Running outside alone

How do you balance listening to your music but also being aware of your surroundings at all times? How do you not feel self conscious?

I run alot but its always at the gym. Ive been wanting to run outdoors but between feleing self consciouss running alone, wanting to be aware of my surroundings at all times but also wanting to pump my music up so its all I hear just seems to deter me from doing it. Does anyone have any words of motivation or advice?

Re: Running outside alone

I run at night after I put my girls to bed. I only put the earbuds in one of my ears and keep the other one out so I can hear what's going on around me.

I also don't put my music very loud so I can hear what's going on.

Re: Running outside alone

I keep my music pretty low. And I tend to run either close to my house or on the trail at Massapequa Preserve when I know other runners will be there.

Re: Running outside alone

I stay on busier roads and I do not pump up the music.

Re: Running outside alone

I do not listen to music when I run because I think it is dangerous. I like to here approaching cars and people.

With that said, when I was younger, I always did it, but I never kept it very loud.

Re: Running outside alone

I was attacked, in October, running outside after I put my girls to bed, around 7:30pm. Thankfully, I was VERY aware of my surroundings so I caught my attacker off guard and fought him off successfully.

Needless to say, I have only run outside twice ever since. Once during a 5k, and another time, on a Saturday afternoon around a track where there were dozens of other people.

Re: Running outside alone

I keep my music low. I run in Eisenhower Park in the morning or afternoons which is usually heavily populated.

Re: Running outside alone

I stay in my area and try to stay near the busier roads.

My ear buds pizzed me off the other day, so, I put my iphone in the "holder" on my arm, no ear buds, and I was able to hear the music and what's going on all around me!
I go out a little after 6AM and it's usually busy with people also out exercising or leaving for work.

Re: Running outside alone

I keep it very low and I don't wear an earbud in the street side ear.

Re: Running outside alone

I don't use them - I run very early in the morning, and while it's been light out this time of year, I still like to hear what's going on. I've gotten so used to not having music, and one day per week, I run with a friend, so I don't need it.

Re: Running outside alone

I don't run at night (if the sun isn't out). I even get uncomfortable at dusk, but it just makes me work harder to get home faster.


I've been very cautious since the rape/murder of a pre-dawn jogger in Patchogue in the early 90s

Re: Running outside alone

i stay on the main drag in my town when i run alone....it's not pretty or very scenic but it has sidewalks, good lighting, restaurants, open businesses, pedestrians, etc... i never feel vulnerable running there. i won't run alone on quiet back roads or side streets. i hate the treadmill so this works for me. do i love running up and down the same long road? no, not really, but i love running and if i feel safe then it's worth it.
ETA that i am an idiot and love listening to my music when i run. it would drive me nuts to have one earbud in-so both are in and am very cautious at intersections and parking lot openings.

Message edited 5/27/2011 11:56:49 PM.

Re: Running outside alone