Better safe than sorry
A few tried and true ways to get away from a predator
By Thea Shoemaker 10/08/2009
Recently, I’ve had a few encounters with creepy guys! While running near my house, I’ve experienced men following me. One time, this creep actually drove up alongside of me and made some sexual comments. Luckily, when I told him in a very stern voice to get fu@$ing lost, he did.
Studies have shown that women who fight back when attacked are more likely to live to call the police. All I know is, I’ll be damned if some guy comes up on me and tries anything and wins! True, I do have a little self-defense and boxing skills under my belt, but what really makes all the difference in the world is this: I have the confidence that I can take on any mo-fo who attacks me, so help me God!
A few months ago, several women in Corona, Calif., were either attacked or threatened while running. I’ve heard many other stories where the ladies were severely beaten or even killed while exercising outdoors. Hiking, walking or even running parcourse routes in parks can make you a target for predators. However, I believe we should not let fear get in the way of exercising outdoors. When it comes to self-defense, a little goes a long way. Recently, a 77-year-old woman fought off an attacker by kicking him and pulling his ear. As a matter of fact, when he threatened her life, she mentioned that it made her even angrier so she hit and pulled harder!
Now, you don’t have to be exactly like me to save your life, but a few little tips can help you in a threatening situation:
In a stern, confident and loud voice, tell the guy to “get lost!” Also, get a good look at him, and if he’s driving, check the car out.
If he touches you, kick, knee or grab him in the groin … as hard as you can. Pull his ear, too. This always works: guys hate that!
If for some reason, you can’t kick the groin, kick or use your heel on his shin.
No matter what, scream at the top of your lungs for help and for him to stop.
I think everyone should take at least one self-defense class. There are a lot of different methods to choose from, and one of my favorites involves kenpo karate. This is an ass-kicking, eye-gouging way to fight, and a woman could literally kick a guy’s ass with this technique.
Another one of my favorite methods of self-defense is classic boxing. If you know how to throw a good punch, you can lay someone clean out or break a nose. Either way “el creepo” will lose. Boxing builds strength and endurance, but most importantly, it improves self-confidence. Knowing how to properly hit and duck punches is very powerful in self-defense.
OK, so maybe you’re not the scrappy type, but you still want to feel safe during your outdoor workouts. At the very least, carry some pepper spray and your cell phone. Many phones today also have music players built in so you don’t have to carry any additional electronics, and you can call 911 if necessary.
But the most important thing to remember is to take care of yourself and always remember: you’re worth it!
Thea Shoemaker, CPT, has provided in-home personal training in Ventura County since 1996. You can reach her at thea@tsfitnesssystems.com or (805) 985-7867. Or visit her Web site at www.TSFitnessSystems.com.
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