"I'm not posting this for pity or for anyone to feel sorry for me.  I'm posting this so it doesn't happen to anyone else."

Those are the opening lines of Lexi Crawford's Instagram account of what happened to her as she wrapped up her Table Rock Hike on Sunday evening.  Like most of us, Lexie was ready to enjoy some 63º weather and extended sunshine after Daylight Savings.  She went to hike Table Rock by herself and on her way back down the trail, she realized two men had followed her back to her vehicle.  As she opened her car door, they attacked her.  Lexi believes that they wanted her wallet, but she was able to fight them off.  She was able to keep her wallet, but ended up with a black eye and some other bruises as a result of the attack. She has reported the incident to police.

I share this with you because I know this is one of my fiance's worst fears and I'm sure many women (and those who love them) share that fear.  If you know me, you know that running is my first love and that I've been running long distance for the past 16 years. I can't tell you how many times I've headed out into the foothills by Table Rock, Military Reserve or Harrison Hollow by myself, without my cell phone. During the six and a half years that I've lived in Boise, I've always felt like it's such a safe community (especially compared to where I grew up) that the possibility that I could be attacked on one of my runs rarely crosses my mind.  That said the increased number of armed robberies in the Treasure Valley has risen quite a bit over the last few weeks.  Seeing pictures of these suspects at area business and Lexi's photos from Instagram are a good reminder for everyone to practice their public safety.

I went to a self defense class at Shu's Idaho Running Company last fall where I got the chance to meet Tuckie Shaver from the Boise Police Department.  She's the Crime Prevention Program Coordinator and offers these tips for preventing incidents on the trails and greenbelt.

  • Run with a partner or a dog
  • Don't wear headphones
  • Stay alert.  The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are
  • Run where the light is good, stick to your planned route and avoid isolated areas
  • Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies
  • Trust your instincts
  • Let a loved one know where you're headed out to run and when you expect to be back

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