• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

10 Tips for Staying Safe While Running

November 22, 2022 | running

When the news that Eliza Fletcher was kidnapped, attacked, and killed while on a morning run broke, it rocked me. She lived in my state. She was a runner. She had kids and a husband. She ran the same Disney races that I love. How could this happen? Questions, feelings, and fears raced through my mind for days and I was glued to social media as the hunt was on for finding her. Unfortunately it didn’t end as we all wanted it to, with Eliza going home safety to her little family, but it did teach lessons, and give some reminders to me (10 tips for staying safe while running to be exact!)

Living in suburbia I often have my guard down, and don’t pay as close attention to my surroundings as I should. The week after she was found, we were at my parents house in the mountains…in the woods…where it’s quiet and secluded which I usually love. Well, I went on a run by myself and I was admittedly super spooked. I kept my head on a swivel, every stick that broke, every leaf that shuffled, I head it, and I was panicked and terrified. Yall. I HATED that I felt like that. I HATED that this evil man somehow had power over me from hundreds of miles away. I ended up going from running on the secluded wooded golf cart path to back on the road because I was that terrified. Yall. I was so angry.

I figure the best thing I could do to funnel that anger is to help others make sure this NEVER happens again. I decided to come up with a blog post of tips for staying safe on a run. I pray you won’t read this and say “well that would never happen to me,” because I am sure Eliza felt the same way. Please, please, do something to make sure you are safe when running, whether you are alone or not. Please be proactive instead of being another victim. So, here are 10 tips for staying safe while running:

1.) Wear a Defender ring: Defender Ring sent me a couple of different options to try out, and I love them! I wear one every time I run now, and even wear one when I am just out and about running errands for safety. They have rinds with “hidden”points and ones that are not (but of course not as sharp!) I have one of both. You can read more about their story here. My Minimalist Ring feature a 5 mm concealed blade weapon with sharp grinded edges and a pointed tip. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing a ring for someone you love. Would make a great gift!

10 Tips for Staying Safe While Running

2.) Carry pepper spray/mace: I have the type that can hook onto your shorts waistband so it’s easily accessible, but I know there are many different types, some made specifically for runners. The kind I have actually repels dogs without hurting them. I know several people who have been attacked by stray dogs, so that’s something else to protect against!

3.) Take a self defense class: A lot of communities will host these for free, so do some Googling and see if you can find one near you. Just learning one or two basic moves at a proficient level can be the difference in life and death.

4.) Vary your route and time of day: I know this isn’t convenient because we are all so busy, but this is just good practice for anything in life. It’s so easy to be stalked and have someone know exactly when you come and go, so if you mix things up it makes you a more difficult target.

5.) Wear headphones that DON’T cancel noise: I wear Shokz headphones, and have for years. I love that they don’t go in my ears (ear buds ALWAYS fall out of mine!) and they don’t cancel out noise so I can hear things around me, and would be able to hear if someone was approaching me. Very important!

6.) Trust your intuition: This is a big one. I would rather be wrong about something and feel silly later than be dead. If someone feels funny or “off”, trust your gut! Get away! Call the police! It’s better to be safe than sorry, and that saying rings SO true. That man that tried to talk to you, just feels off? Run. That car that keeps circling around and passing you? Run. Call the police. Don’t say “oh I’m just being paranoid.” It’s ok to be paranoid! It can save your life.

10 Tips for Staying Safe While Running

7.) Carry your phone: I know a lot of people don’t like to run with their phones because they are heavy and bulky, but it can be a great tool if you get lost, feel uncomfortable, or need to let someone know where you are or that you are hurt or scared.

8.) Carry ID: Whether it’s your license or a Road ID band, (also a great fit idea!) wear something that identifies you, if you have any allergies, or medical conditions, etc. Again, this could save your life.

9.) Let someone know where you are: I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts, and in a lot of the murders, the person went somewhere and didn’t tell anyone where they were going, so no one knew where to look. ALWAYS tell someone! Leave a note, send a text, something so that someone can look for you. A lot of apps and devices allow GPS tracking, so if you are on a run someone can know your exact route. It’s ok to be overly prepared or careful.

10.) Run with a friend: Again, I know this can be hard with busy families, but if at all possible run with a neighbor, spouse, friend, or with a running club. Run in a well lit area where there are other people. Do your part to stay safe my friends!

10 Tips for Staying Safe While Running

It’s a scary world we live in, but it should not stop us from doing the things we love. I hope you enjoyed these 10 Tips for Staying Safe While Running, and will take some of these precautions on your next run, and think of Eliza as you go.

