Do you carry any kind of protection when you exercise outside?

[LeftofObama]

It's WAY to cold to run outside here in the upper midwest, so I run at an indoor track in the winter. I wanted to get some fresh air today so I went for a walk in a park just outside of town. There were no other people there, but I swear I just got this eerie feeling that I was being watched. I've heard that cayotes, although rare, have been seen around here and it got me to thinking that maybe it was one.

Anyhow, when spring and summer get here I'll be running in that park and I was wondering if maybe I should buy one of those clip on spray cans of mace or bear spray? I don't think I'm gonna be walking in that park any more this winter.

[lizerdbits]

1. I have pepper spray

My husband got me some since I do trail running in the summer to avoid lots of sun. When it's cooler I'm on sidewalks on busy streets so I don't have a need for it. I never got the feeling of being watched on the trails and there are often other people out. Once there was a shirtless shoeless guy wandering around disheveled and I was spooked!

He got me 2, and this one has a handle. The other fits on my key ring.
http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/the-114/JOGGER-PEPPER-SPRAY-DEFENSE/Detail

[Denninmi]

2. Sort of tangential, but don't forget something to ward off the cars.

In other words, reflective gear, LED armbands, etc.

Because, sure, you can fight off a mugger with pepper spray, but it won't phase a crappy purple Scion intent on running you over.

[Bay Boy]

3. An AR-15 of course...

...somebody had to say it. Ok, maybe not. But I wouldn't be too worried about coyotes, they are quite cowardly. Now if you happen to be female I would worry about other predators and the pepper spray should be good for that.

[Denninmi]

4. Actually, I may pick up pepper spray in the spring.

I have no concerns about humans, I live in a safe community. But, there are still a few people who cannot be bothered, it seems, to control their dogs. I've been chased several times. Fido may get sprayed if he is intent on biting me.

[LeftofObama]

5. I think I'm going to pick some up too.

I'm not really all that concerned about humans. The park where I run in the spring/summer/fall has parts of it that are not accessible by car and I'm afraid I might run upon an animal of some sort and startle it.

A small can of pepper spray only weighs an ounce or so and you can strap it to your palm so I think I'm going to do that. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[Whatever_Next]

7. Safety first

If you think there is a possible threat to you then I think it would be better to just find a safer place to run if you can.

[Zeea]

10. Agree

I agree with you. Maybe it's better to fund a safer place. Cause if you're worry, it won't be good for your health either. But if you really want to run there, the of course it'd be better to bring something with you.

[stopwastingmymoney]

8. I take my large, protective female German Shepherd

No critters or strange men bother me!

I know that doesn't work for everyone but she is a wonderful exercise partner

[City Lights]

9. I carry pepper spray when I run alone. nt

[Nay]

11. I often carry bear/OC spray. Have never had to use it, but just in case. nt

[hlthe2b]

12. I carry a very inconspicuous pepperspray as my keychain, along with small whistle, cell phone, and

my doggy girl. All the former I carry more because of the errant coyote than humans, but one never knows. Of these, my sweet Aussie/Border collie dog is probably the least protection as she just ADORES people and doesn't seem to see a threat from anyone.

[nolabels]

13. On my bicycle I tote a steel bar and on walks with backpack and dogs......

an extra large double box-end wrench. I have had a couple of groups of dogs attack me in the past and a heavy piece of metal is the best defense I have found. You could probably scare them away if you spotted them first but it only takes one of them to yelp before the others take notice they might have a problem.

[LeftInTX]

14. A walking ski pole kept short

I don't use it as a walking stick, but more like a "baton".

The baton has a wrist strap. I keep it short enough that I can run with it.

I've never had to use it, but will come in handy if attacked by a dog. It has a rubber tip that can be removed, exposing a sharp point.

The main reason I purchased it was a girl was murdered on my trail.
I figure if a perp sees the "baton", he might avoid me. So, it is more of a deterrent.

There are actually police on duty on those trails. Batons are illegal in the park, but many cops have seen me and none have ever stopped me.

About 30 years ago, my husband bought me a mace keychain. I had a few accidental discharges. (Leaking, getting the stuff on my hand)

I toyed with purchasing mace again, but now I've got Sjorgen's syndrome and an accidental discharge will just aggravate everything.

[womanofthehills]

15. Coyotes attacks on humans are pretty rare

Maybe 10 a year and most attacks happen to small children. I live in coyote-land - high desert of NM. Coyotes come thru my land every day but seem pretty afraid of me. I think I would be more afraid of a loose domestic dog or a creepy person.

[HeartachesNhangovers]

16. I wear a fluorescent green wind breaker

so I don't get run down. It wouldn't be a bad idea to take some pepper spray for angry dogs, and I actually have an expired can lying around, but I'll never remember to take it.

[Amanda Cerny]

17. Protection

Whenever you go for exercise outside. Dressing in layers, securing your hands and feet, and focusing on the forecast can enable you to remain safe and warm while practicing outside in chilly climate. Cold temperatures can depress even the most inspired exercisers. Be that as it may, you don't need to let cold climate spell the part of the fitness schedule.