We live in a pretty quiet community. There’s a park for little kids down the street. A tree-lined trail runs along our neighborhood. There’s a lake for kids to play in.
But now some bad people are ruining it for us. It makes me angry.
Yes, I’ve had a love/scared relationship with the trail, but I usually got over my fears. I just always tend to imagine the worst thing that could happen. So I’ve run the trail with my gut, which means, I listen, watch out and turn off if I feel threatened.
Sunday was one of those days. I took T Junior in his jogging stroller for a 3-miler. I couldn’t decide if I want to take the trail, and eventually decided it might be easier than dodging parked cars (I run on the street — no more concrete sidewalks for me). Plus, T Junior got a camera for Christmas and he wanted to take pictures of the trees.
Once on the trail, I headed in the direction to where it meets up with the main road in town (where I turn around). It’s probably a quarter of a mile from where I get on the trail across from my house to that road. About half way into it, though, I spotted a dude just loitering up ahead near my turn-around spot. He seemed out of place, and since the trail is hidden from the road and behind fences of homes, I decided to turn off at the park and rejoin a neighborhood.
That’ll be the last time on the trail for me and my son.
On Tuesday, there was a gang-related shooting on the trail right next to the little park that’s .1 miles away from my house (I know, thanks to AJII — my Garmin — and past running routes). Nobody died, thank goodness, and arrests were made. But what if someone was in the park with their kids then? What if someone was running by? Now I’m scared. I don’t even want to run outside in my neighborhood.
I makes me sad. And mad. Where did these people come from?
See the news story, go HERE.
21 comments
That's terrible! I don't blame you for being scared. I'm a firm believer in listening to your gut when it tells you something is wrong. Stay safe!!
That stinks! There was an armed robbery on the trail I run on. Just when you start to feel safe crap like this happens.Really enjoying your posts lately. Very insightful.Happy New Year!
ugh, terrible. good/smart decision tho!! There is a bike trail near my parents' house and there is some trouble there form time to time. one of my friends in high school ran by a man wearing a trench coat, when she ran by he opened his jacket and was completely naked underneath!! people are insane and you jsut never know! better to be safe than sorry! Happy new year!
That's so unfortunate. All these trail issues lately have been giving me second thoughts about the Burke-Gilman trail (I usually do at least one long run there every marathon cycle). Of course it is largely in town and also lined with houses…but still. Scary. 🙁
Oh man, that is so awful! I am just sick and sad for you and this whole situation! I don't know why jerks have to be idiots and ruin it for all the good, law-abiding, minding-thier-own-business type people. Is it too much to ask to keep your crime away from the good people? To keep it away from the parks where children play? From the isolated trails that we love to use IF only the jerks weren't jerks!!! I have experienced similar situations with creepers on trails like that. My hubby ordered me pepper spray for Christmas and I swear I want a holster to wear while running so I can carry my new revolver! Ha!! I kid but really, that would be cool! And if only Lazy Dog wasn't so lazy (he is getting better these days, up to three mile runs!!) he could scare off some would-be perps.I know the feeling of losing your favorite running spot. It is not good, and really I am experiencing a grief and loss type reaction. I hope you can find a new, safe place that is convenient and awesome! Be safe my friend. =(
I know what you mean, they become a highway for some not so good people. A couple weeks back I was jogging with Kid#2 and there were to homeless people throwing rocks at a skunk across the canal. It smelled like a million tires burning, not to mention they were just being mean.
I am MAD! Ugh…that ticks me off. Why, oh why are people so mean! So glad you and little man weren't out on the trail! So sorry for you…maybe they will start putting security out there? Ok, maybe not…just wishful thinking.
That is terrible – and it looks so pretty too! Why do some people ruin it for the rest of us??? It's terrible that we have these great parks but can't use them for fear of so many bad things happening.I run early AM, and have my wrist strapped pepper spray… aka known as my “bad guy squirter”. I've never had to use it and I hope I never do!
It's terrible a few have to ruin it for the many.
that is sad! stay safe!!
Thats terrible! So close to your house. I wouldnt run it either. Bunch of idiots ruining such great areas for others. Grrrr!!!!Im very lucky that the biggest concern I have when running outside is if my dog will get out of the way of the 3 cars that will drive by.
damn! we've had several runner attacks up here lately and it just pisses me off that i can't run wherever without feeling threatened. :(and i don't think they make a running/hydration belt that would also fit my little Millenium 9mm…
Good job trusting your gut. I had a scary experience in October and I all but stopped running in my perfectly safe neighborhood. I start self defense classes Monday to help regain some confidence and sense of safety, but have been slacking on the pepper spray purchase.Hope things improve.
I seriously hate it when trails and parks are littered with people up to no good. It RUINS it! GAH! That sucks, Kerrie, but it's a good thing you did trust your gut.
Is your community doing anything about this? As a kid who grew up in gang country in East L.A., I can tell you that they take advantage of weakness. If your community wants to drive out thenriff raff, they need to step up and do something about it now! Let the gang bangers know theynare not welcome!
Ugh! That makes me mad for you! We have amazing trails here in Orlando, too, but after an abduction and murder of a young female runner a few years ago (killer never found), I don't run alone – EVER. It's a real bummer that our world has become what it is. 🙁
scary! i would be on edge too. i hope things are 'corrected' quickly!
Yeah it terrifies me too. I Unfortunately can't stand cars though so I still do it. I just carry mace.
Wow that is SCARY!! I had a similar thing happen on a trail near work and I am still a little shaky going in that area.Group run/walk soon??
That is awful! I get really nervous when I run by myself, I'm not going to lie, running was a huge reason I got a dog. I am with you though. I'm glad you guys are ok. Be safe.
Sorry just now commenting on this, but that is terrible! I don't feel safe running on some of the trails we have here either. They are gorgeous but it's just too quiet and I, like you, imagine the worst. If I could run them and not feel scared, I'd be out there every day! I love your new treadmill!