Related: Top Tips to prevent Running Injuries

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 Ready to escape to para 🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 

Ready to escape to paradise? I spent a few dreamy days at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers, and I’m giving YOU the chance to win 2 FREE nights at this beachfront oasis! 😍☀️ #margaritavillepartner

Here are 5 things I didn’t expect to love so much (but totally did):
1️⃣ Fins Up Beach Club — live music, great drinks, and cabana vibes for days!
2️⃣ The Rooms — bright, coastal decor and ocean views that make you feel like you’re living inside a vacation postcard.
3️⃣ The Spa — a total hidden gem. My massage was next-level relaxation.
4️⃣ The Restaurants — from casual beachfront bites to more elevated dining, the food alone is worth the trip.
5️⃣ The Vibe — laid-back luxury with the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. It’s always 5 o’clock here! 🍹

✨ Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in with a day pass, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is pure island bliss.

🎉 Now YOU could win a 2-night stay!

🏖️ Prize: Complimentary Two-Night Stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
⚠️ Blackout dates apply.

How to Enter:
✅ Like this post & follow both @HeathersLG and @margaritavillefortmyers
✅ Tag at least 2 friends in the comments (extra comments = extra entries!)
✅ Comment: Are you a pool or beach person?

🌟 BONUS (not mandatory) for 5 extra entries: SHARE this post on your stories and TAG me so I can see it!

Good luck — and remember, it’s always island time somewhere! 🌊🍹

Redemption Details:
Winner must book by August 31, 2025
Valid for travel between August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway closes midnight July 25, 3025. Not sponsored by Instagram. 

#MargaritavilleResort #FortMyersBeach #BeachClubVibes #CabanaLife #SpaDay #BeachGetaway #ResortGiveaway #FinsUp
I’ve had an interesting first few days of being I’ve had an interesting first few days of being in my 40’s. A bit of a nerve wracking medical week I guess you could say. 

Have you ever had an MRI? Do you suffer from hearing loss? 👂 

#thisis40 #hearingloss #mri #inmy40s #40andfabulous
✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad Sin ✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad 

Since turning forty, I’ve been all about simple changes that help me feel strong, healthy, and confident — inside and out. 

Adding Organixx Collagen to my coffee each morning has been one of the easiest ways to support my skin, hair, and joints while juggling busy mom life. It blends right in and makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself every single day. 

Because for me, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling my best, staying active, and showing up for the people and moments that matter most. 
Radiance starts from within, and @organixxco helps make it part of my everyday routine.

🤩Use code HMONTGOMERY to save 10%! Link is in my bio.

 #organixx #organixxcollagen #CollagenRoutine #GlowFromWithin #BusyMomLife #ThisIsWhatRadianceLooksLike
I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met some of the kindest most fun cast members while getting our pictures taken. 

If you don’t get pics taken with them often you probably won’t get this reel, and that’s ok. IYKYK. It’s all in good fun! 💚

What did I miss/forget?😆

#disneyphotopass #photopassphotographer #disneypics #disneyfunny #disneymeme
Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀ Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀️

#backtoschool #parentinghack #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshopping
I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like t I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like this has me reflecting—not just on what I’ve accomplished, but on who I’m becoming.

I’ve always been driven to achieve, to push, to prove. But lately, I’ve been learning to celebrate presence over performance, connection over perfection.

Today wasn’t about checking a box or hitting a goal—it was about pausing, feeling grateful, and eating a ridiculous amount of cake with people I love. And honestly? That feels like growth.

Here’s to 40: more aligned, more grounded, and still a little extra. 😉

#thisis40 #40andfabulous #thankyoujesusfor40years #birthdaygirl❤️ #40andoverclub
Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 Big milestones always Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 

Big milestones always make me pause and ask:
What am I proud of?
What needs to shift?
Am I becoming the woman I want to be?

💡 As an Enneagram 3, I’ve always been wired to achieve — and for a long time, that meant shaping myself into whatever version I thought people would like best.

There are tables where it’s clear I’m not welcome — and that used to wreck me.
But at 40? I don’t do cliques. I don’t do shrinking or contorting to be accepted. 👀

I’ll always be kind. I’ll always be respectful. But I’m done dragging a chair to tables that were never built for me.

I’m moving over. Making space.
Creating my own table.

✨Who’s in?

#ThisIs40
#OwnYourStory
#ReelTalk
#Over30Club
#ChristianWomen
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#enneagram3

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d