Be safe!

I have a friend, who runs for years now, so when it came to the colder months, I asked him what kind of running gear I need for the winter, as I had no idea how to dress. One of the things he said, was a headlight, as loads of people run in the morning, and obviously it is still dark at that time. I didn't buy one, as I never run in the morning, when I am going for a run, it is on my day off, and I don't need to get up early to fit a run in. 

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Thank god for being smart, and never running in the dark. Last week on one of my runs, I was running just outside of the park next to me, good neighbourhood, etc. And I noticed a car (new Mercedes), that was just going next to me, at the speed of mine. I didn't look at it, I didn't want the driver to know that I know he is there. So I have no idea whether it was a joke, or god knows what else. But it was f*** creepy, let me tell you. He was doing it for a good couple of minutes, until an other car came from the other direction (god bless you, Mini driver), then the Mercedes stopped and I never saw it again. It was at half 3 in the afternoon, kids playing not far from me, and still this has happened. 

Whether it was a joke or not, I am pretty positive this would have never happened with a male runner. I don't know the driver's intentions, but even as a joke it is not funny, and gave me the creeps. I am not going to run in the dark ever, not that I have planned it or anything, but these things are scary enough during the day, what would have happened, if this was early in the morning, and no one was around? 

Please, if you go outside for activities, be safe. You can listen to music (I do it as well), but make sure it is not too loud, and you can still hear your surroundings. Make sure not to go into dark alley ways, and look around all the time. If you feel like you are not in a nice area, speed up and go to a safer street. If someone attacks you, don't be afraid to scream your lungs out. I read it somewhere, that screaming FIRE is actually more effective than screaming for help, as people are more afraid of a fire, as it can risk their life as well, not just someone else's. 

If you go for a run in the dark, be extra careful. Try not to run alone. Have lights on your head to make sure you see everything. Carry a pepper spray. Tell at least one person you know, that you went for a run, and tell them the route as well. Carry your phone with you. It is better to be safe than sorry. There are too many horrible stories around. 

It would be so nice not to make these precautions, but as long as there are stories of women being attacked outside, we need to be prepared. Be safe.