The Easiest Way to Attack a Jogger…

Got your attention? Good! Please understand that this post in NOT about how to actually attack a jogger but, rather, about how to stay safe while out jogging. With that in mind, I figured it would be an interesting change of pace to try and look at the scenario of being attacked as a jogger from the perspective of somebody intending to commit harm. Yes, this is completely counter-intuitive to my normal way of thinking about staying safe. Sometimes, however, it’s productive to look at things from another perspective…

Why the interest in attacking joggers?

My wife has been dragging me–I mean encouraging me–to go out jogging lately. Not that I’m complaining, mind you, as I do need the exercise. We even occasionally get the kids out and if we’re being super wonderful parents we try to take our dog too but he’s getting old and nearly refuses to run much anymore.

Anyway, while out jogging (and often in my own head) I began to wonder what would happen if somebody had attacked us. Obviously, this wouldn’t make much sense because there are at least two of us together at any one time which, I’d suspect, isn’t ideal in the mind of an attacker. That said, what would be “ideal” for an attacker? Here’s some thoughts…

What I would look for…

Again, this is purely hypothetical, but if I were going to attack a jogger I would look for the following:

• A person alone, preferably a woman. Certainly, one person to attack is easier than two or more! Women are usually less of a threat than men. This is assuming, of course, that I–as an attacker–am alone but you can’t discount two or more people working together to attack you… now that’s a really scary thought.
• Somebody who travels the same route, preferably at the same time. This means they’re predictable and if I’ve been spying on them then I know where they’re going to be and when. It also means that the jogger is less likely to be scanning their surroundings since they’re familiar with the area and route. I might also prefer somebody who is an early riser since fewer people will be around.
• Chokepoints, especially near secluded areas. Where we live and jog the streets are two-lane. We tend to jog near the middle of the road because it’s not very busy and eventually dead-ends. Along some sections of the road there’s quite a distance between the edge of the road and treeline. As such, this wouldn’t be a great place to attack a jogger because they may well see me coming. On the other hand, there are some sections where the treeline gets rather close to the road. Since the trees will offer plenty of concealment I would much prefer an area where the road/path narrows. A dead-end would be even better and also mean there’s fewer people to see me both before and after the crime.
• Somebody who is engrossed in their music and thoughts. Many people use earbuds and listen to their music while running. That’s perfect because they’ll NEVER hear me coming!
• A jogger who is near the end of their run. If I wait until they’re tired and nearly wore out they’ll be less able to fight back. Granted, they may be quite sweaty and therefore slipper too… seems I can’t have it all my way.
• Somebody who appears completely unarmed and unable to defend themselves. Most people, I assume, prefer to jog with very little on them, including self-defense weapons. If it looks to me like your hands are empty and there’s nothing in your pockets (and certainly not a loaded .45 in your waistband) you’re a much better potential target than otherwise.

So, ultimately, I’d be looking for somebody who is alone, travels the same path at the same time, prefers to listen to music using earbuds, and looks like they really push it so they’re tired near the end of their run. If I can find a dead-end or other narrowing near the end of the run all the better. Didn’t want to carry that pepper spray? Now that’s perfect.

Takeaways to stay safe…

Ok, so now the hypothetical exercise is over. What can and should YOU do to stay safe? Here’s my thoughts:

• Never jog alone if you can at all help it. Jog with a partner. If you must jog alone try to ensure somebody knows that you’re going and when to expect your return. Ensuring they know the route you will take is a must!
• Vary your route and time of day. The less predictable you are the less likely it is an attacker can get in a good position to attack you.
• Be aware of narrow points and dead-ends in your route. Even areas with large foliage could hide an attacker… avoid those. Try to jog when more people are out and about, if able.
• Try listening to the sounds of nature instead of music and earbuds. If you MUST listen to music then don’t use earbuds. Similarly, if you’ve stopped to respond to a text or call then occasionally look up from the screen to see what or who is around.
• Be extra alert to your surroundings near the end of your run. When stretching out, for example, pay attention to where you are in relation to your surroundings and be sure to keep your eyes open and scanning. Or, perhaps you can wait to stretch until you’re safely inside your home.
• Be armed in some way or, at least, look like you might be. Carry pepper spray or another self defense option. Similarly, consider taking a self-defense course or two since somebody who is capable and willing to fight back may just surprise an attacker enough to stop!

Remember, too, that there are other dangers besides a human attacker. There are such problems as dogs that could attack; perhaps wild animals as well depending on where you live. Last, just being a pedestrian and around vehicular traffic may be the most dangerous of all! In this case, your main objective is to be seen by wearing bright and/or reflective colors and, of course, to stay out of a vehicle’s way because you will never, ever win that fight.

Please stay safe out there!