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Laura J
Laura J Sendmail

Pepper spray???

posted 4 months ago | Report

The only spare time that I have to run during the week is during the evening hours. Unfortunately, I don't get out in time to catch any daylight. I would like to think that my neighborhood is remotely safe, but I like to take the proper precautions in case I do find myself in a potentially dangerous situation. I run with my rottweiler, who is very protective of me, however, he cannot keep up with me on my long runs and I must drop him off at home at some point. I have been contemplating buying some pepper spray to carry with me at night. Does anyone else feel the need to carry pepper spray with them? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

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16 posts

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  • Kari E.
    Kari E. Sendmail

    I always carry pepper spray. I tell my family it's for "animals of all kinds." I picked it up at our local running store and put it on an elastic key chain that I wear around my wrist so it's in my hand all the time (this is a comfort to my husband, knowing I haven't just stashed it in my pocket or something!). You still have go run smart, but it's an extra layer of protection I guess. My take? You will never regret having it with you, but you could regret not, even if it's just to spray a stray dog coming at you or something. Be safe and have fun!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Laurie S.
    Laurie S. Sendmail

    I often run with pepper spray if I'm running by myself and it's dark. I have a kind with a clip that clips on to my shorts or fuel pack. Sometimes I'll carry it in my hands too if I feel the need to, but I like to have the option. It's pretty small and fairly discreet, which I like. I got mine at Cabela's.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Allison C.
    Allison C. Sendmail

    Get some pepper spray, for sure! The level of comfort having it provides is reason enough to buy it. I carry mine with me on most of my runs, especially my long ones. Hopefully i will never have to use it, but I like having it on me. Mine has a cord attached to it that I slip-knot to my watch band. It not only gives me comfort, but my friends and family feel better knowing I have it on me.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Lisa J.
    Lisa J. Sendmail

    I bought a smaller version of mace with an elastic Velcro band that I wear on my hand or around my calf. I always wear it when I run solo and it has held up well for two years. Ditto about the comfort this gives to my family and to me. I got mine at Fleet Feet.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Gil R.
    Gil R. Sendmail

    LOL, we got bear pepper spray for camping. 12oz, shoots 20 feet. I take it for night trail running. I think it can handle anything that gets in my way!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Janice B.
    Janice B. Sendmail

    I always carry it! Mostly, for stray dogs that look threatening, but also just in case I need to sprint away from some weirdo. BTW ... I always run during the day and pack pepper spray.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Laura J
    Laura J Sendmail

    Thanks for your response! I know my family would definitely feel more comfortable about me running solo if I carried pepper spray with me. This may seem like a silly question, but how long is pepper spray good for before it expires?

    posted 4 months ago

  • Kari E.
    Kari E. Sendmail

    I don't know if it actually expires, but it does seem to dry out after time. I test spray mine once in awhile to make sure it isn't clogged/empty, etc. I can speak from (unfortunate!) experience that it burns like crazy if you get it on you - make sure you don't stand down wind from it if you test spray it! :0)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Laura J
    Laura J Sendmail
    in reply to what Kari E. said:I don't know if it actually expires, but it does seem to dry out after time. I test spray mine once in awhile to make sure it isn't clogged/empty, etc. I can speak from (unfortunate!) experience that it burns like crazy if you get it on you - ma... read more

    Thanks for the advice, Kari!

    posted 4 months ago

  • Sandra E.
    Sandra E. Sendmail

    Yes to the pepper spray. I always carry it when I run alone or even with another female. I encouraged my daughter to carry it when she runs. All females should do the same for safety.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ted
    Ted Sendmail

    I have also heard of people carrying wasp spray (for spray wasp nests/hives)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Travis F.
    Travis F. Sendmail

    Pepper spray, or Oleoresin Capsicum, is a good thing to carry. I'd also suggest, though, that you carry some sort of noise maker, like a whistle. Plastic ones are lightweight.

    You'll often find OC at local martial arts stores.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Travis F.
    Travis F. Sendmail

    OC does have an expiration date. More about the aerosol fizzling out than the substance.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Justyn R.
    Justyn R. Sendmail

    Look into the kimber pepper spray products. Biggest problem with sprays are high wind. Second is accidentally pointing it at you. Third is loss of pressure over time. Limber addresses all off these

    posted 3 months ago

  • Doug L.
    Doug L. Sendmail

    We got ours at our favorite running store. I like it because it has a strap that goes around your hand and the spray button locks so you won't (very easily) accidentally spray yourself.

    posted 3 months ago

  • Ben K.PRO
    Ben K. Sendmail

    Good idea. I started carrying some after a tragic attack here in Chicago about 2 months ago, a jogger was attacked by two dogs. Scared the crap out of me. As others have already said, test it so you know how to use it, and probably plan to replace it maybe once a year I'm guessing. I got some at a local sporting goods/hunting store.

    posted 3 months ago

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