposes only. No compensation, gifts, or preferential treatment has been given to our office.
FREE DOWNLOAD
Save our infographic to post at home, work, or the gym to always keep these tips in your mind and the minds of others.
