Spin off: Choosing the safest running route

[Anonymous]

The thread about trail running had me curious about how to choose the safest running route. Some background--I'm a new runner (SLOW--couldn't outrun an attacker if I tried...), I don't run with headphones, and I try to stay alert but sometimes it's all I can do to put one foot in front of the other. The best time for me to run is at dawn. I wear reflective gear and run with a phone, but I worry about cars, potholes, and attackers. I've tried a morning schedule since the time change but rarely see other pedestrians or runners.

Is it safer to run on the neighborhood streets?
Pros: quiet, few cars
Cons:
*cars are unpredictable--I worry about the stray car backing out quickly from a driveway
*running surface is also less predictable, lots of streets without sidewalks

Or safer to run on a busy road (like Old Georgetown Road or Rockville Pike in Bethesda)?
Pros:
*lots of people in cars (but really, who would notice a runner on the side of the road when driving at 50 mph?)
*predictable traffic patterns (cars turn at lights)
*predictable running surface
Cons: lots of cars

Thanks in advance! I don't think either option is horrible, but I can be jumpy when I don't see anybody around. Ideally I'd find a neighbor to run with, but so far that hasn't happened (the few people I do see are much faster than me).

[Anonymous]

I live in the far flung suburbs and run within my own neighborhood when I need to run at dawn. I just keep alert (never headphones!) and assume that any car I see doesn't see me.
Regarding finding a running partner: Have you heard of "Moms Run this Town?" Check and see if there is a chapter for your area (they probably have a group on facebook.) My local group is very active and people at all levels/paces post frequently looking for running partners to meet up.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestion about Moms Run This this Town--doesn't look like there's a chapter in my area Will keep watching for one though...

[Anonymous]

Are you me? ? I don't have an answer but will say that I am far more relaxed when I avoid busy streets, and I also run for the mental health piece. Another option, though boring, is a nearby high school track, when, perhaps, potholes are particularly bad.

[Anonymous]

I live within easy access to the Mount Vernon Trail, and run there during various daylight hours. It's paved (so not really a real trail run), with headphones and alone, and have always felt safe.

During weekdays or bad weather days, it's not uncommon to go long stretches without seeing another person. A lot of it runs relatively parallel to GW Parkway, but most of where I run veers off from the road and into the woods. I feel very safe, and usually run with pepper spray.

Though I run with headphones, I keep my eyes constantly wandering and on the lookout.

There was just one time where someone set off my "sketchy" radar." Nothing happened to me, and I checked reports later - no incidents reported on the trail. But things about him set off my inner instinct to be in public sight, and keep my pepper spray visible. Except from that one person, I've felt very safe.

I really like the camaraderie of other runners on the trail. When you see someone in the opposite direction, they'll give you a little nod or half wave.

To me, cars are the greater risk. I always feel MUCH more likely to be hit by a car, than attacked on a semi-secluded trail. There is no perfect system. But with people on their phones so much, the reality is I'm more likely to be hit by a car.

FYI I suggest doing some sprints 1-2x a week. At the end of your run, gun it as fast as you can for the last 30 seconds.

Or do some walking/sprint intervals for just a minute or two.

Get your legs used to doing occasional (but short) really fast bursts if you need it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the suggestions, and yes, I've started to do a little speed work now that I've made running a habit. Ironically I feel less likely to get hit by a car on a busy road because I know where they will turn, as opposed to neighborhood roads where cars can back out or turn into any driveway... But there are very few cars in the road at that time so I don't know if my logic is correct...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the suggestion about Moms Run This this Town--doesn't look like there's a chapter in my area Will keep watching for one though...

Look into starting a new chapter.

http://momsrunthistown.com/start-running-club-chapter/#sthash.RiEts57M.dpbs

[Anonymous]

When I do my early morning runs, I typically stay in my neighborhood and ON the street. I don't like sidewalks in general, but will use them crossing between neighborhoods where there isn't ample room on the road and the speed limit is higher than I'd prefer to have. You are wearing reflective gear and don't use headphones. Both those are good preventive measures. Are you running with enough daylight that cars can see you even without the reflective gear? (Another option is to have a headlamp or light on armband.) You also carry a phone, which is great in the event of injury, getting lost, etc.

