I'm new to running this year and coming up to my first winter. I will definately be running in the evening in the dark. I do stick to main roads, but some of them don't have many people about and are poorly lit. I was thinking about getting a personal attack alarm. Anyone got one they would recommend? Do you take it out with you or does it get left in a drawer most evenings?

A few things to consider... (partially stemmed from my lack of knowledge on the subject!)

If there's not really anyone around - is a personal alarm going to achieve anything? Will people be able to hear it and recognise it as someone being in distress?

How does it work? I've only ever seen one, which was a cord with a pin going into an electrical device - is it a case of carrying the device along and pulling the pin out when you're in trouble?

Could something else do a more thorough job, such as a mobile phone stashed in a discreet pocket?

As I say, I have little/no experience of these things... so the questions are just things that have come to mind first

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I think the idea is more that it makes such a noise it throws your attacker off guard for long enough for you to get away and summon help- after all, your attacker's not going to wait patiently for you to get your mobile out of your discreet pocket and call 999...

I carry a whistle and a 'phone, but I've not had to use them yet (touch wood).

nicely put Ali.

I take my mobile with me, if I run on my own, but generally I would be able to knock a someones house and take my chances. But fingers crossed it will never come to that.

Sorry I can't recommend anything.

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Sorry for sounding stupid... How do you carry the personal attack alarm? and how do you activate it?

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Usually you either press something or pull out a ripcord. The thing to be sure of is that they keep going until you turn them off- I'm pretty sure the one they gave all the female freshers when I started Uni would stop if it got knocked out of your hand, but that was a while ago now and I'm sure technology's moved on a bit since then!

Thank GOD for that - I have just found what I was looking for all day for this thread!! I saw this yesterday - for £12, if it gives you piece of mind, then maybe worth investing in!

Doberman Security - Jogger Alarm - £12.74 : Running4Women Store

I would suggest though that high visibility would also be a deterrent to possible 'lurkers'! I would suggest maybe running with a club, or a friend/group as it gets darker... or stick to early mornings/week-ends. Hope that helps

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I think I'm going to have to start doing my long runs in the mornings. I live out in the sticks so personally, it's unlikely that anyone would hear an alarm on a lot of the route. Of course, if I persuade work to let me work at home I can be more creative with my time...

However, back on topic...my work alarm is in the shape of a marker pen to disguise it's true function - good idea, but not suitable for running. The others I've got (a relative works at a GP surgery and reps give them lots with various drug names on!) tend to have a rip cord. The trouble is, these are for the most part apt to come apart when you don't mean them too, so the activity of running could set them off by accident, which would be something to watch out for.

How does everyone carry a mobile/alarm with them? I'd like to, but I don't have any pockets in my running gear. Is it uncomfy?

I don't wear proper running gear (it's not been a problem yet...), I have a pair of old stretchy capri pants with fairly deep pockets so the mobile goes in one pocket and my bunch of keys (with whistle attached) in the other. It's fine, in fact I have to keep patting my pockets to check they're still in!

The alarm would be to startle any attacker, not to necessarily attract assistance. I am not a nervy or fearful person and do feel confident out and about but thought it might be a useful precaution. I found this alarm & I am considering getting one

Wrist Alarm Personal Safety Alarm | Personal Alarms

Get some Pepper Spray...?

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I would personally never carry something that could be grabbed off me and used on me, iyswim.

One with nails in it, maybe....?

Seriously though, reading this thread made me mad at the idea that women have to feel this way about such a simple thing as going for a run, where as a bloke I take my safety and solitude for granted. Not fair. Bloody society.

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Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride Nobody gonna slow me down, oh no I got to keep on movin' ...

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On topic, I agree with above. It is a sad reflection on society that people don't feel safe walking in their own community

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