Community Chat

[Marienkaefer2]

I walk a trail by the water that is open and connects to a beach. Behind the beach is another trail that winds through a wooded area and then a wetland.

There are almost always people on this trail, so I feel pretty safe. I go when I know there will be other walkers and runners. I carry my phone, pepper spray and a big walking stick. The stock.is fun to use..kind of gives that ski pole action.

What I'm more afraid of are unleashed dogs. We have a leash law and there are signs posted. Some people ignore this and I have been approached by some aggressive dogs. Also, I don't take my dog there even though she'd enjoy it especially because of some experiences with some of these dogs.

It's a shame that people can't follow the rules so that everyone can enjoy these places.

[ROMARY]

Loose dogs make me nervous, too. All very cute and loveable, but there always seems to be one who attacks another dog, or owner.

[Tinkrbl44]

Gazelle, if it's in the budget, take a self defense class ... or perhaps some martial arts classes?

If not, find yourself a lightweight weapon ... like a thick walking stick ..... or get a taser, if it's legal.

Whatever makes you secure .... don't give up your enjoyment of Mother nature!

[Azcowgirl]

Im afraid of walking in secluded areas also, and I'm afraid of dogs .....MAKES ME MAD THAT MEAN DOGS RUN LOOSE. I had one come at me bearing teeth and growling viciously .....all I could think of to do since I was frozen with fear, was to sing and ignore the dog, while walking very slowly sideways ]: it finally walked away !

[~moxie~]

If it makes you feel unsafe and afraid get a treadmill or try to walk with a friend or neighbor. It is not worth it if you feel such anxiety. That will hurt you more physically and mentally than missing your walk.

[unicornarts]

Be aware of your surroundings ~ be alert. Do not go off the trail ~ walk in the middle of the trail, do not walk on the "sides".

Do not walk after dark if you are feeling unsafe. Keep your cell phone handy with you and 911 ready to call.

I have walked in many areas, from inner city parks to rural areas and each time, I have taken note of my surroundings and have never felt unsafe.

[stilltamn8r]

First of all, you are not being paranoid or weird..you are being realistic- I have ajob which requires me to get into trucks with stangers and drive alone with them, sometimes at night..Any thinking person would know that this is (potentially)dangerous, yet its only been in the past few years that I began to carry pepper spray on my keychain!

I DO know that the more worried you get (in your own head) the LESS enjoyable thes walks will be, until you stop altogether- so try and put your fear in a "box" in your head and try not to open it every time you walk-

You already have a dog, which potential bad guys do not know is friendly even if you DO...you are cautious, but maybe carrying pepper spray might make you feel safer like it does for me- Mine is small and i dont even have to remove it from its "holster" to use it..

Just a thought...

[151949]

I am a woman and I am somewhat handicapped by arthritis but I do work out and i am quite strong. I am not afraid to go anywhere.I could probably take some drug addict going through withdrawal man or woman. Perhaps the OP should consider getting herself in shape physically so she doesn't have to feel afraid.Lift a few weights - being as strong as you can be is very freeing.

[stilltamn8r]

On 7/3/2014 happy housewife said:

I am a woman and I am somewhat handicapped by arthritis but I do work out and i am quite strong. I am not afraid to go anywhere.I could probably take some drug addict going through withdrawal man or woman. Perhaps the OP should consider getting herself in shape physically so she doesn't have to feel afraid.Lift a few weights - being as strong as you can be is very freeing.

Not as freeing when they are armed with a gun or knife....

[Lila Belle]

How about getting a group of friends together for your walks ?