We unknowingly saved a girl…
This is a very disturbing and serious post, please prepare yourself.
Last night I got home from work late and while I decided not to run as an old hip injury has been hurting, I wanted to still do something active. Doug reluctantly (he had a long day too) agreed to walk with me and Zeke on the trails I usually run on by myself. Dark was approaching and I would never have gone by myself at that time.
I am so happy he and Zeke were with me. Long story short…We came upon a young woman who had been attacked while running alone on the trails. The attacker used a taser on her, stole her phone and attempted to rape her. She told us we had saved her before anything worse happened because he heard/saw us coming down the trail and released her. We called 911 and stayed with her until we found the police.
I am so happy we were there. In ten years of dating that was only the fourth time? Doug and I have walked those trails together. It was unusual for us to be there but I’m so glad we were.
I am new to trail running and this really has me freaked out. I know there is a risk and I take precautions, but something is always possible. They have not caught the man yet. I do not know how I feel about running those trails now. Doug has promised to start running with me so I can still enjoy the trails if I don’t feel comfortable going by myself.
I hope the girl is doing ok. I’m glad nothing worse happened to her. I hope they catch the creep that did it.I’m glad I have Zeke to make me feel safer when I run and hopefully Doug will join us soon too.
Please fellow lady runners, BE CAREFUL!!! BE PREPARED!!! Never run alone and listen to your instincts.
Sled Dog in the City 
Wow, that is horrible and really scary. Events like this are definitely a rarity on trails, but I guess that’s a good argument for avoiding them at night, or at least running in a group. Crazy stuff. Glad the girl’s okay.
This is my worst fear! I run with mace during the week when it’s not busy, but I still worry. So glad for her that you were there. Take care!
I usually only run there on weekends midday when there are horse riders and families out. I think I will stick to that and continue road running on my weekday evening runs. I wonder if there are statistics for how much of a deterrent dogs are? Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for this. I’ll be thinking of this woman for awhile. Blessings all around.
Wow, that is such a horrible situation. Luckily you came along, how many out there would have just left her also?