If you’re a woman and exercise in open spaces–no matter how crowded–re-consider using earphones … for safety’s sake.
The morning’s spring weather brought out more people than usual who were exercising on our road. Riding my stationary bike, I exchanged greetings with Joan and Ethel, two neighbors who walk every morning. One lone cyclist sped by, his wheels singing a fast clip on the asphalt.
Gaining my rhythm, I noticed a lone female figure coming from the end of our peninsula. She jogged on the shoulder and worked her way toward me and an unknown destination. Then, way behind her came another female figure. I could tell that the second woman was running.
Continuing my workout, I glanced to check the progress of both figures. One graceful. One awkward.
Courtesy: Wirecutter
As the jogger neared me, I noticed her high arm carriage and that she swayed from side-to-side because of her arm movements.
Now don’t get me wrong. I admire her work but, as a past coach, I wished I could have talked running posture with her. Correct arm carriage would make her work easier. She also had a belt around her waist, which carried items–a water bottle and other things I could not identify.
She slogged past me on the far side of our road, and I saw that she wore earphones (headphones). Perhaps whatever she was listening to made her workout easier or so she thought.
The second figure came closer into view. I admired her good foot step, erect carriage, and smooth arm motion. While she had not caught the jogger, she would within a few yards. The only commonality they had was that the runner also wore earphones.
Courtesy: Pinterest
I won’t argue with any male or female exercisers who think they do better when listening to music or whatever while doing their workout. That’s what he or she believes. As a marathoner, I never wore them because I believed I’d perform better by concentrating fully on my foot plant and upper body posture. I understand other opinions, though.
But, still, I encourage any female runner who uses earphones to stop the practice for her safety.
Our dead-end road is, I believe, a safe road for walkers, joggers, riders, and any other visitor. However, that’s only my belief. Sadly, our culture has problems that no social movement, no matter how good, can eliminate. Social movements like #MeToo have done much to make the workplace safer for women. Laws that protect the less able have changed our society for the better. As a wheelchair user, I appreciate equal access.
All of this and much more is good. However, I have never heard of a male jogger or runner being assaulted. And we have yet to find a way to stop men from raping or assaulting women who are vulnerable.
The two females I saw this morning are strangers. Having ridden on this road for two years, I have come to know most regulars. Perhaps they are vacationing or have just moved to the area. I don’t know.
But I do know that neither one of them would be able to repel a male physically. Yes, the jogger may have carried mace in her belt. But could she have gotten to it when a male grabbed her from behind, pinning her arm or arms? The fact is that men are usually stronger than women.
Now, I would tell any male who wanted to take on one of the Williams sisters to re-think his wish. I understand and appreciate the exceptions. However, the two females I saw this morning would not hear someone coming up to them because of the earphones. That is an unnecessary risk.
If you exercise in open spaces–no matter how crowded and are a female–re-consider using earphones so that you can hear your surroundings. This is true for males, too.
You will, I hope, come to appreciate the sounds of nature and learn to concentrate on your form.
And if you are ever near my place, come by–without earphones–and let’s discuss your running form.
