Martial arts are good, but they won’t get you to the level you could be in a fight and win for a while. There are Rape Agression Defense classes, often free or low cost, you can take. That will give you some basic skills and confidence. I’ve heard of women remembering nothing but the straddle stance and to yell KIAI! who sent attackers running.
Rapers usually look for women with ponytails, overalls or easily removable clothing, and who are alone. I suggest wearing leggings under your running shorts, a shirt over your sports bra or tank top, your hair in a french braid, tucked in with no tail if possible, and that you run in safe and busy location with few bushes or alleys which you could be drug into or behind and concealed from view.
Always run with your head up and looking around, aware of what is happening three to fifteen seconds ahead and around you. Look people in the eye and if you are stopped, like at a stop light, then say something to them like good morning. It makes you a bad target because you can identify them in a line up. Don’t worry about offending people. Your safety comes first. If you are alone, don’t stop to give directions and don’t let anyone get close to you. Loudly tell them to stop and step back. No one should be close enough to lunge and grab you. Criminals are often well-dressed and well-spoken, so don’t judge based on appearances. Assume everyone could do it anywhere and you’ll be ready for anyone at anytime. The number one rule if you do get attacked is to never, ever, ever let them move you from your current location to another location. Your chances of being murdered are almost guaranteed if they transport you. If they are robbing you, throw your keys or wallet in one direction and run in the other because they really want the valuables. If they have a gun, run. Preferably in an erratic pattern. They are unlikely to shoot, more unlikely to hit you, and more unlikely still to kill you. Your chances are best if you run.
Check out your local sports stores to see if there is a jogging club in your area. If there isn’t, enlist a friend to jog with you and meet at a park or safe location. Parking lots, even busy ones, are one of the worst places, so be careful entering and leaving your car. Always have it locked. Reduce your risks, educate yourself, be alert, then leave the rest in God’s hands.