Neighborhood sidewalks, to me, are more dangerous than the roads. They're harder on my knees. And there are so many places where the sections are higher/lower than their adjacent section, that it's easy to stumble. I don't worry about potholes on neighborhood streets the way I would a main, heavily traveled road. But on neighborhood streets, I do make sure to watch for things that can put my footing off, like rocks, acorns, sticks, etc.

Keep your head up when you're near driveways and cross streets where cars could be backing out.

I don't like living in fear and have never felt unsafe running neighborhood streets. So I don't really think I need to worry about attackers. But I don't know your particular circumstances, so maybe it's more of an issue that I can relate to.

[Anonymous]

You guys are awesome. I think about starting a Moms on the Run chapter (didn't even occur to me to start one if one didn't exist!), and sounds like running on neighborhood streets (in the road) might be the way to go. We are a neighborhood with lots of cars parked on the streets (obscuring the view from the driveway to the street), which makes me nervous, but it's great to hear what others do. I will continue to experiment. Thank you for all of your replies.

[Anonymous]

I think as long as you are alert, there probably isn't that much difference in terms of safety. I would choose the one you enjoy more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think as long as you are alert, there probably isn't that much difference in terms of safety. I would choose the one you enjoy more.

+1 Though breathing in all the exhaust from either Old G'town or the Pike sucks (said as someone who's run up and down them both many times, especially OG)

Definitely look into MRTT! I'm a member of two chapters and everyone's incredibly nice. The McLean/Tyson's one is SUPER active and welcoming, if that's at all close.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live within easy access to the Mount Vernon Trail, and run there during various daylight hours. It's paved (so not really a real trail run), with headphones and alone, and have always felt safe.

1. If you must run with headphones on the MVT, please, please, please be 100% consistent in staying on the right side of the trail - I cannot shout that loudly from a distance, and I doubt you hear my bell. I live in fear that some headphone wearing runner is going to pull a crazy ivan in front of me.
2. You say you run during daylight only. If you ever change your mind and run when it is dark, please where lights and/or reflective clothing.

Signed
Your friendly bike commuter
Be a PAL - Predictable, Alert, Lawful

[Anonymous]

I can tell you that in 24 years of running in the DC area, almost always alone, I have only felt threatened 3-4 times. (I got grabbed once, I had a guy try to touch me once, once I had some guy run alongside me for a bit asking about my running tights, and I'm probably forgetting one.)

I prefer neighborhood streets to busy streets, and I prefer trails (paved or not) to streets. I prefer running on the bike lane to the sidewalk because the sidewalk has about a million trip hazards per mile and 90% of my falls have been due to sidewalks. (tree roots account for the rest.) You just have to be alert to cars and bikers. I would also wear a reflective vest if it's not fully daylight.

[Anonymous]

PP, did you post a "WWYD - Call police or not?" type question after the guy asked you about the running tights? There was one maybe a year or two ago about an incident / encounter on a trail in the Arlington area. As I recall, it gave that poster a creepy vibe and she was curious about notifying police with information about the encounter, even though "nothing" happened.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can tell you that in 24 years of running in the DC area, almost always alone, I have only felt threatened 3-4 times. (I got grabbed once, I had a guy try to touch me once, once I had some guy run alongside me for a bit asking about my running tights, and I'm probably forgetting one.)

I prefer neighborhood streets to busy streets, and I prefer trails (paved or not) to streets. I prefer running on the bike lane to the sidewalk because the sidewalk has about a million trip hazards per mile and 90% of my falls have been due to sidewalks. (tree roots account for the rest.) You just have to be alert to cars and bikers. I would also wear a reflective vest if it's not fully daylight.

Oh sweet jesus.

Please try not to do this in any place where there is any bike traffic and/or the sidewalks are at all decent. I do not expect someone running TOWARDS me in a bike lane, and it is not clear legally which side I should pass you on, or which side you will move towards to avoid me. This is more dangerous than the standard shared MUP, not that that is ideal.

Signed
Your Friendly Bike Commuter
Be a PAL - Predictable, Alert, Lawful