Do you carry pepper spray? (Read 815 times)

I carry my cell phone and that's about it. if you don't know how to use the pepper spray you can have it backfire against you. also it's illegal in some states to use it check it out before buying. have you thought about running w/ a dog or training partner - preferrably someone slower than you in case you 2 are chased

have you thought about running w/ a dog or training partner - preferrably someone slower than you in case you 2 are chased

Sounds like the old bear joke - guy tells his partner "I don't have to be able to out run the bear...."

Generally, I've always been of the mindset that any sort of weapon in an untrained hand is more dangerous to all involved. Even with a non-lethal alternative, you need 2 things: the will to use it, and the ability. If you are going to do so, make sure that you know how to work the device to the point where it takes almost no thought, and you have the ability to discern WHEN to use it. Best defense is to be alert, and present a tough front. Most criminals when interviewed about how the select their targets respond that the victim looked easy. Head down, not very confident. This general theme applied to serial rapists and common muggers alike.

This sounds like really good advice. I know I make a point of not avoiding eye contact, even if it sometimes makes me uncomfortable. I'm considering taking a self-defense course, it's just not something I've ever really thought about before. It makes sense that you have to be almost second nature with any skills you do acquire in order for them to be any good to you when you really need it.

90% of the time, I either have my gi-normous 100lb dog with me or carry pepper spray if the run is too long/hot for the dog. I've been doing this consistently for over two years, and there have only been two times when I've wanted to use it-- once against a dog that was being territorial, once against a dumba** who yelled something inappropriate then started to chase me. The dog time, I had it out and ready to use but ended up not having to, the dumba** time I wished I'd had it with but didn't. God, it would have been satisfying to spray that punk. So, two years and I've never used it. All the same, it was $15 and I definitely feel better knowing that if someone wants to mess with me, they will see me + pepper spray and might think twice. Okay, the real reason I have pepper spray is I was tired of my dad asking if I had any.

What's wrong with carrying a gun?

I have to say that I wouldn't carry something like that, even if it were legal here. I too am the sort where my indecisive use of it, might lead to me getting disarmed and sprayed. I've only once had an issue whilst running when I was followed by a car for a couple of loops around a small block. In the end I did the 'V' sign and stuck to the main road and they disappeared. I always have a tactic at the back of my mind though. I am 5ft 10 and confident so if someone tried to grab me or attack me I would just scream. 'Police - put your hands behind your back and get on the floor' aggressively. It might just work! Hope that the reason you are asking this isn't too scary! We women have to be careful, that's for sure. Claire xxx

2. I'd get kicked out of the left wing nutjobs group

Is there a group further out there than the Left Wingnuts that I don't know about? Biggest concern I would have about carrying a firearm would to have it be used against me. Also, how to carry safely yet access quickly when needed. But the biggest danger I'll face is Fred the Hog, and I just won't be able to pack enough heat to take him out.